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He cocked a brow at me with pursed lips before flickering his gaze to Elizabeth, then back at me. “You’re his assistant. That’s your job.”
“Please get him away from her,” Elizabeth chimed in.
“Okay, right.” I stood. “Um, Mr. Whitman?”
He turned to me and Alicia’s mouth fell agape at my audacity to interrupt whatever she was saying.
“It’s time for you to go on stage now and then we have to get you to the,” I glanced at Alicia then back at him, “other thing?”
“Ah, yes.” He cupped my upper arm with his palm, offering it a squeeze. “Alicia, have a seat in my chair, if you don’t mind. I’m needed.” Even in his state of disapproval of her surprise appearance, he was still civil and a gentleman.
“But—”
“Mom, sit down. You’re making a scene,” Lucas grumbled.
Alicia and I sat simultaneously. I peeked at Vincenzo. He only offered me a nod of approval. That was enough for me. But I was sure we both wanted to take Alicia outside and take turns beating her to a pulp for hurting James, Elizabeth, and Lucas. I was ready to hurt the woman who tried her best to destroy her family. The family anyone would’ve been lucky to have. She had a wonderful life and threw it all away for a reason I’d never understand.
James stepped on stage and the room erupted in appreciation before he lifted his hand to quiet the several hundred attendees. To everyone, James probably seemed happy and fine, and he was until she showed up. However, I could see in his eyes he was fading fast, and he wanted to be anywhere except where he was. She’d stolen his joy and ruined a precious evening for him.
JAMES
“Thanks everyone for coming tonight,” I began, though everything I planned to say flew out the window. I hadn’t made notes because for once in my entire life, my mind was clear since I finally felt like I could be myself. I knew what I wanted to say until my ex-wife sashayed in the ballroom like she was fashionably late. No one knew about the divorce, except my close friends and family.
My brain muddled with anger, pain, and betrayal all over again until my gaze met Maddie’s. How could someone so young bring me the peace she brought into my life? The age difference would’ve normally weirded me out, but when I was with her, I didn’t see it. I now understood how Vincenzo and Elizabeth felt. Instead of focusing on Alicia’s presence, I focused on my reason for the gala.
“As you all know, this is the fifth year we’ve been able to host this, and each year, I tell you how much this foundation resonates with me. When my ex-wife and I,” I bowed my head toward Alicia, nonchalantly mentioning the separation, “started this, it was because I knew I had to do something to help women leave toxic and dangerous situations.”
Memories of my older sister’s fate came flooding back to me like it was yesterday. “My older sister wasn’t so lucky. She wasn’t able to leave her boyfriend to escape the abuse he put her through. She was scared to tell anyone in my family for fear he’d hurt one of us, but also because she didn’t have the money at her age to stay anywhere safe.” I sighed, making eye contact with Maddie for comfort, and she watched me with a proud and kind smile. “My sister and I spoke once before it was too late. She poured her heart out to me about what she was going through, and I promised to help her. But I was also too young at the time, and sadly too late.”
Maddie and Elizabeth both blotted the corner of their eyes with the linen napkins in front of them.
“The Emma Whitman Foundation was founded to ensure women have a safe place to go, no questions asked. They’re offered free medical care, counseling, and help getting on their feet so they can support themselves. If they have children, we offer help for them as well.” I scanned the room. “As of tonight, you raised over five million dollars, which means we’ll be able to expand.” Applause erupted, along with several cheers, as I shifted my attention directly to Alicia. “After much consideration, I’ve decided to open a home for men as well. Men are capable of being victims of abuse just as much as women.”
Alicia shifted uncomfortably in her chair, scowling at me. She knew exactly what she’d done, and I wasn’t doing it out of spite. I was doing it because it was the truth.
“Not all men have the luxury of safe escape. So, it’s my pleasure to announce we’ll be breaking ground on the new project next May.”
After more applause, I hurried through the acknowledgements, the donations, raffle prizes, and the final goodbyes before I exited the stage. I made my way back to the table, shaking several hands along the way. The moment the crowd parted, I saw Maddie standing, waiting for me.
I leaned over to Vincenzo. “Can you make sure Lucas and Hailey get home safely?”
“You know I will,” he replied.
I leaned over, wrapping my arms around my daughter’s neck from behind. “I love you. We’ll get together for lunch tomorrow.”
“Okay, Dad. Love you too.” She patted my arms as I stood.
“Luc, Vinny and Eliza are taking you guys home.”
He nodded.
“Why are you leaving?!” Alicia scoffed. “Way to casually announce we split.”
“I have somewhere I need to be.”
“This late? And I’m just supposed to entertain all these fucking people?!” she snapped, thankfully drowned out by the music, but I didn’t look around to see who was watching.
“No,” I waved a hand at security, and they sped over. “Security will see you out as soon as possible.” I twisted to Maddie. “I’m ready.”
