Free Dissident by Cecilia London

apology. “You think you’re the only female in Washington who’s caught Congressman McIntyre’s attention?”
    “I never thought about it. I told you, Chrissy. We’re friends. I wish you wouldn’t get so upset about it.”
    “I will get upset. You need to watch yourself.”
    “I’m a big girl,” Caroline said. “I can take care of myself.”
    “And you did such a great job of that last year.”
    Caroline stood up. “I said I was sorry for that remark about Tom. If you’re going to keep being a bitch I’m ending this conversation now.”
    Christine rose from the couch and clutched Caroline’s elbow. “Wait. I shouldn’t have said that. But I want you to be careful. That man is a philanderer. And you’re vulnerable.”
    “I’m not interested in him in that way.”
    “I’m not sure that matters. He has a reputation. I’ve heard stories like you wouldn’t believe. Worse than what I’ve already told you.”
    “That doesn’t matter to me. He’s a friend. It’s not going further than that.”
    “Make sure that it doesn’t. You’re too good for him, Punky. Much too good.”
    Caroline took a deep breath. “He’s not my type. All right?”
    The doorbell rang and Christine instantly moved toward the foyer. “That’ll be my hot date, I suppose. I’m sorry I was so harsh before. Just…be careful.”
    Caroline walked over to the front door with her. “I’m not even close to wanting a relationship right now. You have nothing to worry about.”
    “I’ll worry about you anyway. Because you matter to me.” Christine swung open the door. “Hello, Thomas.”
    Tom stepped inside with a bouquet of flowers.
    Caroline smiled at him. “Chrissy, stop being all mawkish with me and let your husband take you out for a romantic dinner. And he brought you such lovely calla lilies. Want to hear my Katharine Hepburn impression?” she asked in her best New England accent.
    Tom kissed Caroline on the cheek. “They’re actually for you. Nice reference.”
    “I love Stage Door .”
    “That’s exactly what I thought of when I bought them. Could you act out that entire scene?”
    “Probably. I could do most of The Lion in Winter , too.”
    “Chrissy does a mean Queen Eleanor. Emphasis on mean.”
    Caroline took the flowers out of Tom’s hand. “No chocolates or teddy bears for your wife?” she asked.
    “She only gets a free meal. And probably not much beyond that.”
    Christine pulled her coat out of the hall closet. “I’m standing right here, you know.”
    Caroline gave Tom a hug. “Thanks, Thomas,” she said pointedly.
    Tom grimaced. “Cut that Thomas shit out, Punky. Only Chrissy pulls that.”
    “Watch your language,” Christine scolded, and turned to Caroline. “Will you and the girls be okay?”
    “We’re fine. I’m going to grill up some hamburgers and we’ll make cookies later. I assume I may not see you until tomorrow?”
    Christine rolled her eyes as Tom helped her put on her coat. “It’s probably safe for you to assume I’ll be back before you’ve even gone to bed, what with my husband’s generous offer of dinner and nothing else. Looks like you’re cleaning up in the flower department today.”
    “Don’t ask.” Caroline rolled her eyes as Tom gave her a puzzled look. “I’m sure Chrissy will complain to you all night.”
    “Great,” Tom said. “I can’t wait. See you later, kid.”
    “You two lovebirds have fun,” Caroline told them, laughing as Christine stuck her tongue out at her on the way out the door.
    She locked the door behind them and went into the kitchen to make dinner. Christine was a little frigid at times but Caroline knew much of it was manufactured. As was Tom’s ribbing. If he had booked a hotel room somewhere, Christine definitely wouldn’t be coming back that night. Whether or not Tom would get lucky was an open question. It probably depended on how much wine he could trick Chrissy into drinking.
    But some of what Christine had told her still