Free Love of a Lifetime by Emma Delaney Page A

guided her down the steps and to his SUV.  He helped her get situated before closing the door and walked around the front of the vehicle.  Letting his eyes drink their fill of her, he sat there for a moment before starting the engine.
    “You really do look exceptional tonight.” 
    A smile formed on her lips from the sincerity in his words.
    “So do you, handsome.”
    Shifting the gear into drive, he pulled away from the curb.  Once they were safely on their way, Bill reached over and took Carla’s hand and lifted it to his mouth for a kiss.
    “Thank you for coming with me tonight.”
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Seven
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    The Williams- Hershner Community Events Center is located down town next to the high school.  Usually it was used for prom night, homecoming, and all the other social events for the teenagers, but it is also used by City Counsel for public meetings and greetings.
    Tonight, however, it hosted the Charity Ball, a fundraiser for the new women’s shelter being built across town.  Though crime and poverty were not real prevalent in Salem, it still existed.  And when it reared its ugly head, it was comforting to know there was an outlet for assistance readily available.  Especially for the women and children.
    The St Frances Mission has always offered a meal and shelter for anyone in need, but there is little protection for those whose flee their homes and the danger within.  The Missions door were always open for anyone to enter and there had been several incidents over the last few years where abusive husbands sought out their wives and children.  Some of those incidents had even been fatal.
    The citizens of Salem have been pushing for the women’s shelter for the last two years.  It seemed location and finances were just never available.  Then one day Peter Laure emptied out one of his warehouses and donated the building for the shelter.  The problem of location had been solved, now it was up to the people to aide in funding. 
    This isn’t the first fundraiser to be held for the cause, but it was the first that geared towards the political and higher esteemed residents of the city.  Another $100,000 dollars was needed to complete the project and open the doors for those in need.  This money would put the finishing touches on the remodel and furnish the kitchen, bathrooms, and living areas.
    It was also important for Bill to be “seen” at this event.  It was by invitation only and to receive an invitation was an acknowledgement of his status in the legal and political world.  Here he would make important friends and open up new business ventures.
    Carla also recognized the importance of her appearance as well.  Her showing up on his arm relayed a silent message that she will stand by his side, be a strong partner, no matter the circumstances.  Of course, this message was only received due to the fact that a harridan tried to destroy her marriage.
    Carla gathered up her courage and smiled at the valet when he opened the door to help her out.  Bill was there, waiting to receive her.  He smiled lovingly at her, an encouragement and reassurance.
    “Ready to do this?”
    Carla snorted.  “Not really.  I don’t think I’ll ever be ready to stand around meekly while everyone talks about me.”
    Laughing, Bill leaned down and whispered in her ear.  “Just remember to inform them very politely that Patricia is a lying sack of shit when they feel intrusive enough to ask.”
    Carla shook her head as they walked up the steps to the Events Center.  She had to admit that his suggestion held a lot of appeal.  She wanted to stake her claim and be certain that everyone knew once and for all that Billy was hers and only hers.  No other woman would ever tempt him stray, especially not some manipulative old hag who could freeze lava with only a look.
     
    Carla could feel the stares burning into the back of her head.  She squeezed Bill’s hand and