Trigger by Carol Jean

enjoyed his
telling of your bravery and determination. I’m happy to meet the
man in the story in person. It was inspiring.”
    I can feel Steven’s deep crease between his eyes and
his words: If you don’t want to be with someone then you don’t
have to be.
    “If you will excuse me, I see that my vice
president, Mr. Pierce and his wife are preparing to leave. I should
go and say good evening to them.” Her smile hangs on them for a few
seconds and then with agonizing slow steps walks away.
    Damn, she never talks about her Dad and tries real
hard not to think of him, ever. Why did she do that? She’s never
that careless. But Simon’s father looked at her like she was vile
and worthless. His eyes hated her and triggered a memory of her Dad
beating her until she couldn’t cry or scream any more and then
yelling at her to get up off the floor and get the hell out of his
way. She felt Mr. Perry’s hard voice as he nonverbally said those
words to her. It was clearly there, in his eyes.
    She walks slowly hoping she’ll stop shaking before
she gets to Franklin and Evelyn. Steven warned her. Remember
what I’ve taught you. Don’t confront them, best them . And now
its shame that makes her shake. She let Steven down and showed
herself to be crude and slutty just like Mr. Perry thought she
was.
    When she finally reaches Franklin and Evelyn, it’s
clear that Evelyn isn’t feeling well. “What’s wrong?” Judy likes
Evelyn and now her shame morphs to fear that Evelyn is really sick
and could die.
    “It’s just my arthritis, Judy. The food tonight
didn’t mix well with my medication and I don’t want to embarrass my
loving husband. I’m fine, really I am.” She looks hard at Evelyn to
see if she’s telling the truth. She can’t tell, but she doesn’t
look well for sure.
    “I’ve just insulted Simon’s father and embarrassed
myself. I think I’ll go too.”
    Franklin raises his eyebrows at her.
    “I’ll tell you later. I’ll walk out with you.”
    “Miss Mason.” She hears her name spoken behind her.
Franklin’s eyes move from her face to above her head and it makes
her turn.
    “I’m Harry Post with the governor’s staff. The
governor invites you to be his partner for the opening dance.”
    I feel Franklin’s hand on the small of my back
pushing her.
    “Certainly.”
    The governor’s Mr. Post offers his arm and she takes
it like Steven taught her. She looks straight ahead as they walk
across the huge, long, forever length of the room. Her neck
prickles when she passes Simon, who is still standing with his
parents and three other people.
    The governor has warm hands and a pleasant face.
He’s a good dancer because she doesn’t have any trouble following
his steps. Judy doesn’t know what to say, so she doesn’t say
anything, but she wears a small smile, so everyone knows this is a
fun thing to do. They dance alone for about thirty-seconds until
others come onto the floor.
    “I read the article that came out about you today,
Miss Mason. It’s wonderful to see young entrepreneurs like you are
alive and doing well in Virginia.”
    “Thank you. Its hard work and very challenging, but
I like both.”
    “Hard work and challenge?”
    “Yes, sir.”
    “What are your goals?”
    “To do my best and take care of the company,
employees and make a good life for all of us at Stalwart Companies.
I have no ambition beyond that.”
    “The article said you don’t have a boyfriend. You
are a lovely, intelligent young woman. Why hasn’t some handsome man
won your fancy?”
    “That is really none of your business, Governor, but
since you are a very good dancer, I’ll tell you. I don’t have time
for anything or anyone other than the company and working out.”
    He laughs out loud. People stare at us.
    “I saw you with Simon Perry.”
    “Simon and I are competitors.”
    “Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies
closer?” He laughs again.
    “Except for work, I like to shoot and box and