Sexual Politics Read Free Page A

lovely photos speak for themselves. She liked his style.
    The way he appeared tonight, with big snowflakes silently settling on his dark hair and shoulders, brought a romantic hero to mind. He had a nice smile. A kind, authentic smile. What would her life be like if she’d fallen for a man like him instead?
    It was a pointless question, an unanswerable one.
    Still, she couldn’t stop the sob of anguish when it came because she truly was alone. She yearned for love. She had so much to give, and longed desperately for a little in return.
    Turning on her side, she hugged the extra pillow to her chest and quietly cried herself to sleep, knowing her husband was giving her share of love to some unknown bimbo right now.
     

Chapter 2
     
    The next week was a hectic bustle of running from one speaking engagement to another, not to mention all the phone calls Justine made to help get out the women’s vote for her husband and the party. She only had two joint appearances with him, holding hands, masking her internal grimace when he put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her against him in a show of marital harmony and unity.
    It was all for a good cause, she told herself, when they sped away in separate cars, her handler and his keeping them organized and focused on their mutual goal, if not their marriage. By late Thursday, she was feeling the strain. Calling in a few favors, she was able to clear her Friday schedule so she could detach from the political melee for a mental health day. She needed a break.
    Craving a little normalcy, she dropped by unannounced at Open Arms, Warm Hearts. It felt like coming home. Walking into the reception area she pulled up short at the sight of Sean O’Donnell sitting in one of the visitor chairs, one ankle resting casually on the other knee, a leather portfolio in his lap.
    He looked up, then sat up when their eyes met. His smile was most welcome.
    “Mrs. Hubbard. I didn’t expect you to sit in on the meeting.”
    “Justine,” she corrected him. “You’re here for a meeting? I had no idea. I should have called before dropping by. I missed this place, the stability.” She threw up her hands and laughed at herself. “Have you met Lise yet?”
    “We’ve only spoken on the phone.” He glanced at the receptionist. “I understand she got caught up in a phone call, but she knows I’m here.”
    “Oh good.”
    He sat forward, studying her with concern. “How have you been?”
    “Fine. Just fine.”
    “Forgive me, but you look tired.” Now she got to see his caring smile.
    “I am tired,” she admitted with a sigh. “It’s been a tough week. Very busy.”
    “But not today?”
    “I took the day off,” she declared with satisfaction.
    He grinned. “I’m proud of you!”
    “Justine?”
    They both turned at a woman’s voice. She came forward and embraced Justine.
    “Lise, I’m sorry for barging in on you,” she apologized. “I just missed all this, missed everyone. I had a free afternoon and, well, here I am.”
    “Don’t be silly. Drop in anytime! Are you going to join the meeting?”
    “You wouldn’t mind?”
    “Not at all. You helped to set it up.” Lise offered her hand to Sean who’d stood when she arrived. “Mr. O’Donnell?”
    He clasped her hand. “Sean.”
    “Nice to meet you. Why don’t we move to my office?” Catching herself, her eyes shot to Justine. She seemed uncomfortable for a moment. “ Your office,” she amended.
    Justine laughed softly. “Lise, relax. Right now it’s your office. I put you behind that desk.”
    Looking relieved, Lise nodded. “Okay. Come on back.”
    When they got to the office, Sean had quite a lot to show them. He unzipped his portfolio and extracted image after image, most his, though not all. It gave them an idea of what he had in mind for their adoption campaign.
    Lise picked up one of the photos and studied it carefully. “I like this.” Handing it to Justine, she asked, “What do you think?”
    “I’ve been