Page 30 (1/2)

Because I am And she deserves to hear it

I didn’t defend her when it mattered I didn’t stick my neck out for her I didn’t shield her I didn’t even try

And it’s the biggest regret of s Vicki told me The shit Kennedy dealt with and, on so: it is what it is, and it doesn’t stand inI have to deal with every day Part of what et back

And I think there’s a part of Kennedy--a piece of her childhood, her self-confidence--that’s forever altered because of Saint Arthur’s

I need to tell her I’m sorry It can’t wait another day

That’s how I end up in the ballroom of one of DC’s poshest, most look-how-much-money-I-have-because-I-can-stay-here hotels It’s a fund-raiser for David Prince, ten thousand bucks a plate I had to call a few cousins who know a few people to get the last- pretty fucking Jah the tables, scanning the crowd, looking, looking Prince stands at the front of the roo a speech And I spot Kennedy in the back, near the bar She’s wearing a snug, strapless white gown that ends at her calves, accentuating sexy, strappy silver high heels Her hair is down, a shiny curtain of gold

She’s talking to so And she literally takes my breath away

As I walk toward her, she sees me approach And she doesn’t look anywhere else When I reach her, the other person has stepped away, so it’s just her andhere?"

"I had to see you"

"I don’t think--"

"I’ to say is lost in a breath And there’s a softening in her features, the slight curve of herof her jaw that tells me she’s relieved That even if she didn’t realize it, she’s been waiting for this Wanting the words

"I should have stuck up for you And I will always be sorry that I didn’t I was selfish and stupid, and you deserved better"

She looks away, like it’s all too much But when her eyes turn back to me, there’s a peace in the time

"Thank you"

And it’s only then that I notice what’s different about her Why every cell in my body is content to just stand here and watch her

It’s her eyes

The turquoise contact lenses are gone--her gaze washes overbrandy-colored beauty

And even though she didn’t know I’d be here tonight--I want to believe it’s for irl behind theain

While I happily drown in the eyes I haven’t gli, all the other eyes in the audience are focused on Prince Microphone in hand, he works the roohts