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need to prepare you. Apparently someone has leaked it to the press that you’re here, so we’ll have to go out the back way.”
    “Can’t I get some privacy?”
    Carmen looked at her before stating the obvious. “Now you know better.  I’ll try to protect you as much as I can, but they will want a statement.” Carmen saw the empty look in Rose’s eyes. “Well let’s not worry about it now. First things first; we need to get you home.”
    They managed to get past the reporters. Carmen made sure Rose was settled in before leaving to go home.
    “Thank you Carmen for everything. I don’t know how I would have gotten through this without you.”
    “I’m more than your agent, you know.”
    “I know. You’re the only friend I have.”
    Carmen gave Rose a sisterly hug. “Do you feel like talking about it now?”
    Rose recanted to her the events of the past twenty-four hours, plus told her about her relationship with Lance. Carmen’s face was expressionless, so Rose couldn’t figure out what was going through her mind. She didn’t know if she had lost respect from the only friend she had.  She cleared her throat for emphasis.  “That sums it all up.”
    “Rose I must admit. I didn’t expect all of this. So that’s why David couldn’t pick you up this morning. I now see why you didn’t want Lance to come,” Carmen commented.
    “What should I do?” asked Rose.
    “Have you told Lance about the loss?”
    “No. You and David are the only ones who know.”
    “Good. I will take care of the media. Just make sure you keep quiet. Don’t discuss this with anybody. I will also refer you to a good divorce attorney.”
    “Divorce attorney? I don’t need one.”
    “Yes you do. David will have his lawyer eat you alive.”
    “I don’t want to contest it. I was tired of being ignored and treated like a second class citizen anyway. Good thing I never legally changed my name.”
    “Trust me. You still need an attorney.  The attorney can make sure David never discloses the reason why you guys are divorcing.”
    “I see what you’re saying now.  What would I do without you?”
    Carmen gave her a reassuring smile and said, “Let’s hope we’ll never have to find out. Now you get some rest and I have sent for my cook to come over so you’ll have meals for the next few days. Stay in bed. Don’t answer the phone.  You gave me your spare key, so if you need to talk, I’ll just come by. Understood?”
    “Yes.”
    Carmen left the room.
     
    ***
    I feel so empty. I should care if I’m married or not, but I don’t. It’s as if David leaving me is lifting a huge boulder off my shoulders. 
    ***
     
    She lifted up her glass of orange juice and made a declaration. “Here’s to new beginnings.”
     

19
    VIOLET
     
    Violet looked around the ballroom. She admired the past six-month’s hard work and hoped the ticket sales for the night’s event indicated how successful the Charity Ball would be.  She would not have been able to accomplish the event without the help of Janice and several other volunteers. The time was ticking for the event to start.  While she made sure everything was in place, she spotted her date, Marcus.
    “Hi. Sexy.”
    Violet turned around. “Marcus. Hi Baby.”
    He embraced her in his arms and planted a small kiss on her lips. “Now that’s how I like to be greeted.”
    “I didn’t think you were going to be able to make it.”
    “I couldn’t let your big night go by without me sharing it with you.”
    She gave him a tight hug before releasing her embrace. She was about to take his hand and guide him to the other side of the room, when she noticed something in one of his hands. “What do you have there?”
    Marcus took the box and placed it in her hand. “Why don’t you open it and see?”
    When Violet took the top off the box, she was surprised to see a set of sparkling diamond earrings and matching necklace. “These are beautiful. Thank you,” she said, before reaching up