Page 168 of Perfect Satisfaction

Then I press my lips against his jaw and make my way to the stage to discuss the love I found long before I married Arek.

The love of my best friend.

CHAPTEREIGHTY-THREE

“How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?”

It’s a challenge that dates back to medieval scholasticism, recorded in the 17thcentury.

Tonight, the Send Me an Angel charity raised close to $4.5 million to directly support victims of rape on college campuses by having an after-season fashion show.

“All the gowns are up for auction.” Ursula “Sula” Moore, chairman of the organization, encouraged attendees to bid on the items modeled by Danielle Madison and Liza Hina as well as twenty-eight others.

Does that mean the answer is 4.5 million? No. Because it’s not enough, not nearly enough. When it comes to this crucial organization, I believe there should be no limit to the funding for helping victims. If I had the means, I would donate a dollar for every time my heart beat since the moment I met my wife.

Roughly, that would be around 1.75 billion times.

—StellaNova

I twirl the unfamiliar weight of my wedding bandaround my finger as Sula is escorted up to the stage. The red halter gown leaves her creamy white skin completely exposed. I try to calm down, but I want to be by her side. Maybe it’s the naked vulnerability on her face, but my nerves settle when she steps into the spotlight with determination on her face.

It also helps when Dani whispers, “She’s strong, Arek.”

Sula takes the microphone from the master of ceremonies and begins thanking everyone in the known universe. I’m touched when she gives a shout out to Liza along with Dani. “It’s an honor to have these women take time from their busy schedules to support this fledgling event. With their help, with all your support, we’ve raised close to three million dollars on the event admission alone. The funds will go to building maintenance and the doctors, lawyers, and psychologists who provide support for the victims of rape—or attempted rape—on college campuses.

“Sexual violence is the most prevalent crime on a college campus. Thirteen percent of students experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, incapacitation, or outright violence. These aren’t statistics from a random survey—they’re from RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization.” A murmur runs through the crowd at her words. She raises the microphone back to her lips.

“What’s just as tragic is only one in five victims is likely to receive assistance from a service agency. As much as any of us would love to say with certainty our donation will eradicate this from occurring, my—our—mission is to be available to any individual who needs emotional or physical assistance.”

There’s a wave of applause that gives Sula a moment’s pause. Her head whips to the side. On the screens at the side of the stage, the camera follows her gaze and I see it land on Angie who mouths,I love you.

Sula swallows hard before sharing, “My college roommate was sexually assaulted at a party I convinced her to go to. In the hours before the party, I remember us both giggling, not just about crashing an upperclassmen event but about being there with our future sorority sisters. But still, we had a rule—we didn’t go anywhere without the other.

“It didn’t work. She was drugged. For years, I felt like I let it happen because I convinced her to go.

“She’ll claim I saved her, but I disagree. What we both agree on is what happened after. We did everything wrong that night if we wanted to prosecute the men who hurt her. So I promised myself that even though I messed up with the one angel God graced my life with, I wouldn’t let another fall if given the chance.”

Sula’s head bows and I’m seconds from ripping through the grip Dani has on my shoulder. Coldly, I inform her, “If you don’t let me go, I’ll—‍”

But I don’t get the chance to finish my threat because Sula picks up her story. “When I came into the inheritance from my mother, I knew I didn’t want the money. What comfort could it offer me? Could it make my angel fly again? The answer is no. So I bought a smallish building here in the city and asked for help. God, it turns out, can be forgiving. He gave us both a second chance.”

The room erupts into applause. My throat works as I listen to her words directed at me more than the audience. I know because her eyes are trained on where I stand, even though she likely can’t pick me out from where the spotlights are shining on her.

“Despite the numerous reassurances I received and what my brothers kept saying, it took something extraordinary for me to forgive myself.” Sula walks to the end of the stage and I feel like she’s talking to me—just me. “What was needed was a shiny new star to light up the sky. It shined a light on my angel, making her believe she could love and be loved. It did the same for me. I just refused to believe I deserved it. Until now.”

At that, there’s no way Dani’s holding me back. I stride forward until I’m at the base of the stage.

Sula smiles down at me while saying, “I am grateful I finally found the forgiveness I needed within myself for making the wrong choices—for fear, for not reaching out. The one thing I don’t need forgiveness for is loving you.”

I love you too, I mouth back. The smile that spreads across her face can only be defined as magnificent. For a moment, we’re the only two people in the world.

Sula wraps up. “The money we raise tonight is just a start. We ask, if you can, please do more. Help more. Sometimes the difference between moving forward or giving up is as simple as someone who listens. Again, I’d like to thank you for being here. Thank you for your support. Have a brilliant evening!”

She walks over to the master of ceremonies, hands off the microphone, and is escorted off the dais. As she picks her way around the crowd, people stop her, and she spends a few moments with each of them.

I stride right up to her and sweep her into my arms. I don’t care how many people are watching, I need to feel her lips beneath mine. I need her to understand the emotion that’s pumped through my blood since the moment I met her. When I finally let her up for air, I growl, “Do you understand how much I love you?”

The light that has always existed inside Sula shines brightly. She wraps her arms around my neck and lifts herself to fit her curves against my body. “Yes. Do you know how much I love you?”