Billy still looked concerned. “Are you sure you’re okay? Are you worried about tomorrow?”
I had told my uncle about the court appearance. He had dropped everything so he could come with me and hold my hand.
“I’m sure I’ll get by.”
Simeon took my hand. “I’m sure you will. I’ll be there for support, too.”
“Are you going to be okay with tomorrow?” I asked him. Simeon, as Stephen, had been called to give evidence because Stephen was there the night of the assault.
“I’ll be fine. I have it all in here,” he said, pointing to his head and winking. “I’m not about to let that bastard get away with what he did. Don’t you worry.”
Gasping, I nudged his hand. “Stephen! Naughty language.”
His smile was playfully wicked. “I’m sorry, Cassie. Maybe you can punish me later.”
I shook my head. I knew he was trying to be playful so that he could put me at ease a little. It just felt wrong doing this with him.
“Why do I feel like we all should leave?” Lisa-Marie’s smile was playful as she looked at the two of us. “Or maybe you two should leave and get a room.”
Simeon’s eyebrow rose at me. “Stop it.” I nudged Simeon over so I could regain my space. It was hard having him here and pretending he was someone he wasn’t. Billy and Chris knew, but Lisa-Marie and Catherine didn’t.
“All you can do tomorrow is tell the truth. I know it will be hard, but once it’s over and done, you can move on,” Lisa-Marie said, giving me a small smile.
I knew Lisa-Marie was right. I needed to get past it so I could move on with my life. Stephen was just completely taking over at the moment. What happened to me seemed like a long time ago compared to the raw memory of Stephen. I knew one thing for certain, though. I would be glad once I gave evidence and it was all over. I could only tell the truth. If that wasn’t good enough, so be it.
“I know. I’ve met with the lawyer and he seems friendly enough. He’s confident that with all the evidence against him, a conviction is in the cards. He did warn me of some difficult questions, though. I’m not looking forward to that part.”
Lisa-Marie rolled her eyes. “I think it’s disgusting. Any woman who dares have a sex life is a slut in their eyes. I think it’s terrible that what woman do in their personal lives is brought up inside a courtroom, like it’s sordid. If a woman says no, it’s no. End of story. We do have that right.”
I smiled at Lisa-Marie. I knew this was something she felt very strongly about. You could tell by the rigid posture and the glare in her eyes as she spoke.
What she didn’t realise was that I was still a virgin. This was also something I would have to convince the court. I didn’t think they would believe me, considering how old I was. These days, it was a rarity to find someone as old as me who hadn’t had sex yet.
“That’s very true, Lisa-Marie. Unfortunately, though, they don’t see it that way.” I took a sip of my wine.
“They should all be castrated, if you ask me.”
Spluttering wine back into my glass, I started choking. All the men around the table instinctively wrapped their hands around their private parts.
“Remind me never to be alone in a room with you next time you have a ‘man hating’ campaign going on,” Simeon winced.
Lisa-Marie winked at him. “Deal,” she replied, giggling.
Smacking my hand on the table, I gained everyone’s attention. “Who’s up for another drink?”
To my surprise, everyone put their hand up like school kids. Suddenly, all my worries and anxieties faded as laughter continued to escape my lips.
Chapter 18
The afternoon had quickly turned dark and my hunger levels were at its peak. The time at the pub was just the social gathering I needed to help lift my spirits.
But now, Simeon, Mr. Wigglesby, and I were on our way back to my flat carrying some sausages and chips from the local chip shop. The smell of chips and vinegar rising in the cold night air was making me salivate. It had been a while since I had a bag of chip shop chips. Even thinking about it was driving me wild with a heated, almost lust-filled yearning.
“You have to stop licking your lips like that, Cassie. It’s immensely distracting.”
Pulling at his arm, I couldn’t help the tipsy grin spreading on my face. “Well, I’m immensely hungry. I’m immensely in the need to get back home and eat those chips.”
His unamused face said it all. “I really hope you’re not making fun of me, young lady.”
I shook my head, giggling. “Immensely, no.”