I pushed the check back.
Celeste’s smile narrowed.
“Women like you survive by knowing when to step aside.”
“No,” I said as I stood. “Women like me survive by remembering every person who thought we would disappear.”
Her smile disappeared.
“Be careful.”
“I was careful for three years,” I said. “Now I’m awake.”
The donor luncheon was supposed to restore Celeste’s reputation.
Instead, it became my moment.
She stood at the podium in a cream suit while Dean sweated near the front. Jonah and Owen sat in the back. When I stood up, Jonah started to rise too.
I shook my head.
This part belonged to me.
Celeste smiled tightly as I approached carrying the black box.
“Sadie, dear, this isn’t the moment.”
“That’s what you counted on,” I said. “You counted on me never knowing when to speak.”
Dean snapped, “Sit down.”
“No.”
I placed the black box on the podium.
