Hidden Memories Read Online Free Page A

said. “Hello, Tawny. Sage.” With a provocative grin, she said, “I know Ramion very well,” staring deeply into Ramion’s dark eyes.
    “Ah, that Ramion. I didn’t make the connection. You two were once together. But we’ve changed partners. It’s a good thing we’re not friends, eh, Ramion?” Medu said, laughing lightly.
    “Medu is most direct,” Tawny said with an uncomfortable giggle.
    “We’re all adults,” Medu said, casually shrugging his shoulders.
    “Daddy tells me you’re leaving us,” Edwinna said to Ramion.
    Surprised that Edwinna had learned so quickly of his conversation with her father only hours before, Ramion stepped closer to Sage as if to protect her from Edwinna’s revelation. He saw the bewildered look pass through Sage’s eyes, then disappear as it was replaced by an expression of curious interest.
    “News travels fast,” Ramion said, hoping that Sage wouldn’t be angry that he hadn’t told her about resigning from the law firm founded by Edwinna’s father. Under Edwin Williamson’s tutelage, Ramion had gone from junior attorney to senior partner in five years. His resignation would take him from the empowered embrace of Edwin to the unchartered waters of a career with a new law firm. The prospect still unnerved him.
    “I’m surprised. You never expressed interest in working for a bigger firm,” Edwinna said, reprovingly.
    “I just never shared that information with you,” Ramion responded.
    “I guess congratulations are in order,” Tawny said, sensing the negative vibes in the air.
    “Thanks, Tawny,” Ramion said.
    Noticing the crowd converging at the receptionist’s desk, Tawny said, “Excuse me, folks. I’ve got some people to greet.” As she walked away, she added, “Help yourself to the food. Thanks for coming.”
    Medu filled the awkward silence that followed Tawny’s departure. “Sage and Ramion were discussing this painting. Ramion thought it was about a political uprising, and Sage…”
    Not interested in hearing Sage’s opinions, Edwinna interrupted, “Ramion would think that. He’s very focused. And politics are very much on his mind.”
    “Given that the election is next week, I think it’s on a lot of people’s minds,” Sage said.
    “And that explosion,” Medu said. “You’re very fortunate you weren’t seriously hurt.”
    Edwinna ignored that and turned the topic back to Ramion. “Speaking of politics, Ramion has big plans to run for the state senate. Or have you changed your mind about that too?” she asked, expressing remnants of anger for the way Ramion had ended their relationship. She’d always known that he didn’t love her, but she’d intended to change his feelings. Edwinna despised Sage for robbing her of the opportunity to stake a claim on Ramion’s heart.
    “I wish you well,” Medu said before Ramion could answer. “In my country, politics is savoir faire . My father was a government official. That’s why some of my paintings have a political undertone, but in a much broader sense. I try to show how politics affect the common man.”
    “In some countries, that can be risky,” Sage said.
    “Indeed,” Medu said. “That’s why I say America is the greatest country on earth.”
    “I believe that’s Don King’s line,” Ramion said.
    “Well, then, I agree with him,” Medu said. “But I must say, voting under the presence of the National Guard is reminiscent of something that would happen in my country.”
    “You’re right. It’s amazing what people will do to try and stop change,” Ramion said.
    “I still say America is a wonderful country,” Medu said. “Look at what’s being done to protect your rights.”
    “Come on, Medu. We’ve got reservations at the Abbey,” Edwinna said, fastening her full-length mink coat over her purple dress. With 3-inch purple pumps, the full-figured woman almost towered over Medu’s medium frame. “By the way, Ramion, I’ve been thinking about running for the state