When Pedro found Maggie, she was still kneeling in a remote corner, clutching her gown to her body, shaking and crying. Tenderly, he reached over and placed his hand on her shoulder. "What is the matter, dearest?' Stunned, she looked up at him.
"You really don't know, do you," she asked? He shook his head. She continued, "How could someone who says that he loves me treat me like that? Forcing me to strip and dance in front of all those people."
Pedro kneeled down beside her. "Honey, I would think you should be proud to show off your body. Most women your age would kill to have your figure. And it gives me pleasure to be able to show you off to others." Turning her face to look at him, he asked, "You do want to please me, don't you?" Maggie bit her lip and nodded. "Besides," he said more ominously, "our doctor cleared you for all types of activity. If in fact you are not comfortable with this, then maybe you need to go back and see him again."
Standing again, Pedro continued in a more assertive tone. "We need you back at the party in your role of hostess. Many of my friends would like to meet you, especially after your performance. So get back up. Pull yourself together. Put your dress back on and rejoin us in the ballroom. Okay?"
Maggie sighed and muttered, "Okay."
As Pedro walked away, she forced herself to rise. How could she be expected to face all those people again? With resignation, she put her gown back on. Then, swallowing hard, she made her way back toward the ballroom. As she entered, there was scattered applause. Pedro was just inside the door, talking with a group that included the Commandante and the man who had been introduced to her as "John Widener." Pedro motioned for her to join them. The Commandante took her hand and kissed it. Turning to the woman next to him, he explained, "Margaret, this is the lady who accompanied me to the testimonial dinner while you were out of town." The woman nodded at Maggie and thanked her for "filling in" when she was unable to attend with her husband. Maggie thought to herself, "So this is his wife. The woman he supposedly loves so much."
The Commandante continued, "By the way, she has a daughter here about the same age as our Maria. I think they may have a lot in common and would become good friends. Maybe I will bring her over the next time I come." Maggie knew that this man had just been upstairs for a sexual encounter with Lisa. And now he was suggesting that Lisa and his own daughter should become friends. Maggie was revolted but just smiled at him.
The Commandante was not done. Apparently, he had already had a good deal to drink. Looking at Maggie, he slurred, "I am sorry I missed your performance earlier. I heard you put on quite a show. Maybe you could repeat it for me now. Hmmm?"