'She's so bothered by this,' Paul thought to himself. It was quite disturbing to think of what Rich did to people. The lives he had ruined. What terrible memories those women would have to live with the rest of their lives. And the life that was taken far too early. He wondered if Colette thought less of him now. That he hadn't stopped Rich before. Maybe if he had, Gloria Neal would still be alive.<br/><br/>Paul sighed to Colette.<br/><br/>~"I'm not sure but, yeah, I could see that. Rich acts like Martin is a living god but he treats the women like dirt. He thinks they are easily replaceable and constantly criticizes them."~<br/><br/>Surely Rich's lack of respect for women was not a huge shock to Colette. After all, look how he had treated her. Paul reach out and took a hold of Colette's hand.<br/><br/>~"Do you think of less of me for not stopping him for treating them horribly? I have no excuse for letting him do it...I just...I loved Martin and he told me to mind my own business. I always thought it was wrong but...I was so stupid!'~<br/><br/>Paul said, letting go of her hand and running his hands through his hair. He then smacked the bed mattress with his fists in frustration and anger. All directed at himself.<br/><br/>~"I should have stopped him! Maybe if I had, Gloria would still be alive."~<br/><br/>He felt so much guilt now for that young woman. She had been a good girl, she didn't deserve what happened to her. Paul hadn't know her very well but no one deserved what her fate had been. It had been Rich's fault. He had spread those vicious rumors but...He never stopped Rich from treating Gloria, Amy, or all those other girls horribly either. Suddenly he felt as guilty as Rich was for all of it.<br/><br/>--------------------------------<br/><br/>Shane smiled when Marie toasted with him. He was starting to believe things would get better. It might take some time, but it didn't feel like a lost cause anymore. Hopefully Diane would listen to Marie. Maybe the older woman could get through to her. No one was worth putting yourself in danger for.<br/><br/>Shane nodded his head at the dessert suggestion.<br/><br/>"I agree, we should indulge. I'll be very happy with anything full of lots of sugar and covered in chocolate."<br/><br/>Shane told Marie with a wink.