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I pull in air, slowly and quietly, trying to calm my nervous system. I knew he’d have an issue with this, so I purposely didn’t discuss it with him. Now, I wish I had so I don’t have to argue with him in front of Andie and Miranda.
I run a hand over the back of my neck and clear my throat. “I’d like to invite foster families. These kids often don’t have many positive things going for them, and this would be huge.”
“Mr. McNeil and I think it’s a wonderful idea,” Miranda pops in.
“Sean, have you really thought about this?” he asks, pinning me with a look. He’s one of the few people who knows about my past, and that’s only because I’ve had to explain to him that I have no family. “We’re trying to repair your image here, and this isn’t the time to stir the pot even further.”
I bristle at his comment but ignore it for time's sake. Plus, my current state can’t handle his superiority complex. “I’ve thought about it. This matters.”
I’m not sure if it’s by accident, but I feel Andie’s knee press against mine underneath the table, and it’s calming. It’s the distraction I need to bring my anxiety down a few notches.
Craig scoffs, setting his phone on the table like I’m putting him out. “Sean, your sponsors, fans, even this team and the organization depend on you. You’re not one of these young guns anymore who can do whatever they want and think the world will forgive them.”
Anger replaces the panic at my core, and the heat of it rises to the surface.What in the hell is he talking about? What does my age have to do with this?
“What are you talking about? We’re putting together an event to give people with hard, difficult lives something to look forward to. An experience they’d never have otherwise.”
He glances at the ceiling like he’s willing his patience to stay intact and then leans forward as if getting closer will help me catch up.
“That’s only part of this. The bigger part is showing people that you aren’t the lying cheater they think you are. Whatever you want doesn’t matter. Dragging up some sob story will only make them roll their eyes and further convince them this is all some big publicity stunt to get you back in their good graces.”
“Hey. Craig, is it?” Andie says, shocking me still, which is the only thing that prevents me from grabbing him by his lapels and letting him know exactly what does matter.
Andie’s tone is calm and collected, and I can only stare at her, wondering where this is going.
“I’m not sure you understand what’s going on here.” She rests her arms on the table. “No one was asking for your permission. Sean and I agreed to do this, and the only thingwe’reinterested in is providing a little joy to people who otherwise often live in a dark world of despair. The kind of world I hope you never have to face.”
She takes a breath, and I realize she’s not finished.
“These two groups of people we’re talking about wear shoes that your tiny, self-absorbed feet would never ever be able to stand in, let alone survive. So, I don’t really care what you want or who you think needs to be impressed. We’re not here to massage anyone’s image or work this for some kind of publicity stunt to look better in anyone’s eyes. It’s called kindness, and you'd do well to try it on, although I’m not sure they make it in your size.”
Andie concludes her verbal slap with a grin spreading across her face, pointed directly at Craig. I can’t speak. I can’t remember the last time someone besides my brothers stood in my corner or laid down the law on my behalf. Actually, I do remember. It was never.
I’m completely taken aback, and it’s not until I feel Andie’s hand rest on top of mine that I realize, at some point during her declaration on how this will be, that my hand moved to her thigh and is squeezing. I quickly remove it, knowing it’s completely inappropriate, but it itches to jet right back and reclaim her leg when I see Craig’s face turning a shade of red that I’ve not seen before.
His dark and furious eyes aim at me, and I’m certain if they were loaded, I’d be dead.
“Sean, what is this? Are the two of you sleeping together? You’re going to let some widow who writes songs for otherpeople use you to make a name for herself while your reputation and career die in the process?”
I hear Miranda gasp, reminding me she’s in the room. If it weren’t for the fact that these two women are sitting here, I’d rip his damn head off. Out of respect for them, I won’t show him the severity of his mistake.
“Craig,” I say with as much patience as I can muster while my blood boils under my skin. “What I do from this point forward, personally or professionally, is no longer any of your concern. You’re fired. I suggest you move quickly before I help you find the way out.”
He makes a sound of disgust. “We have a contract.”
“Yes, one that dictates that I can terminate it at any time for a fee. I’ll pay. Now, get out.”
He swipes his phone off the table and stands. “I hope she’s worth it.” He gestures towards Andie. “At least the last one made you look a whole lot better.”
I stand, but Andie’s hands grip my forearm, pulling me back down. I let him go, but I better never see his face again.
He scurries out, slamming the door behind him, and it takes me a minute to meet Miranda’s eyes, which are wide and full of alarm. I can’t even look at Andie after what he said.
Bile rises in my throat, and I’m in serious need of a punching bag, but I can’t even hit it because my fucking elbow feels like someone took a hammer to it.How in the world did I let it come to this?
Miranda’s tentative voice breaks through the dead silence and my misery. “Well, I guess we should continue?” She pauses. “Sean, if it’s ok with you, I’d be happy to have my assistant reach out to some of the foster care organizations and get registration all set up.”
“Sure. That would be great. Thank you.” It’s all I can say. My mind spins out of control as my skin prickles with a cool sweat.
