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Another long silence. Gavino’s beaming and even Casso seems both amused and impressed. I’m sweating because Malcolm’s eyes are still narrowed and he’s still staring me down like I don’t have the upper hand here. A chill runs down my spine slowly, and I start wondering if he’s going to turn me down. If he does, what will I do? Can I go through the nightmare of telling my story? Of becoming a media circus? I don’t want to do it, but I know deep in my heart that I will, if at least to get revenge for my mother.
But slowly, Malcolm leans back and crosses his arms. “It’s not enough.”
My eyebrows raise. “Excuse me?”
“I need one more thing if you’re going to get me to agree.”
“Careful,” Gavino says sharply. “She’s offering you the deal of a fucking lifetime.”
Malcolm waves him away and stares at me. “Renounce your relationship to me. Put that in writing. I want it officially known that you are not my daughter and you never were. That, plus all the materials you have on any alleged bribery, and you have a deal.”
My heart’s racing. I look at Gavino and he seems torn between rage and sorrow, but the choice is so easy. Malcolm’s never been my father and he never will be.
“Done. You have a deal.”
Malcolm stands. “I’ll have my lawyers go over this contract and add in language about our relationship. Once that’s finished, your lawyers can ensure it’s all settled, and we will sign.” Malcolm looks over at Casso. “Congratulations, Don Bruno. You’re getting what you wanted.”
“Thank you, Mr. Strafford. It was lovely doing business with you.”
Malcolm hesitates near the door with the contract under his arm. He looks at me for a painful few seconds before shaking his head and leaving without another word.
I collapse back into my seat, panting, and Gavino comes close. He hugs me tight and kisses my cheek, and Casso seems utterly bemused, like he doesn’t quite believe what just happened.
“Sorry I dragged you out here,” I say to him, smiling a bit. “I thought he’d take the deal as-is and you could all sign right now.”
“No worries, I enjoyed the show tremendously.” Casso stands up and stretches. “I think I’ll wait by the elevators.” He strolls from the room, whistling to himself.
Gavino kisses me. I kiss him back, not caring if any of Malcolm’s employees can see us through the glass. I want this man and I just did the craziest thing of my entire life, and a sense of triumph washes through my body. Like a sharp wave.
“You did it,” Gavino whispers, laughing and shaking his head. “My god, you really did it. We got the deal.”
“And Malcolm’s out.”
“Casso’s going to be thrilled when it’s all official, but you didn’t need to do this for me. You know that, right? We would’ve been fine.”
“I know, it’s just that—” I hesitate and kiss him gently one more time. “I love you. I love your family. And I want to show them how I feel.”
“God, you’re too good for me.” He hugs me tight and I stay there in his arms, grinning stupidly. “But you know, if I ever see Malcolm again, I’m going to have to kill him.”
“I’m sure you can restrain yourself.”
“Doubtful.” Gavino stands and holds out a hand. “I love you, Jeanie.”
“I love you, Gavino.”
“Shall we go home? I bet Elise and Karah and the kids are out by the pool right now.”
“That sounds perfect.”
