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“According to the terms of this agreement, no. Why? Is that something you’d wanted to do?”
“Hell no. I just thought I’d drop by and see if that cute tour guide was still hanging out at the Guild,” she teased.
He hauled her close. “You’re going to pay for that later.”
“I sure hope so.” She poked the tip of her tongue between her teeth.
“It’s unorthodox, but it might work.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “I’m rather looking forward to dating like regular people.”
Happiness fluttered throughout her body and Dani didn’t attempt to suppress her silly grin.
Fuck Cash and his bitter words.
She was so close to achieving her goals and now that she’d found true love with Jay, life was nearly perfect.
Chapter Three
Prince Jameson to Speak to Society of Environmental Engineers in Small Gathering of Summer Term Students
“We’re extremely excited. It’s very rare for Prince Jameson to make appearances, let alone at a university in the States. We understand what a privilege this is...”
The Daily Californian, Berkeley’s News
“It’s important to consider the impact of your work. Ask questionsbeforeyou build, mine, or drill. How will you deal with the inevitable byproduct in a way that won’t be harmful to the environment?”
Jameson took a sip of water from the glass that had been placed on the table beside him and stared out at the sea of faces in the auditorium. All seats were occupied, and people were standing in the aisles, against the walls, and several rows deep in the back.
Quite the crowd, considering it was summer term.
Two days ago, he’d been nervous facing the press at Nyla’s movie premiere, but here, onstage talking to students at the University of California, Berkeley, he felt at home. Comfortable. In charge. After all, it was essentially a large lecture and he’d worked hard to excel at those.
When he’d told Rhys he was going to be in California, his mate had mentioned a former student who was currently teaching at a university there. Rhys had put the two in touch and they’d had an interesting conversation that had led to an invite to the campus to speak to a small gathering of students. Jameson also thought it would be an excellent opportunity to spread awareness in the U.S. about the John Foster Lloyd Prize for Environmentalism, the prestigious prize he’d created in honor of his grandfather that would be awarded annually to individuals or organizations for their work in the field of environmental studies.
“Remember, there are sustainable paths forward,” he continued. “Prevention may take more time on the front end, but it’s cheaper in the long run. We must continue to prioritize this thinking so we can work towards saving this planet we all call home. I want to thank Professor Graham and the Student Society of Environmental Engineers for having me here today. And you all, for having a listen.”
The applause was deafening. Exhaling in relief, Jameson sat back and rested his ankle on the opposite knee.
“Thank you, Prince Jameson,” Graham said from the neighboring club chair, his British accent instigating a brief moment of homesickness. “His Royal Highness has been gracious enough to grant us time for a few questions.”
Dozens of hands shot in the air. Graham gestured to a student sitting in the second row, who hurried over to the microphone stand in the center aisle.
“Hi, Prince Jameson, and welcome to Berkeley. Thank you for taking the time to speak to us. I know this is a rather broad question, but what would you say to the person who wanted to know just one thing they could do to help?”
“What’s your name?” Jameson asked.
“Me?” The student’s eyes widened. “Uh, Rodney.”
“Nice to meet you, Rodney, and thank you for your warm welcome. To answer your question: you’re doing it. This is a massive problem and not one that can be solved with a single law or initiative. It’ll require a change in thinking. So those of you”—he shifted his gaze to encompass the entire room—“who recognize this is an issue, and are willing to devote your career to it...youare the change we need.”
“Next.” Graham pointed to someone sitting in the back.
“I’m Bailey,” said a female student dressed in a Berkeley jumper and shorts. “You’ve said this is a huge concern. Do you think it’s dire now? That we’re too late to effect any real change?”
He’d anticipated this question. It was the one most people asked when they learned, and actually believed, the data on environmental impact. The trick to answering was to be truthful but encouraging.
Jameson shifted forward in his chair. “Maybe. But the work I’ve done setting up the JFL Prize has really opened my eyes to the fascinating ways the younger generation is thinking about this issue. And, of course, coming here, meeting with students like you, Bailey, and listening to you, I’m full of optimism for the first time in a long while. However, it’s critical we take action now, to prevent even more harm from occurring.”
“Cool.” Bailey smiled. “And thank you for giving us more information about the prize. It sounds exciting.”
