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“If you don’t do something, you’re going to end up in the same spot you were in,” JJ said. “Listen, I know I’m not here to run your company. You obviously can do whatever you want. I’ve struggled though. I’ve fought through the trenches to make my own business something. I didn’t do that with my old man’s help. I did it through blood, sweat, and tears. If you want this place to fly, you have to push past what your dad built, and make it your own. Sustainable. Leading the way into future technology. I already have an idea I want to work with Greer on. You have the people, Junior. Let’s put them to work.”
“Pey?” Perry asked. He didn’t need to. Most of the time he didn’t. This was a big move.
I rubbed my short beard. “What if you start slow? Have JJ hire his team but make sure they can be versatile so if the consumer thing doesn’t go far, he can pivot them to racing. Focus on one project. I think it’s smart to do it in tech since it’s always advancing. People want their vehicles to be smart. Not everyone cares what’s under the hood but rather what’s at their fingertips. Greer mentioned something to me about auto security. If it goes well, expand.”
“You’re getting a budget,” Perry told JJ. “You have to work with finance. I don’t want to overextend and end up in a hole again. I also don’t want you to produce shit products. We make quality parts, so don’t cut corners. Just try to find the most cost-efficient way to do so.”
JJ nodded. “I can do that.”
“Fine. But do me a favor and work with Stefen. He’s been itching to go this way. I don’t want his full attention pulled from racing but if you two can work cohesively, the rest of the team will follow suit.”
“I will.” JJ stood and extended his hand. Perry looked at him like he wasn’t sure what to do but finally took it and shook. “Thanks, Junior.”
“Yeah, yeah. Don’t make me regret it. Also, you’re staying for cake.”
“Cake?”
“It’s Dom’s last day and we’re having a little party. Come. Meet more of the staff. Try to smile and not scare them off.” JJ probably knew about the party but didn’t want to attend. He was the new guy people were cautious of.
“Thank you. I will.”
Perry’s idea of a little party turned into a large portion of our office staff. Dominic had worked here long enough and interacted with many. They wanted the opportunity to say goodbye and wish him well.
It was interesting to see the blush creep up Dominic’s neck and face when he saw the crowd who had gathered for him. Carissa helped organize it. There was a full snack buffet with a big cake.
Before Perry let them dig in, he called for the room to be quiet. Dominic stood on one side of him. I was a few steps behind them. Always close but not the center of attention.
“I’ll let you eat in a minute,” Perry told them. “Let me get this out first.”
What he was about to say wasn’t a surprise to me since he told me he was going to do it. I knew Dominic wouldn’t care. He was no longer an employee if we considered the workday ended at four thirty, which Perry did. Today. For Dominic. So he could say what he wanted. Get ahead of things so we could move forward.
“Dominic has been an asset not only to me but to the PJS family. I would have been lost without him organizing my life. And I do mean my life. With Dom by my side, I felt like I could keep my head above water.” Perry put his arm around Dominic’s back to rest on his hip as he peered into Dominic’s eyes. “You’ve been amazing. I couldn’t have asked for a better assistant and friend. Thank you for all you’ve done for me and the company. I won’t forget it.”
“Anything for you,” Dominic replied. He had said earlier today he didn’t want to say much, that he’d let Perry do the talking at the party.
Perry looked at him with so much affection, I wanted to kiss him. Hell, I wanted to kiss both of them.
Facing his employees again, Perry added, “He won’t be disappearing for good though. Dom’s a part of my life now in more ways than one. He’ll be traveling with me when I go on trips, but not as my assistant, as one of my boyfriends.”
The crowd started a low murmur as they talked to one another. Perry didn’t do things in small measures. If he was in, he was all in. He also didn’t want his employees, who he considered an extended family, to find out about us through the media.
“You’re the first people I’ve told about us. It’s a little nerve-wracking.” He chuckled. Perry was anxious. They weren’t used to this side of him. They saw the man who ran the company. Not the one who had a heart and cared deeply.
JJ walked over to Perry’s other side and clasped him on the shoulder. I was stunned. It wasn’t like JJ and Perry were close all of the sudden. They’d barely spoken over the years, unless they were brought together at family events. Greer stepped up next, on the other side of JJ.
Well, fuck. Guess I needed to do the same. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to. I was just leaving it to the two of them. If Perry wanted me there, he would have looked my way.
Then he peered over his shoulder like he could read my thoughts.
I didn’t hesitate after that. I stepped up and put my arm behind Dominic so I could touch Perry too.
“It’s going to get out eventually,” Perry said, a little quieter than before. “I didn’t want you to find out through social media or whatever. Dom, Pey, and me, we’re together. And before you even start a rumor about it, Dom no longer works for PJS and Pey’s a partial owner who works directly for me, paid by me, not PJS. His role isn’t traditional. He was my best friend first, who became the man watching my back.”
Someone snickered in the crowd. My eyes lasered to their location. It was one of Greer’s managers.
“Oy!” Greer shouted. “You have an issue, you come talk to me after this. That goes for the rest of you. Perry didn’t have to tell you, but he considers you family, so show some respect. We’re an inclusive company. That’s not new. Now, if you’re done, I’d like some cake.” He grinned at Perry.
“Idiot,” I heard Perry mutter. “Okay, enough of this. Go eat. Have fun. Say goodbye to Dom. And have a good weekend.”
