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“Bryce’s CFO was a fifty-four-year-old closeted gay man who was on the down low and involved in a flaming hot and hardcore affair with Olympic skier Jayden Whitfield.” Even the second time around, it’s still shocking. “Jayden is thirty years Derek’s junior, and from Jayden’s social media accounts, the affair was going on for over five years, and they were passionately in love.”
Jaw meet floor.
Todd keeps talking. “Here’s the kicker. Allegedly, Jayden revealed that pillow talk after their throes of passion might have involved Derek revealing sensitive information about very rich clients of the Linden Corporation.”
“Dear God.”
“Yup! I’m pretty sure Bryce is having a shit fit.”
“He must be freaking out.”
“Jayden leaked a few outrageous sexts between him and Derek. Some of those messages are darn right filthy. Bryce’s CFO enjoyed a young man’s ass a lot more than his wife’s pussy.”
“Todd!”
“Don’t Todd me. I didn’t write or send those explicit texts.”
“Still, it’s disrespectful to Derek’s wife.”
“What’s disrespectful to his wife is Derek having a long-term affair with a man behind her back. When a man remains in the closet while having a serious relationship with the opposite sex, it ruins lives when it all comes out. And, honey, it usually does. Unless he has a journal hidden somewhere, no one will ever know why Derek kept it a secret, but his decision will haunt his wife and kids forever. This is never going away because there will always be a trail of this mess on Google.”
“His wife must be going through hell. And Bryce must be pulling his hair out.”
“You can say that again. Bryce has some serious damage control to do to save face and save his multibillion-dollar corporation. This is a major blow to his company. Data leaking, when sensitive data is the core of what you do as the leader in the internet security business, is the kiss of death. All in all, it’s a PR hot mess.”
“Poor Bryce.” No wonder he’s been out of touch.
“What kills me is that Jayden Whitfield is trying to cash in on this. Why? He has money.”
“He’s looking for more fame? He’s about to launch a new venture and he’s looking for exposure? He’s bitter he was never able to be with Derek openly? He’s angry and hurt Derek never left his wife for him? Who knows? We could speculate all day long and still not know what motivates a person to do such a thing. In the meantime, there’s a woman who one day will have to explain this drama to her triplets.”
“You’re right,” he says. “Let’s talk business.” My stomach ties up in a knot. I have a sneaky suspicion I know where this conversation is going. “I was happy to accommodate Bryce’s wishes of not booking you with anyone else as long as he paid, but I have a feeling he’ll be preoccupied for the foreseeable future. Not to worry. I have a new client for you!”
No, no, no.
I cursed my financial situation.
After Paris, I was secretly hoping Bryce would book me solid for the rest of the year, or offer me a position in his company, helping with the types of negotiations that require my language skills.
In other words, I was hoping I wouldn’t have to have sex with another man to keep my head above water.
“Amanda, are you still there?” Todd’s voice breaks through my rumination.
“I am.” My tone is dejected.
“I don’t like what I hear.”
“Great! A new client!”
“You don’t fool me with that fake cheer.” My shoulders slump. “Bryce’s business is in jeopardy, and you have to continue making money. Unless, you’ve all of a sudden inherited money from a rich relative.”
Nope.
I’m still flat broke, and my creditors are pestering me for their money.
Fuck my life.
“You’re right. I need to get back on the horse!”
