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I’m confused. He doesn’t seem in the least bit upset with me or the program, and now I’m doubting if Dot even talked to her father. But what if she does?
“Um, sort of. You were supposed to meet with me, then it was canceled, and a new date hasn’t been scheduled.”
“I do apologize for canceling, and I haven’t asked my assistant to book another meeting because I’ve been dealing with an unfortunate matter. Things have been hectic and I don’t want to have to cancel again…” His hands rise, palms out, as if to keep me away or, more likely, stop me from pressing him for more details. “I’m afraid that’s all I can say.”
“Of course, I completely understand and feel a bit foolish now. There is also the matter of…” I bite my bottom lip, second-guessing if I should say any more.
Things seem to be resolved; Lara Crandall doesn’t know what she’s talking about. But if I don’t say everything I came to say, the threat of Dot still stands.
He stops midway to standing, anxious for me to continue. I can’t shut the door now that I’ve opened it. “Dot.”
“Dorothy?” He sits again, more confused than ever, and scratches his head. “What does she have to do with this?”
“There’s no nice way to say this. Dot kind of blackmailed me. She threatened to have you reject my proposal if I didn’t do what she said.” I wince and hold his gaze.
“She what?” Now he’s on his feet, cheeks red. “What did she blackmail you with?”
I was afraid he’d ask but understand why. Who wouldn’t?
“It isn’t my place to tell her business. Let’s just say, she wanted me to keep my mouth shut about something I saw.”
This isn’t about protecting Dot, only Oliver. I’m guessing this man has no clue his daughter’s relationship with Oliver Winslow has long since been dead. I’m not going to be the bearer of that news as much as I want to. I’m not looking to incur anymore of Dot’s wrath, only to do what’s necessary to secure the future of the program.
“I-I don’t know what to say. Perhaps if I knew more I could address this with her. Wren?—”
“Mr. Malone, I’m not looking for you to interfere or fix anything regarding Dot. My only concern was her threat about the program. That’s why I came straight to you in the hopes that you’d hear me out if in fact she had tried to persuade you to kill my proposal.”
“I can assure you, the program will be approved.”
“Approved?” Now I sound like him, echoing his words, and my heart rate spikes with excitement.
“Yes. It’s only a matter of dotting theIsand crossing ourTs, but I can assure you, what you’ve got here is a wonderful start. We see great potential for this program across the region. As you know, the state has an increasing number of foster kids, and while funding is scarce and the resources to support beyond eighteen are practically nonexistent, programs like yours will help in closing that gap.”
“This is great news.” My smile is huge and uncontrollable as I spring to my feet and shake his hand again. “I can’t thank you enough. This means the world to me and to the kids.”
He beams and leads me to the exit, rambling on about how he’ll be in touch soon. My heart swells with pure joy and a little disbelief. Dot was bluffing, or if she intends to talk to her father, she’s in for a rude awakening.
I should be worried that once she finds out I went to her father, I’ll become more of a target, but I simply can’t waste any energy on her. Bright Horizons will be approved.
That and Oliver are all I care about.
The mayor gently touches my elbow to stop me from leaving the office, and it pulls me from my thoughts.
He stares down at me solemnly. “Thank you for coming to talk to me. I only wish more people took a more straightforward approach. And while I had nothing to do with the situation you found yourself in, I do want to apologize for the terrible actions of my daughter.”
He pulls at his tie and swallows with difficulty as if his daughter’s misstep constricts his airway. “I want to assure you, if Dorothy had come to me with any such suggestion, she wouldn’t have succeeded, and I will deal with my daughter. She won’t be bothering you anymore. Have a good day.”
“Thank you, and you too.” I sprint from the building to my car and fumble for my phone.
More than anything, there’s only one person I want to talk to. I dial his number and he answers on the first ring.
“Wren, are you okay?” The slight distress in his voice tugs at my heart.
A small part of me regrets leaving him in bed like I did, although everything turned out for the best.
“Oliver, I’m great. Where are you?”
“Not in bed with you which is where I wish we both were.”
