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I nod. “Okay, Mom.”
When she thinks I’m not looking, I catch her turning her head back and blowing my father a kiss.
* * *
In typical Lawrence-Knight-Cooper fashion,the press conference is a full family event in Mom and Jackson’s family room.
The television is on, and everyone is sitting, but I’m pacing. I have no idea what he’s going to do. It’s obviously major if he’s having a televised press conference.
Just then, Carter walks out to the microphone. He’s in a business suit. His face is stoic, but he looks so damn handsome.
“Thank you all for joining me. I will keep this as brief as possible. Effective immediately, I am stepping down from my role as president of Daulton Holdings. I have informed the Board of Directors that my father, Thomas Daulton has, for years, harassed and quite likely assaulted female employees. I was hoping to take over and effect real change, but my father has given me no indication that he will retire any time soon, and I can no longer be a silent bystander in the abuse. I feel that it is my duty to speak up.
The Board will conduct an immediate investigation into my father’s actions throughout his twenty-year tenure at the helm of Daulton Holdings. I have informed them that I will assist in the investigation in any way they see fit. Unfortunately, per our bylaws, he will hold his post pending the outcome of the investigation, but the investigation will take place. I can only hope that it will be conducted properly and that justice will prevail in the end.
I ask that any woman who feels she has been wronged by my father to please consider speaking out. I know that many of you likely signed non-disclosure agreements. I am publicly announcing that I will personally cover any expenses you incur from violating your non-disclosure agreement with my father.
That’s all I came to say, but I‘ll take a few questions.”
One of the reporters asks, “Why now? You allege this has been going on for some time.”
“I was wrong. I had hoped my time to make changes would come, but that’s no excuse. I should have come forward sooner. I regret my spineless decisions of the past, but I plan to be a better man moving forward. I have expectations to live up to.” He looks up and winks at the camera. Despite my best efforts, I can’t help but smile.
Another reporter asks, “Does this have anything to do with your thirty-fifth birthday tomorrow? There are long standing rumors that your grandfather created a secret trust for you that will kick in then.”
He chuckles. “Those are media created rumors. I’ve never had any indication that such a trust exists. Frankly, even if I end up with a few more zeroes in my bank account tomorrow, it’s not what really matters in life. Money doesn’t make you wealthy. Happiness makes you wealthy.”
He looks straight into the camera again. “It’s all meaningless without someone special by your side. I’d give up every dollar I have, or will have, for the love of my life.”
All my family members turn around and look at me. I gulp.
“Are you talking about Reagan Lawrence and the rumors that she broke off your engagement?”
“I came here today to resign my post and expose the atrocities committed by my father. I’m not here to indulge you in a gossip session about my personal life. Let’s keep our eye on the ball. Let’s not continue to be a part of the problem. Let’s shed light on it, so we can be a part of the solution.”
Another reporter is called on. “What will you do now?”
“I don’t know. Perhaps I’ll work my way up at another company. Perhaps I’ll start my own. Perhaps I’ll find atrendybusiness that will consider hiring me. I have a few passion projects I’d like to see through.” I see him smirk. “For the time being, I think I may look into the 1980 presidential election.”
The reporters are all confused by that comment. I’m not.
Because Harley misses nothing, she looks at me with a huge grin. She holds up her car keys. I nod.
* * *
Harley makesit downtown in record time. We pull up to the location of the press conference. I see Carter walking out of the side of the building. He must be trying to avoid any added press encounters.
I get out of the car and yell, “Hey, Daulton.”
He turns his head immediately when he hears my voice. I continue, “You need a job? I have an opening for a delivery man.”
He has a huge smile as he quickly strides toward me. Just as he approaches me, he says, “I accept.” He immediately crashes his lips to mine. He wraps his arms around me and lifts me. I wrap my arms and legs around him and kiss him back with everything I have.
He whispers into my lips, “I’m sorry I hurt you. I missed you. So much.”
I squeeze him as tight as I can. “I missed you too.” I did miss him. “Just so you know, the delivery man uniform for my company is really tight, especially the pants. I like to show off our biggest assets.”
I feel him laugh as he holds me close.
