by Emily Bourne
Darius takes her hands firmly. “I kept the severity of my condition from you. Truth is, I’m on a timer. That’s why I needed to rush the board meeting and name a successor. I didn’t think you were ready yet, but I didn’t have a choice.”
Jazz moves into her father’s arms and her voice quivers. “I wish you had told me.”
“I’m sorry, sweetheart.”
“Sweetheart?” Jazz repeats, head resting against her father’s rising and falling chest. “You’ve never given me a pet name before.”
Darius strokes her hair. “I should never have pulled away from you.”
“I never wanted to upset you,” Jazz says, her chest tightening. “I know you’ve always thought of me as the reason Mother died.”
Darius’ arms unravel and he moves back to meet Jazz’s eyes. “That’s not true.”
Jazz wipes her wet cheeks. “Yes, it is.”
“I’ve never blamed you. You’ve always felt this way?”
Jazz looks to his shiny brown shoes and nods.
Darius lifts her chin. “It wasn’t your fault. You’re my greatest triumph. I should have reached your mother sooner. If there’s anyone to blame, it’s me.” He lets out a weighted sigh. “I should never have stopped talking about her.”
Jazz grinds her teeth, scrunching her eyes closed as the pain in her heart intensifies.
Darius pulls her in close, and the slow beats of his heart ease her.
“You know these two?” Darius asks.
Jazz lifts her head and looks over her shoulder at Adrian and Gene. “Yes. When I blacked out after my night with Ethan, they helped me.”
“I don’t want you selling your shares. I want you to remain part of the company.”
“What I’d really like is my gym.”
“I thought you didn’t want to run it anymore?”
“No, I want the site for the refuge centre. So we can house more people in a clean and modern environment.”
Darius smirks and unravels his arms from around her. “You want our most lucrative site as a donation? Jazz, it’s our number one site. That’s why you run it. You are the best manager we have. I’m sorry, it’s out of the question. We would never hand over that property. And the surrounding businesses would never allow homeless people living in the Business District. You know that.”
Jazz frowns and nods, her eyes glancing back at Adrian.
Darius huffs and marches towards the boys. He looms over Adrian, and Jazz notices Gene squirm and gulp.
Darius holds a hand out to Adrian. “You’ve been helping my daughter?”
Adrian shakes Darius’ hand and says, “With all due respect, Sir, Jazz doesn’t need help. She’s much too independent to take it, but she’s more than generous to help us.”
Darius turns to Jazz. “This is why you want the gym? To expand his business?”
“It’s not a business,” Jazz replies. “It’s a not-for-profit. And yes, I want to help them. I want to do something worthwhile and honourable.”
“Courageous,” Darius says, “like your mother.”
“They have money issues,” Jazz says. “I need to help keep them afloat.”
Darius beckons her to follow him back into the boardroom. “I have a decision to announce.”
Ready
ETHAN takes in a sharp breath as Darius re-enters the boardroom. His confidence wavers as Darius’ eyes gleam with purpose.
“Ladies and gentleman of the board, I will not be stepping down as CEO of Ultimate ME,” Darius announces.
“Father, no,” Jazz says, tugging his arm. “Your heart.”
“This is outrageous,” Ethan blurts. “Sir, where is this coming from?”
“Jazz Abadi will step down from her position at the company. We will commence interviews to appoint her replacement.” Darius nods to his daughter. “You can provide the board with names of staff members you feel are fit to take over management.”
Apprehensively, Jazz nods and says, “Yes. I think Marcus would be the right fit. He had problems working with me, but with my absence, he’ll allow the site to thrive.”
“Hang on,” Ethan begins, but almost stumbles over his own feet when Darius charges towards him.
Darius’ eyes burn into him. “I am not handing over the company to a cheat and a liar.”
Ethan’s heart drops to the pit of his stomach. His chest constricts, and he finds taking his next breath a struggle.
“But you can’t be abandoned again,” Darius says in a softer tone. “You’re fixated on your parents’ treatment of you and it’s turned you into this sneaky vindictive individual. You’ll stay on under my supervision. If your attitude and business practices improve, I can consider you for succession again.”
“Wait,” Jazz says. “You’re not seriously going to keep him on?”
“He’ll only get worse if I let him go,” Darius replies.
“Don’t talk about me like I’m a pet project,” Ethan snaps, heat rising from his collar.
“You need to learn some honesty and integrity,” Darius says, and the look in his eyes sends a sharp pain in Ethan’s back.
Mr Fryer stands and says, “So, we’re done here?”
Darius nods his acknowledgement to the board, and they pack up their documents and leave the boardroom.
Ethan groans and stamps a foot. “Are you serious? You’re taking all of this away from me?”
“I’m still mentoring you,” Darius says gently. “You’re not ready yet. I’ll oversee your actions and sign off on all work before it becomes official.”
Ethan’s anger erupts inside him, and he storms out of the boardroom.
In the hall, he spots the boy who was in his office the evening before. “You. What are you doing back here?”
Ethan marches towards the boy, who utters panicked noises.
The man who entered the boardroom with him slides between the pair. He pushes Ethan away. “Back off.”
“Who the hell are you?” Ethan yells.
“Ethan!” Jazz shouts, leaving the boardroom. “Stop. Leave them alone.”
Ethan turns to Jazz and walks up to her. “Why won’t you marry me? We’d be a great team and your father was on my side.”
“Because I’m not a commodity for you to buy.” She jabs his chest. “Stop trying to use me as a pawn in your little scheme.”
Darius steps behind his daughter. “Ethan, my office. Go cool down. I’ll be in in a minute.”
Ethan rolls his eyes and turns toward the elevator. He keeps the corner of his eye on Darius and Jazz. Darius curls a finger under Jazz’s chin, asking if she’s sure this is what she wants. Jazz smiles sweetly, nodding. Darius whispers he is proud of her, and Ethan tries to not throw up in his mouth.
Home
ADRIAN takes Jazz’s hands and clears his throat. “I can’t apologise enough for what happened.” He pauses and shifts his weight. “The locket. I’ll find it, I promise. It’ll take some time, but I’ll track down the person who sold it for me and get information. I’m dedicated to finding it for you.”
Jazz shakes her head, giving his hands a comforting squeeze. “It’s ok. The important part will already be gone.” Her eyes wet as she continues. “There was a lock of my mother’s hair inside. She died when I was born, so it was the only part of her I had. That’s what hurt so much. Everything else we could replace. You’re right, people with money are wasteful with it.”
His heart thuds. “I shouldn’t have said any of that stuff.”
“The locket has been gone for years. It was a shock when the wound reopened.” Jazz tries for a smile and her olive skin glows. “I can honour my mother’s memory. You’ve helped me heal in a whole new way.”
“Kiss her,” Gene whispers by their side. His fists sit under his chin in anticipation.
Adrian blushes and looks away, smiling. He feels Jazz’s grip on his hands increase as her laughter plays like music.
“Will you take me back?” Jazz asks. “At the shelter. I’d real
ly like to help.”
Adrian looks back at the boardroom and around the hall. “You really wanna give all of this up?”
“These aren’t my people.”
Adrian’s stomach twists. “I don’t know if there will be anything to go back to. The shelter’s bankrupt.”
Jazz steps in closer and Adrian almost loses strength in his knees from the sweet, floral scent of her perfume. “That’s where I come in. I’ll back you.”
He raises an eyebrow. “You mean money?”
“Let me be the financial backer and teach me how to work alongside you.”
“You’d really do that?”
She smiles, captivating every part of Adrian. “I’d be honoured.” She takes a step back, looking him up and down. “So is this going to be your new day-to-day attire?”
“Ah no,” Adrian says, dropping her hands. “I let Genie work his magic, but I plan to go back to my t-shirt and jeans.”
“I was happy to help,” Gene says. “While I could, anyway. I guess I have to go back home? If I have a home to go back to, that is. I’m not exactly welcome there.”
Adrian holds a breath and then smiles at the kid. “You’re not going anywhere. We’ll keep you around.”
“What? Really?” Gene asks, ready to bounce.
“We can find you a job at the shelter, but you have to stay in school,” Adrian says.
Gene leaps in the air and loops his arms around Adrian’s neck. He glues his cheek against Adrian’s, profusely repeating, “Thank you, thank you!”
“I’ll ask Eddy to get the social workers to back off,” Adrian says as Gene unravels from him.
“He could get emancipated,” Jazz suggests. “I have a good lawyer.”
“Emancipated?” Gene asks. “You know about that stuff?”
“I had a big fight with my dad when I was sixteen and had papers drawn up. He ended up giving me shares in the company to make amends, and I dropped it.”
Adrian and Gene look at each other with mouths ajar.
“I know, I know,” Jazz laughs. “Different worlds.”
Worthy
“Ethan, it’s not over,” Darius says as Ethan paces in front of his desk. “Have patience, Son.”
“Shut up with your patience,” Ethan snaps, his muscles tensing with fury.
“I can’t accept Jazz not being a part of Ultimate ME’s future. You know that. We have to wait.”
Ethan stops by the bar and pours himself a whisky. “Wait for what? You just announced her resignation.”
“I don’t believe she’d have such a wild change of heart,” Darius says. “She will come back around. She always does. Then you two will battle head-to-head again.”
“You want to keep me around so Jazz can prove herself worthy? How did I become the pawn in all of this?” He swigs the entire glass in one mouthful.
“She’s going through a phase. She’s always fought me on things, but she always ends up agreeing with me. In a perfect world, you two will work side-by-side.”
“We need her to stay on for social media. We took a real hit the days she was absent. Engagement plummeted.”
“You should go to her and offer the position. Be civil and apologetic.”
Ethan groans and pours another whisky.
“Roth, put the glass down, or you’ll be the one I’ll be sending to rehab.”
Ethan rolls his eyes and sits the glass on the bar cart.
“I want you and Jazz moving the company forward, as a family. You will continue under my mentorship and you can lead Jazz like a big brother.”
Ethan walks to the leatherback armchair and flops down. “Big brother, hey? Whatever floats your boat.”
“Enough with the boats, Ethan.”
Win
JAZZ wipes down a table in the dining room, the following week, and moves by Adrian’s side. “You really are ok with me working here?”
Adrian wraps an arm around her and smiles. “Of course.”
Awkward jitters take over them and they pull apart.
Jazz laughs and wipes her brow. “You know, I’ve never let myself fall for anyone before.”
Adrian gulps. “Yeah?”
Jazz bites her lip and steps in close again. “With you, it’s like you gave me no choice.” She takes pleasure in his bashfulness. “Your infectious optimism, fierce loyalty, and pure honesty. How could I not fall for you?”
“I’ve never met a more stubborn, independent, kickass woman in all my life.” Adrian grins, lacing his finger with hers. “And I never would have imagined she liked me back.”
Jazz leans into him and pushes her lips onto his. Their arms wrap around each other and the warmth from their kiss radiates throughout their bodies.
With giggles, they pull apart.
Jazz brushes back her hair and asks, “So what should I do next? I’m ready for more instructions.”
Adrian’s hand follows hers through her hair, and tingles sliver down her body.
“Never thought I’d hear those words,” Adrian teases. “Jazz wants to wait and be shown what to do? She’s not perfect?”
Jazz laughs and playfully hits his arm. “You know I’m trying to work on my patience and humility.”
Adrian rubs his arm. “Careful, you’re stronger than me, ya know.”
Jazz wiggles her eyebrows. “Perhaps I can set up a fitness routine for you.”
“Oh, like a trade-off, you think?” Adrian beckons her to follow him into the hall.
“Yeah, I’ll whoop your butt,” Jazz says as they make their way through the hall towards the common room.
“Anyone ever tell you you’re too competitive?”
“No such thing.”
They stop by the donation room to see Gene sorting the clothes into sizes and colours.
“Having fun?” Jazz asks.
Gene huffs. “Thank goodness I’m here. These clothes were screaming for help.”
“Just make time to study,” Adrian says, leaning against the doorframe. “Just because your classes are online doesn’t mean you can slack off.”
Gene tsks. “I’m not. Tessa has another job interview that she needs to get ready for.” Gene gestures to Tessa, who shyly waves from behind a clothes rack. “I’m trying to find her an outfit in time.”
“Sounds like you found him the perfect job,” Jazz says cheerily.
“He’s taking it a little too seriously.” Adrian whispers with a cheeky smile.
“Tessa,” Jazz says, “make sure you come find me at dinner, ok? We will go over those interview questions to boost your confidence.”
Tessa nods, her smile expanding. “Sure thing. Thanks, Jazz.”
Jazz and Adrian move on towards the common room where Eddy walks out and into the hall.
“Ed, I was about to take on Jazz at pool,” Adrian says, winking at Jazz. “If she doesn’t take it too seriously. Wanna join us?”
“Thanks, but I’m heading to the swimming pool to get in some laps.”
“That’s becoming quite a regular habit,” Jazz says.
Eddy nods, grinning. “I’ll catch you guys later.”
Jazz hurries into the common room. “Let’s make teams.” She looks at the boys on the couch. “I get Ferg.”
Ferg stands up, throwing a fist in the air. “Because she knows I’m the best.”
Adrian follows behind, clicking his fingers at Max. “Help me beat them.”
Max rubs his hands together, making his way to the pool table. “Let’s do this.”
Jazz nudges Ferg. “We got this.”
Adrian smiles across the table at her, and she melts inside. Maybe throwing the game wouldn’t be a bad idea. He could use a win.
To be continued...
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Did you love Jazz? Then you should read Aria by Emily Bourne!
Aria Rivera is a swimming champion. After taking out the State competition, her father is hungry for more accolades, but Aria is amid an identity crisis. As her rivalry with her sister Valeria escalates, Aria would forgo all her talent for a shred of happiness.
Insomnia consumes her nights, tormented by her mundane life and her dwindling desires. Her lack of education and other skills shackle her to swimming. Aria needs an out. When a handsome blonde boy at the Maiden City Swimming Pool steals her attention, Aria begins dreaming.
But the dreams don't help when her home life is a threat to her physical and mental well-being. Doomed to live under her parents' rules and to deal with Valeria's anger issues, Aria is plagued with tension and stress. The boy of her dreams is cursed with the same affliction. When their paths cross, will they be the key to each other's freedom and happiness?
The Happily After When series is inspired by fairytales. Each book is based on a different fairytale, and Aria is a modern transformation of The Little Mermaid. The Happily After When series looks at the dangerous lessons fairytales teach young people, including: a woman waiting for a man to rescue her, or young men kissing women without their permission. These books deal with young adult social issues, including: class differences, bullying and racism, lgbt issues, runaways, mental health issues, and domestic violence. They are also contemporary romance stories about beating the odds, with a wholesomeness in an unsettling and dark world.
Read more at Emily Bourne’s site.
Also by Emily Bourne
Brittany & Charli Shorts
In Fiji
Happily After When
Jazz
Aria
In It Together
In A Mirror
