by Paisley Lang
“Are you sure? I can just get another driver.”
“No. Go, you’re late.”
I hug him tight and breathe in his cologne, which is so familiar and comforting.
“I’ll call you in a few days. It’s going to be pretty crazy with moving Lauren out too.”
“That’s fine. I’ll come up in a week or two to see how you guys are getting on.”
I narrow my eyes but my lips are curled up. “You mean you want to check up on us?”
“No.”
I raise an eyebrow.
“Maybe? Can’t have my daughter getting into any mischief now that I can’t keep an eye on her.”
I slip my phone into my clutch. “Love you, Dad.”
“You too, kid. Now get your ass over to the St. Regis and win that client.”
The hotel is packed with guests and I’m directed to the ballroom, where the event is taking place. I slip in the back and I’m shocked to see that the room is packed. I scan the crowd but can’t see Lauren among the sea of heads from my vantage point.
Pulling out my phone, I shoot her a quick text.
“I’m here…where are you?”
I wait for about thirty seconds before the phone vibrates with her reply.
“We’ve been given priority seats. Straight up the middle, third table back from the stage.”
Shit. I hang back and wait until the guy at the front concludes his talk about investments. After he’s done, the emcee announces a ten-minute intermission. Perfect timing. The room begins to buzz with voices and people stand from their seats to move around. I take that as my cue to weave my way through the tables until I’m near the front.
I spot Lauren craning her neck to the back of the room, and I come up against the other side of her and lean down into her ear.
“Surprise.”
She jumps in her seat and spins around at my grinning face.
She rolls her eyes and shifts in her seat. “Jeez. Lucky the entire room isn’t privy to my scream. What took you so damn long? You’re like an hour late.”
I reach over her for the bottle of white wine and pour myself a glass. “Carter’s meeting over-ran. He wanted to say goodbye to us but I told him you had to leave.” I take a sip, and the cool refreshing liquid hits the back of my throat. From our wine tasting days in Europe, I can detect the scent of peach and citrus, which leaves a lively taste in my mouth.
She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “Shame I missed him, but I’m sure he’ll be visiting soon, right?”
“Yep, in a week or two.”
I look around the room and lean in closer to her. “Fill me in, what’s been happening? Didn’t expect to see so many people here.”
“Okay, well, I’ve no idea who is on our table – they’re a bunch of stiffs anyway, but look over to your right.”
I do as she asks and move my head in that direction. “Who am I looking for?”
“See the guy with the blue necktie? He’s just dropped half a million in investments right here.”
I turn back around. “What is this? Has the fundraising already taken place?”
“No, it’s been a full hour of investor chat. He just happened to have a mention for his extreme generosity at the start of the event.”
I feel guilty for not reading my media pack properly. I’ve been so preoccupied with my own client base, not to mention being distracted by Jax, that this has slipped past me.
“Give me the cut down version. I know it’s a new charity, but what’s going on exactly?”
“You did read the pack, right?”
I shake my head and wince. “I’m sorry.”
Lauren glances at her watch. “Okay, five minutes. So, this is a charity for disadvantaged kids from around the world, primarily geared towards education for the poor. For the past hour, we’ve been hearing from the investors and where their money is being placed.” She gestures with her hands. “So far, they’ve already built two schools in New Delhi and Mumbai and they say they’re just getting started.” She glances at me for my reaction. “I’m telling you, Ava, this is huge. If for some reason we score and get to be part of their campaign, we’re moving straight to the big leagues.”
“I agree, it’s really impressive. I like the name too.”
“Totally. The Dreams Foundation. It’s very appropriate.”
The emcee walks back onto the stage and the guests take their seats once again. He waits for the room to quiet down and then moves closer to the mic.
“Ladies and gentlemen, so far you have heard from some of the key investors from The Dreams Foundation, but now, we’d like to change the pace a little and introduce you to the key personnel behind this operation. Please put your hands together for the deputy chair trustee, Mrs. Alicia Campbell.”
I applaud along with everyone else and watch as a striking woman walks onto the stage. She looks to be in her early thirties with straight, shoulder-length blonde hair, and she walks with confidence and purpose.
I wrinkle my brow and lean into Lauren. “I can’t put my finger on it, but there’s something vaguely familiar about her…”
Alicia addresses the crowd and introduces her background. After she discusses the aims of the charity, the lights are dimmed and the projector screens light up across the room.
Lauren and I look at each other with raised eyebrows when Alicia’s voice returns from the darkened stage.
“We’ve talked a lot about where our money is being invested. But here, on the screen in front of you, you will get to see the actual work we are carrying out abroad. In the first clip, we’ve recorded the making of our Dreams school in Mumbai.”
The screen comes alive and there is a five-minute documentary about the building, which is almost complete. In between the narration, there are pictures of street kids, waving and making silly faces at the camera. You can almost feel their excitement and happiness for a school being built solely for them.
A small lump forms in my throat.
Once the short documentary is over, she runs the second clip showing the beginning stages of the school in New Delhi. The room breaks out into applause once again and the projectors are switched off as the room lights up. The guests murmur approvingly among themselves.
Lauren catches my eye and I smile. “This is pretty special, huh? I’m feeling very moved.”
She smiles back and nods - I can see her eyes are shining too. We glance at the stage and Alicia is almost glowing with pride. She steps forward once the room settles down.
“I’m sure you will all agree that your investment is being very well cared for. But, we need more. More of these types of schools for the disadvantaged kids around the world. More of these Dreams schools to give these children a good start in life.” She takes a breath, pulls the mike out of the stand, and walks to the other end of the stage. “Education matters, and we will need a lot of resources to attract the right types of candidates to come and volunteer with us. And that’s why tonight counts. We need larger investments and so I urge you, ladies and gentlemen, to please dig deep and be generous when the fundraising starts later this evening.”
Her speech is so passionate that the crowd cheers in approval, including Lauren and I, and I’m glad I brought my checkbook with me.
She holds her hand up and slowly the noise comes to an end.
“As much as I’d like to take the credit for being the brainchild behind The Dreams Foundation, alas, I can’t. I’m guilty of being too preoccupied with my First World problems.” She shrugs and a ripple of laughter goes through the room. “I’d therefore like to take the opportunity to introduce you to someone incredibly special. Someone who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this charity to fruition.”
The room is so silent you could hear a pin drop. I hold my breath along with everyone else.
“Ladies and gentleman, it gives me the greatest honor and pleasure to introduce your Chair of Trustees, who I’m also lucky enough to call my brother. Please put your han
ds together for Mr. Jax Prescott.”
The room breaks out into rapturous applause and as if in slow motion, I look around to see people pushing back their chairs to stand, to welcome him with a standing ovation. I catch Lauren’s eye and hers are bulging just as big as mine. My heart is thumping so hard that I think my ears are going to explode from the blood that’s rushing around my body at break-neck speed. I vaguely acknowledge Lauren gripping my arm, and I look down to see her almost pulling me up to my feet to join in with everyone. The noise in the room is deafening.
I crane my head over the others to see Jax walking onto the stage. He radiates power and authority as he crosses to where Alicia is standing, a huge grin on her face. My eyes travel down the length of his body and then back up again to his face. Wearing a custom-made navy suit and a crisp white shirt with an open collar, he looks like he belongs on a catwalk. His hair is pushed to the side, but I figure he must have run his hands through it a few times as it looks a little disheveled. Sexy as sin. A slow burn starts in the pit of my stomach and works its way up until it spreads across my face. Like a movie reel, my mind loops with images of our night together - tongues on every part of our body, skin on skin, twenty positions in a one-night stand.
Alicia pulls him into a hug and whispers something in his ear. Embracing for a few moments, he kisses her cheek and then as he reaches for the mic, he steps into the center of the stage and scans the room, as if looking for someone in the crowd. I can’t tear my eyes away from him. Even from here, I can see how blue and piercing his eyes are. He looks to his left and then again through the middle of the room.
Until his eyes land on me.
I feel like I’m going to pass out from the way he’s burning into me with such intensity. Our eyes stay locked, which feels like an eternity, until he finally looks away.
Motioning for everyone to sit down, a hush falls over the room and the air is thick with curiosity and anticipation.
Lauren leans into my ear. “Holy fuck.”
Chapter 28
Jax
Four hours earlier…
“I’m proud of you, Jaxon. I know I rarely said it over the years, but you’ve grown into a fine man. I couldn’t have wished for a better son.”
My father raises his shot of Macallan and we clink glasses. I take a hit and enjoy the smooth liquid sliding down the back of my throat.
“Thanks. That means a lot.”
He’s never been the type to get down and dirty with heart to hearts, so those words hold a lot of weight for me.
“So, you’re absolutely sure you want to do this?”
I shoot him a grin. “One hundred percent.” A beat passes between us and I glance around his office. Dark oak paneling mixed with chrome and steel furniture - the materials epitomize the man that is Michael Prescott. Hard and cold, but a man of principles. “The press release is scheduled for ten this evening, once the speeches are over. And then a secondary announcement first thing in the morning.”
He dips his head in acknowledgment. “The board is ready to field the questions.”
“Thank you, Dad. For everything you’ve done for me over the years.”
He stands and walks around his desk until he is facing me. I push back my chair and he holds out his arms.
“You’ve done good, my son.”
He gives my back a few hard pats and then holds me at arm’s length. “A favor to request.”
Here it comes. I knew I wouldn’t be able to get out of here without something holding me back. “What is it?”
“Your mother, Jax.” His eyes soften. “She may not be your number one favorite person…but she’s still your mom. I think she’s suffered enough for the past six years, don’t you?” He doesn’t wait for an answer and my jaw automatically tenses. “It’s time to make your peace.”
“I can’t forgive her for what she did.”
“Find it in yourself. You’re a better person than she is.”
He releases me and I glance at the clock. “I’ll think about it. But for now, I’ve some final things I need to take care off.”
He gestures with his hand. “Go. I’ll see you later tonight.”
Four hours later…
I stand at the front of the stage and scan the throng of patrons seated below me. I know she’s here.
I can feel her presence.
Having requested her and Lauren to be seated near the front, it takes me a moment before I’m drawn to her, like the magnets that we are to each other. She looks startled, like a deer caught in headlights, but still her gaze is fixed on me until I’ve no choice but to pull away and continue with the proceedings.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your company this evening. I know my presence may seem somewhat of a shock to most, but it is my hope that you will understand my reasoning soon.” I turn to Alicia. “I’d like to give a heartfelt thanks to the board of investors, most of whom you’ve met earlier tonight. I’m humbled in the faith you have placed in me.” The guests clap politely and then when it quiets down, I continue. “As of this evening, I am no longer an employee of Prescott Associates.” As I expected, the news causes surprise among everyone, and the room breaks out into chatter. I give them less than a minute and then hold my hand up for silence. “Thank you. I’d like to say that I’ve had an incredible four years there, which has shaped me into the lawyer I am today, but it’s the right time for me to forge my own path. I won’t bore you with all the details right now as the PR team will be fielding questions, but there will be an official statement later tonight.”
I take a sip of water from the stand and inhale deeply. My eyes find Ava’s and I’m shocked to see that she appears totally mesmerized. Looking at her gives me the strength to continue.
“I’d like to tell you a little story, which is what influenced the reason behind why The Dreams Foundation is here today.” I pause and run my hand through my hair. “The story is about a little boy, aged four years old. Unfortunately, unlike most kids, this little guy didn’t have the comfort of growing up with a caring family. His dad vanished before he was even born and as for his mother – she spiraled out of control with drugs. The little boy soon learned to stay out of her way, especially when he would find her in one of her “rages.” I use air quotes to signify my point. “Things got progressively worse for the kid with the lack of care and socialization, and ultimately he even took to scavenging in trash bins for any traces of food.” I walk a little to my right and proceed once again. “One day, he woke up to find his mother gone. He called and called for her, but she never came. For two days, he sat in the house, crying, soiled and starved, waiting for a mother that never returned.” An audible gasp goes around the guests, and I take a moment to walk to the other side.
“Thankfully one of the neighbors must have heard him and alerted the cops. When he was found, he was dehydrated, almost unconscious, and extremely malnourished, not to mention scared. Child Protection Services took him into their care, where he made a slow recovery. No trace of his mother could be found, so the little boy was put into the foster care system, waiting for the right family to come and adopt him. Thankfully, it so happened that there was a family who were waiting for a son of their own, and the little boy was adopted by these kind people.”
I exhale a trembling breath. “That little boy? He’s here, standing in front of you and telling you his story.”
I walk back to the middle and grip the stand. Alicia’s arm goes around me and when I turn to look at her, both of us have tears in our eyes.
I’ve never told anyone my story, and the room is buzzing with loud voices, shock, and disbelief.
I can’t look at Ava yet, because it’s not her pity I’m looking for.
I have to raise my voice until everyone is quiet once again. “I have been incredibly fortunate to find my family, but there are plenty of kids out there who haven’t gotten so lucky. This is why The Dreams Foundation is so close to my heart – I’ve lived through the hardship m
yself.” I take another sip of my water. “Right now we’re focusing on education, but I want us to grow even bigger, and the next step will be to provide shelters and educational programs for kids on the street. For disadvantaged kids who just. Need. A. Break. Our fundraising team will make a presentation shortly about what we’re currently doing with regards to securing donations, so I’ll let them tell you all about it. Of course, we will be in need of a media partner to work alongside us, but we’ve taken care of that discussion on our side. We’d like to keep our team small and hands-on and therefore, there’s a newly formed company, who I refer to as the Dynamic Duo, that I’m keen to do business with.” The audience breaks into laughter and it lifts the heavy atmosphere. “I hope to speak to them afterwards and hopefully we can announce our new partnership soon.”
I pull the mic back out of the stand and walk to the edge of the stage – so that Ava is directly in my view.
“I’m almost done, folks, but there is one final thing I need to say.” I look at Ava and her eyes fix on me. Her cheeks are flushed and I can see a little smear of makeup under her eyes.
“I’d like to say a special thank you to someone who impacted me six years ago and who taught me to follow my dreams, no matter what the circumstances. Someone who showed me how to stick up for myself if it meant it would ultimately be for the greater good.” I fix my eyes on her. “Someone who made me want to become a better person. That someone I’m referring to has had my heart from the moment I met her six years ago, even though we’ve been separated by the paths our lives have taken us on.” I pause, and I can see her eyes are filling with tears. “I dedicate this evening to you. Miss Ava Cortes, I love you.”
Suddenly I can’t see her as the patrons surge to their feet, cheering and clapping, and I’m enveloped in hugs from people who have come onto the stage from all directions. I try to search for her, but the room is exploding with voices, camera flashes, rapturous applause, and the sea of people buries her.
I feel like a tremendous weight has been lifted off my chest, and it feels cathartic revealing my past.
