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“You were right.”
“About what?”
“JJ Wentworth. The son of a bitch had three women he paid off.”
“How did you find that out?”
“We did a little more digging. Probably not entirely legal, but that’s not my issue. We hired a private investigator.”
“Only three? I’m surprised.”
“I’m sure there’s more. I need to speak to the board about how we handle this.”
I glanced at Austin. “Like I said, I don’t want to work with JJ Wentworth.”
“If we still consider purchasing Sunny Sky, he won’t be part of the package. He’s a liability. I’m sorry I doubted you, and I’m sorry you had to put up with his improper behavior.”
“Thank you. Please let me know the outcome.”
“Absolutely. I set up the meeting for Monday. You can sit in if you like.”
“Is it necessary?”
“No, but I have a feeling Spotlight will be passing on the purchase.”
“I’m sorry. I know you were looking forward to branch out.”
“We’ll continue to look for a prospect. I’ll speak with you next week.”
I hung up with Hassan, and an overwhelming feeling of relief washed over me.
“What’s up?” Austin asked.
“Mr. JJ Wentworth had three women he paid off for his misdeeds.”
“Spotlight isn’t going through with the sale?”
“More than likely, not. The board doesn’t like companies who have dirt under their fingernails. The financials are clean, and Sunny Sky is stable, but this stains their reputation even if it was hidden.”
Austin braked as we rounded a curve. “Lucky Spotlight found out before the deal proceeded.”
“It makes me sick to think that if I didn’t attend that dinner, I could’ve been subjected to that predator.”
“I would’ve kicked his ass,” Austin growled.
“I don’t want to discuss it. This has been a perfect day.”
“I agree.”
The board decided to pass on Sunny Sky and told Jameson Wentworth they decided to put any purchase on hold. The search continued, and I wondered what Wentworth would say once Spotlight purchased another company. Would he guess we found out his son’s dirty little secret? It didn’t matter to me; I just wanted to wash my hands of the entire affair and put it out of my mind.
I’ve been dating Austin for five months, and my entire attitude has changed. I did some renovations in my home, making it more cheerful with colors other than black and white. My bedroom is now painted a soft yellow with a colorful duvet cover. I changed the area rugs in all the rooms and went bold with a red couch in my living room. Needless to say, Austin is the reason.
My employees have noticed a change in me, too. I canceled the policy of not allowing personal items on the desks. Of course, it’s within reason, but they all seem happier now that I let them keep pictures and small mementos of loved ones on display.
I began wearing more cheery clothing. The frumpy suits now sit at the back of my closet in exchange for soft, colorful silk, florals, and better fitting skirts and dresses. Austin made me see it’s not what’s on the outside, but how tall I stand and command a room. I can and should be respected no matter what I wear or look like.
Austin continues to buy me small gifts even though I told him to stop. The bracelet which started as one small charm of our vacation in the Maldives has grown to many. I wear it with pride. Two can play the game, and I’ve purchased several gifts for him.
