Four Months Later
New York City
At least twenty media outlets waited in front of a large podium in the lobby of Armstrong International’s Manhattan headquarters. I peeked at the them from behind the navy curtain that made a U-shape around the dais.
“Wow,” I muttered. “More people than I expected.”
“All you have to do is send out a press release about the Armstrongs, and the dogs come running,” Gregory replied. He gave me a grateful smile, and I appreciated it. He’d expected me to fire him, but I still hadn’t. He was trying, and I’d been in a mood to be forgiving, almost as a new start for the company. I wanted to show him, and everyone else around me, I wasn’t like the Davis Armstrongs who had come before me.
“Your grandfather was notorious for only talking to the media when he wanted something. They’re curious, and that’s one of the best things we have going right now.”
“We’re safe. I don’t know why all the analysts said the company would collapse after Grandfather’s death.”
“Because they don’t know you.” Gregory clapped me on the shoulder. Despite my initial misgivings about him, I had to admit he’d been a huge asset in this transition. His advice had been sound and thoughtful. “But I’ve gotten to see what you can do over the last few weeks, and this is going to be one hell of a ride.”
“This is going to blow them over.” I held up the thick file I’d carried down from my office. “Gotham Gardens will be fantastic.”
“Inspired,” he replied as Samantha arrived at my side.
“Hey there,” she said. I kissed her on the cheek. She wore a black skirt, matching blazer, and a red blouse that hugged her curves and accentuated her waistline. Red lipstick highlighted her features and made her teeth gleam. “Are you ready?”
“I am now that you’re here.” I took her hand and squeezed it. “Thanks for doing this.”
“Wouldn’t have missed it.” A broad smile crossed her lips. “I can’t wait to see you take this next step.”
“Me either.”
“All right you two,” Gregory said. “I don’t think we can keep them waiting any longer. Shall we?”
“Yes.” I glanced at Samantha, and she nodded too. “We shall.”
Gregory motioned to William, Armstrong International’s PR director, and he stepped onto the dais from behind the curtain. A hush coursed through the lobby, and after a quick introduction from him, some instrumental music played. I gave Samantha’s hand another squeeze and walked the two of us to the podium.
“Good afternoon,” I said into the microphone. “As you all know, I’m Davis Armstrong the third, and the new CEO of Armstrong International.”
Applause traveled across the lobby. Behind the smattering of media outlets stood about a hundred Armstrong employees. My employees. I gazed at them and realized for the first time how much I’d taken on since my grandfather’s death. The whole trajectory of my life had changed in a few weeks, but I also knew I could handle it. I was bred for it.
“I take the helm of the company my grandfather loved with a new vision. A new goal. Together, we’re going to position Armstrong as a leader in the twenty-first century. That includes new ideas, bold new steps, and a new emphasis on technology and innovation.”
I moved toward a large easel near the podium. A black cloth covered it. With a swoop, I pulled away the cloth and introduced the Gotham Gardens logo for the first time.
“This is a five-hundred-million-dollar investment, and today I am proud to announce the launch of this property. When complete, Gotham Gardens will be the premier tech and green energy incubator in New York City. I’m proud to have hired some of the sharpest minds in the industry for this project.” I gestured, and a large projector screen descended from the ceiling. “This short video will show you more about the vision we have for this investment, and the direction we are going.”
A staffer dimmed the lights, and the five-minute promotional video began to play on the large screen. I’d seen it dozens of times and knew the contents as well as my hand, so I took advantage of the moment and stepped closer to Samantha.
“I’m proud of you,” she murmured.
“Thank you. I’ve made some incredible decisions throughout my life, haven’t I?”
She laughed and rolled her eyes. “Ever the humble man, Mr. Armstrong. And what are those incredible decisions? Gotham Gardens?” God, I love this woman.
“That and a few more.” That earned another eye-roll. “But by far the best decision I made was claiming you as mine ten years ago. That will always be my greatest accomplishment. I love you and always will.”
With tears in her eyes, she said, “I love you too, Davis. I love you too.”
“I can’t imagine being here without you,” I said. I found her hand in the darkness again. “To the future.”
I had to admit, it had never looked brighter.
The End