Chapter 43

Jay

Richard Lawson was the best lawyer in Minnesota, and had represented Passions Publishing since Jay founded the company in college. While Jay liked to consider Richard a friend, there was no discount on his services, and in the hour he’d sat in his office recounting every detail he could remember, Passions Publishing had racked up a bill larger than the average mortgage payment.

“So, after the oral agreement, you had paperwork drawn up?” Richard asked Jay, who was now slouching in the stiff chair across from the glass topped desk.

“She did,” Jay corrected him, perking up in his seat at the possibility of good news.

“Mmm hmm,” Richard said, jotting down notes on his legal pad.

“What do you think?” Jay asked.

“You know I’m going to give it to you straight, Jay.” Richard began, and Jay knew there was no good news to come. He placed his pen on the desk gently before continuing with his undivided attention. “I’ve looked over the contract, and regardless of the wording, there is no way she can guarantee another person’s employment. Without Kasey’s involvement, there’s no way Renee could offer such an exchange.”

“So, that makes the contract void, right?” Jay was on the edge of his seat now, hopeful and doubtful all at the same time.

“Not exactly. Everything in the contract is legally binding, Jay. You made an agreement, and Renee’s legal team worded it very inconspicuously, which will make it hard to fight in court.”

“She’s a snake.”

“I can’t believe you did business with her. All these years, she’s done nothing but steal your ideas and staff. I’ve got to ask about the change of heart,” Richard asked, with sincerity in his eyes.

“Sheer stupidity,” Jay answered flatly, feeling the last of his hope sink to the endless pit in his stomach.

Richard nodded slowly before rising from his seat and walking to a bookshelf across his office. He opened a cabinet to reveal a few glass bottles, retrieving a bottle of Glenlivet Scotch and two glasses.

“You need a drink, my friend.” Richard poured a double into both glasses, handing one to Jay before sitting across from him in a leather seat.

“Thanks,” Jay took a gulp of the Scotch, exhaling as the amber liquid warmed his chest. Leaning his head back, he racked his brain for solutions that had eluded him for days. He knew there had to be a way out of the deal, he just couldn’t figure out what it was.

“It’s not the worst thing, Jay. A shake-up has been known to ignite companies,” Richard added, taking a sip of his Scotch.

“Well, this is definitely a shake-up, that’s for sure.” Jay lifted the cup until he’d drank all of the alcohol before placing the tumbler on the glass table between them.

“My advice would be for you to think of ways to diversify. So, don’t just rebuild what you lost, think about a better way to add to the existing publishing houses. I mean, you’re not starting from zero. You have options,” Richard added, taking another swig of his drink.

“I hope you weren’t drinking with your previous meeting. I like sober advice,” Jay joked.

“You’ll notice I didn’t chug mine like I was twenty-one,” he shot back, glancing at Jay’s empty glass.

“Oh, fuck! This is a disaster!” Jay exclaimed, more to himself than Richard.

He’d been holding back his disappointment, but now that Richard had all but assured him that there was no fixing his misstep, it felt like too much to take. Jay was always the smart one in business, never risking too much, but this was more than anyone could imagine. He’d practically given the company away.

“You’ve given yourself the opportunity to rebuild, fresh!” Richard somehow managed to remain optimistic, and Jay tried to accept his lawyer’s feedback, but it was difficult.

“I’m going to head back to the office,” Jay solemnly announced, slowly rising from his seat. He was a little foggy after the drink, but knew he needed to get to work finding a solution.

“I won’t stop working on this, Jay,” Richard reminded him, shaking his hand before walking Jay to the door of his office.

“Sounds good.”

The ride back to the office was like all Jay’s recent—silent. Danny had learned to keep his thoughts to himself after Jay snapped at him the previous day. His temper was flaring nonstop, always seconds away from an explosion.

Leaning back against the headrest, Jay felt the weight of the world on his shoulders. There was no new news to tell Mitchell, and he had to own up to the consequences they would face as a company, whatever they may be.

He had always downplayed Renee’s ability to offer any real competition, but she had gotten the better of him in their exchange, and for that he was sick. It was losing that felt worse than anything else. He had nothing to show for his loss, and Renee was gloating in her success.

“You can leave for the day, Danny. I’ll be in the office late,” Jay announced to Danny’s surprise. Almost all of his instructions recently had come directly from Jessica, Jay’s assistant.

“I won’t be far, so if you need me, don’t hesitate,” Danny added, as Jay exited the backseat. He’d been trying to think of ways to assist his boss, but when it came to business, Jay was the expert.

“Hi, Mr. Canton!” A blonde woman cheered as he entered Passions Publishing. Jay waved, though he was unable to muster a smile.

He tried reminding himself of all the people depending on him, but nothing seemed to fix his mood. As far as he was concerned, he’d ruined the company.

Taking the back way, he hoped to avoid Mitchell, who would have the right to be more upset at the news that they were stuck with the deal Jay struck. While he couldn’t avoid him forever, Jay wasn’t ready to face him just yet.

The office was buzzing, as the staff held meetings and creative brainstorming sessions as if everything was normal. He waved as the employees called out to him, before ducking into his office.

He was shocked to see Kasey standing next to the bar in the corner of his office. She looked pale, and a bit disheveled, but still beautiful. Wearing a black shift dress and high heels, she looked sleek and professional. Her hair was pulled up in a bun with small diamond earrings sparkling in the sunlight.

“You look like you need a drink,” she said, after Jay failed to acknowledge her.

He was staring in disbelief, wondering if it was the whiskey playing games with his mind. He didn’t know if she knew all he’d gone through to get her back, but now it was too late.

“I’ve already had too much,” Jay groaned, rubbed his eyes before running his fingers through his hair.

“Then let me take you to lunch,” she responded quickly, too quickly. “I need to talk to you.”

Jay could sense that she was not taking no for an answer. Kasey had come to his office with a mission, and he knew her well enough to know she would not back down easily. She was much like him, unwilling to take no for an answer without at least putting up a fight.

“Where do you want to go?” Jay asked, just to drag out her plan.

“We can go wherever you want, but I had a place in mind.”

“I want to go to Migos,” he suggested, bringing a smile to her face. It was the first time he’d seen her relax in a while, and he took the first deep breath he’d had in days.

“You remembered,” she blushed.

“I did,” he nodded, still unable to smile himself.

“Okay, Migos it is.”

“Should I call my driver?” he asked.

“No need, I’ll drive you,” she quickly replied, heading towards the door.

Jay paused, enjoying watching her body sway with every step before falling in behind her. His plan to get back to work had been easily pushed aside, but he had no regret. He needed to hear Kasey out, regardless of what she wanted to say. He felt he owed her that much, so he went along, anxious to hear what she had to say.