Page 72 of Playing A Risk
“To remove the clause, we only need seven of the twelve board members to vote in favor of renegotiating your contract. As of today, I’ve secured five of those votes. All that’s left to do is figure out the other two we want to approach before the vote occurs.”
Hunter rests against the pool table. “Who are the members you’ve talked with?”
“There’s you, Jonah, myself, and now I have Gerald and Douglas on our side. I met with them before the Christmas ball. They understand the situation and have given us their support.” Patrick takes a puff on his cigar.
My mind hooks to the most obvious question I have. “What about Ava? Won’t her dad flip when he finds out the reason for the removal is so Hunter and I can explore our relationship out in the open?”
“Hunter, have you not discussed this with Dori?” Patrick glances at Hunter.
He stares at me for a second too long. There’s a lot more to this situation I don’t understand. And Ava seems to be a part of it.
My pulse quickens. “Hunter, this is my career and life we’re talking about. Tell me what this is all about.”
CHAPTER 18
HUNTER
Well,that didn’t go as planned. Since my dad told us he’s recruited Douglas and Gerald in my quest to change Dorothy’s contract, she’s been anxiously waiting to discuss what’s going on.
My stomach twists and turns all the way back to my place. Once we’re settled in, I prepare myself to come clean with Dorothy. I’m half expecting her to leave after this conversation.
I step into my library where Dorothy’s searching for a Christmas book to read to Jonah, Mel, and me before we all go to bed. “I thought I’d find you in here.”
She pulls out a copy ofA Christmas Carolby Charles Dickens. “This is a great book, but too long to read tonight.”
“I’d have to agree.”
“Save me some time. Do you have any short Christmas stories I can read to you guys?”
“Not one that I can think of.” I scan the shelves. “Before you look some more, I wanted to answer your earlier question.”
She puts the book she has back in its place. “Right now?”
“Yes. It would be best.”
“Why?”
“Because I want to give you your Christmas gift, but you need to hear this first.” I gesture to the chairs in front of the fireplace. “Let’s go over there. You’ll be more comfortable.”
She shrugs and moves to the area. “But you’re not turning on the fireplace because I want this discussion to be short.”
“I’ll do my best.” My breathing accelerates. “The thing is, this has to do with my agreement with Ava.”
“Ava?” Dorothy bites down on her lower lip. “Hunter, do I want to hear this?”
“Probably not.” I swallow all my reserves. “But it’s time you know the truth.”
“Okay, then I’ll sit.” She grabs a blanket and wraps it around her shoulders.
I take a seat across from her. “Ava and I have dissolved our agreement, so most of this is a moot point. But the rest I’m terrified to tell you.”
“You’re scaring me, so just say it.”
I nod as the muscles in my neck tighten. “I’ve been working hard to right all my wrongs. You deserve that much of me. And I plan on giving you nothing but honesty from here on out.”
Dorothy tugs the blanket tighter. “Are you saying you lied to me about Ava and you?”
I clasp my hands together. “Not about our agreement, but the basis of that, yes.”
