Page 55 of Under the Mistletoe
“Oh.” She blinks a little behind her glasses before she pushes them back.
“The media ran a story this morning with an image of us from last night all across the page. Given that I’m no longer out and about as much as I was before and am leaving with you, they’ve put two and two together. So now that the article has gone live, the press will be a little more persistent in following me, digging deeper, and I would like to try to get ahead of it. At least here with the board and key clients,” I explain as best I can. The media are assholes, caring little for me or any other notable person. Their only interest is selling their stories. The truth rarely comes into it, and it’s clear by the headlines that they think I’m taking advantage of my employee.
“So what does that mean for us, exactly?” I feel her apprehension.
“As a first step, I would like to officially inform the board. After that, people at work will find out, for sure. The gossip will be confirmed. The media will follow us, follow you. No doubt, they’ll be milling around your apartment, the sprinkler shop…” The more I say out loud, the more remorse I feel. Being with me isn’t easy, especially for someone who doesn’t want to be in the spotlight.
She’s quiet, so I continue. “But it also means we can go out. I can kiss you wherever and whenever I want… I can take you to fancy restaurants, maybe treat you to an amazing pasta dish to repay you for all your amazing cooking.” I smile because I would love to show her off. I can’t wait for people to know she’s mine.
“I’m not going to lie; I’m a little worried, but… it has to happen sometime, right?” I grab her hands, holding them to my chest.
“You don’t need to be afraid. I’ll take care of everything. I just want you to promise me that you’ll tell me the minute anything gets out of hand.”
Her hands circle me, and I hug her tight to my chest.
“Okay… Let’s do it.”
It’s been days, and I’ve slowly moved my chess pieces. I’m trying to be strategic. Ensuring I manage things right while the media continue to have a field day. There was a photo they took of Jessica on the front page this morning, her red scarf on, and the whole article was about where she got such a scarf from. Seriously, these journalists have no intelligence whatsoever if they are reporting on a fucking scarf.
The board has been formally notified by both me and with a fully developed report from legal and HR during a private setting. To be honest, they don't care, as long as a lawsuit doesn’t come our way. And it won't.
The media have taken to following me. The hounding I’m receiving is to be expected. The number of photographers that surround my office building and my penthouse has increased, and all employees have been reminded of their confidentiality clauses in their contracts. Which includes all employee and company information.
Jessica has taken to working in her office a little more, still not venturing out too much, but I know her work is solitary, and she prefers it, so I don’t push her to network more than she is. But I hear the whispers. Something I need to put a stop to.
“Is there anything else we need to capture this month?” My PR manager looks at me. I pause, my eyes running across the other people around the table.
“We have some invitations here for you. One for the textiles dinner at The Met. There’s the trip to Milan coming up, which you’ll need a plus one for.”
“I’m free if you need me to attend with you.” My eyes flick to Ashley as she sits opposite me, her posture straight, confident, not a genuine bone in her body.
“When is The Met dinner?” I ignore Ashley's offer and grab my cell, looking at my schedule.
“It’s in two weeks.”
“Alright. Put me down as attending with a plus one. In terms of Milan, Jessica will be coming with me. Ashley, ensure that Katie has all the key dates and information for her calendar.”
Ashley blanches. “Jessica?” She almost chokes on her name.
“Is that a problem?” I frown.
“We usually organize one of the models from the latest shoot, or someone like Carrington Noble is also available,” my PR manager says, and I take a deep breath.
“It will be Jessica. And while we’re talking about it, I need a press release drafted, one of a more personal nature.”
“Personal, sir?” My PR manager looks at me in confusion.
“The media articles are out of control,” I state, and she nods.
“I mean, it’s ridiculous. How they even think that you and Jay Jay are together, we have no idea. Perhaps you shouldn’t take her to the event; that will only fuel the flame.”
I frown, not sure what she’s thinking.
“Again, I’m more than happy to be your plus one. I have the perfect outfit already,” Ashley jumps in, and I realize they’re not getting it.
“That could work…” my PR manager says, nodding, and I’m already shaking my head, about to set them straight with the truth, but she continues.
“Donovan, with all due respect. The increased media attention is unusual, but have you thought that maybe she has orchestrated it? To increase her profile? It isn’t the first time a woman has done such a thing,” Ashley adds, more vocal in this meeting than any other, and my frown deepens.
