Page 69 of Abigail's King

“I know it’s a lot to consider, and that you are worried about how much it is going to cost you. But you don’t have to. I have more money than I need, and you have always been like the daughter I could never have. This is my gift to you.”

I was shocked. I couldn’t believe that Jo was just going to give me her agency. There was no way I could accept that.

“Jo, I can’t accept this. Not your entire life’s work. It must have cost you a fortune over the years. You can’t just give it away.”

“I can and I will, Abigail. I have already spoken to Martin, and he agrees. He knows how much you mean to me, and in all honesty, if it hadn’t been for you, the agency wouldn’t have been so successful. This is the right thing to do. The right time for me to bow out of the industry gracefully. I can still be around if you need any advice or help. And I would love to continue to help Elizabeth with her charity. Perhaps I may start doing that full-time. I have more than enough money. If it makes you feel better, you can pay me a minimal wage, but I will only give it away to charity. This is my thank you, to you, for everything you have done for me. Also, I don’t want to see you stressing yourself out at such an important time in your life. This will make things easier for you.”

I wouldn’t be able to thank Jo enough for this. She had taken me under her wing when I first started with the agency. She had seen what no one else had and allowed me to become the model I was today. I knew this was a prospect that I couldn’t dismiss. I would never get a chance like this again.

“I really don’t know what to say. Thank you. Thank you for this, and for always being there and looking out for me over the years. I wouldn’t be the woman or model I am today if it wasn’t for you. You will always have a place here at the agency, and I would love it if you would be a silent partner in the business. What you do with any profits is entirely up to you, but I cannot accept everything.”

She smiled at me. She hadn’t fully gotten her way, but it was a happy compromise that both of us could accept.

“I will get my solicitor on to it tomorrow. I will stay in charge until that baby is born and you have got yourself settled. Then we can discuss things more.”

I was happy with how our conversation had gone this afternoon. I had been worried that I would upset Jo by giving up my modelling career that she had helped to build. But as usual, she understood me completely and this was the perfect solution for us both.

All I had to do now was get through the next seven months, with or without the man I loved.

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