“So what happens now?” I ask quietly, not sure what the process is or what else needs to happen.
“Nothing really. You go about your everyday lives as you normally would. If you leave the premises, you may find yourself harassed by the media, but don't let it stop you. And don't let it stop you from being seen with any of the guys, andmost definitelydo not let it stop you from showing each other affection. Soon enough, the media will get used to it and move on. We’re going to throw them Ninja Starfish’s story this week, which will distract them, then some other celebrity duo will fuck and raise some public outcry. Before you know it, you will be old news.”
“Thank you, Hope.” Dad smiles at her affectionately. “You are such an asset to our business, not to mention our family.”
“Yes, it was a wonderful day for us when Holden dragged you home from college because you had nowhere to go that first Thanksgiving.” Nana smiles joyously, and I just love the way they've accepted her into the family. Much the way they accept me now.
“Okay, let’s open the table to whatever other news we need to talk about, and then we’ll get to the twins,” Dad says, looking around the table. “I know quite a lot happened today, so let’s catch up.”
“I got a phone call from Hank. He was down in New Zealand with the winter team, and Slade Fairchild took a fall and tore his ACL. I’ve arranged for him to see the best orthopedic surgeon on the West Coast, but that just pushes up his retirement from the team. His contract finishes in a couple of months, and he didn't want to renew it. He has a young family at home and didn't want to be away from them for such long periods of time.”
“Make sure you send his wife a bunch of flowers from us all, dear, assuring her we will take care of everything. Make it clear that he will earn out the rest of his contract regardless. The last thing they need to be worrying about is money,” Nana instructs Kai, and I smile. She’s so sweet. Of course the company will be taking care of everything, but it’s the small gestures that count.
“We have excellent insurance policies on all the athletes, Nana. He and his family will be fine,” Kai reassures her.
“I guess I’m next,” Declan calls out, looking smug. “I put out some feelers to the networks regarding the search for a new member of Ninja Starfish, and even without naming who the band is, I have a bidding war. Especially after today’s announcement.” His smug smile drops, and he looks at me. “I’m sorry that bitch outed us like that, but I’m not ashamed or embarrassed, and I will not hide our relationship. I’m pretty sure she hoped it would hurt our business, but it had the opposite effect for me. Star Network has picked up both that and the Neighpalm Ink one, so we are looking good for the next twelve to eighteen months.”
“I’m happy for you, Dec, but it was a disaster for me.” I feel my anger start to rise. Not at Declan, so much, but at the situation. “For all of you guys, any publicity is probably good publicity, but my life and career are much different. Having a ‘scandal’ like this linked to my name is basically the final nail in my coffin. It was bad enough after the billboard when I got turned away before I even had a chance to interview.” I stop, trying to control the tears that want to enter my eyes. On the other side of Jaxon, Jacinta looks so freaking guilty. “That, I probably could have worked around since it was only up briefly and we played it off as an error, but there is no way I’ll be able to recover from this one. I got a rejection letter for almost every single job I applied to yesterday. Theyneverrespond that quickly. The chances of me getting a job now are slim to none.”
Did I plan to blurt that out to everyone? No. But if I’m correct about Jaxon already spilling the beans to Dad, and therefore Hope, it was only a very short matter of time before the entire family knew.
Jaxon grabs my hand and squeezes it reassuringly. “Don’t stress, Harlow. Between all of us, we will find a solution for you. We’re good at that kind of thing. Summers stick together, and if all else fails, our checkbooks have amazing power.”
The attitudes of these people still blow my mind. Nothing that money can’t fix. I almost giggle a little hysterically, but I manage to push it back down. Jaxon pulls me closer, wrapping an arm around my shoulder, and I lean in, accepting the comfort he provides. You’d think it might be awkward with all of us being here, particularly Nana, Poppy, and Dad, but there’s something about accepting this comfort that just feels so natural to me. That warm, homey feeling is lit up in me once more.
Thomas clears his throat, giving Declan a glare that’s definitely a bit cranky. “Yes, I have to agree with Harlow. Unfortunately, it hasn’t worked well for me either. That airline we’re trying to buy has bumped their dinner up to two days from now. If we still want to be in with a chance to buy it, we need to leave for Europe tomorrow.”
“And that’s going to be seen as you running away,” Hope helpfully points out, causing Thomas to scowl.
“I know, but unless we give up on the company, I’m not sure what else we should do. I hate to think that I might be losing out to the slimy fucking Russian again.”
“Who cares what people think? We’ll just cut the trip short. In and out, no chance for Harlow's stalker to realize where we’ve gone. No side trips, just straight to Prague and dinner, wow the sellers, pick us up a new airline, and straight home.” Holden’s lighthearted attitude lifts a little of the tension that had developed. “RSVP and tell them we are all coming. That should wow the buyer. Who else gets all the Summers at his dinner table?”
“Wow, arrogant much?” Jacinta teases him, and he shrugs.
“Who knows? It might just be what is needed to tip the balance in our direction.”
“It’s a good idea, actually,” Dad muses, “but I think maybe not all of us. I think it would have more impact if you six and Harlow went. It will show a united front and that we’re not afraid your relationship is going to damage our business. The media and our business connections need to get used to seeing you guys as a complete package. We don’t need someone’s business if they’re only willing to deal with one Summers at a time so that they can pretend your relationships don’t exist. Not to mention it will show that asshole that Clarissa’s actions were nothing but an inconvenience.”
“But, but, I’m not involved in the relationship,” Thomas stammers, sounding surprised and a little confused, but Nana just waves that imperious hand again. I swear, she’s got it down to an art form. I think I might need her to teach me. It’s like the ultimate power move, stopping these Summers men in their tracks.
“It’s all about public perception,” she assures him with that devious little glint to her eye and smirk on her mouth.
“Oh yeah, exactly. Plus, I’m sure it will be no hardship to fake it until you make it,” Jacinta adds in, looking at me with the same conniving glint in her eye. Damn it, this is payback for lunch the other day. I knew it was coming.
Hope claps her hands and jumps up and down in her seat. “Yes, Brad, yes! That is perfect. It shows they’re embracing what they feel for Harlow, and she for them. Normally, I would drop hints to the media, but for Harlow's safety, we won’t. Maybe I’ll contact someone I trust to take a few photos of you guys boarding the jet or something as you leave Czech Republic.”
I can practically see the hamster wheel furiously running in Hope’s mind as she makes a few notes on her phone. My eyes move around the table, noting the shared confusion, and I’m glad I’m not the only one. I mean, I know why it would be good for the company, but how does “dating” me help Thomas out?
“For those of you who don't know, the slimy Russian that Tom is referring to is the asshole that Clarissa sold our plans to. He will undoubtedly want to rub it in Thomas’ face to make us look bad. He does that kind of dirty backhanded dealing where he’d bring up Tom’s personal life to try to sour his chance to make the business connections we need. But if Tom shows up with a beautiful girl on his arm, boldly and bravely claiming his part in an unconventional relationship, well, who’s going to listen to anything that bastard has to say?”
Oh, I can see how that riles up the brothers, and I can’t help but get angry too. That bitch did significant damage to Thomas’ soul, and to have it rubbed in his face has got to hurt. It’s not like it will be a hardship to pretend I’m dating him as well. Everyone keeps insisting that he will come around, and even though I’m still not sure about the likelihood of that, I can give it a try for a few days. What’s the worst that could happen?
“I’m all in,” I announce to the table, and Nana actually gives a little fist pump. Thomas does a double take and raises a questioning brow. “I hate smug assholes like that... and I guess itwilldistract me for a couple of days. As long as it’s okay with Thomas, of course,” I quickly finish, a little unsure. Rejection is never fun, even if it would be rejection for a pretend relationship.
For the first time, Thomas looks a little like he doesn't know what to say. He runs his hand through his red hair a couple of times, and by the last swipe, it’s standing up more than Oliver’s messy style. He heaves a big sigh. “I loathe that fucking Russian and the thought of him winning again. Fuck it! I’m in.”
The rest of the table cheers, and I roll my eyes. This family.
