“If you refuse,” Mr. Johnson says, “we will invoke Article Ten of your contract. You’ll wrap your current season, which ends this week, and we’ll part ways.”
“And I keep all rights toGianna Knows Things?” I ask.
Mr. Brevard nods. “You do.”
I look at Francine, and she nods subtly, urging me to turn this down. So I take a long, deep breath and blow it out slowlybefore I speak. I give myself time to regret the decision, but the longer I sit with it, the more it makes sense.
“I’m sorry,” I say. “You’ll have to invoke Article Ten because I can’t agree to this. I’ve sacrificed a lot in my life because of who I am and what I love. If I don’t embrace it now, what was the point?”
The suits look at each other and implement a predetermined plan.
“You’ll need to clean out your office immediately,” Mr. Johnson says. “You can return for your show on Friday, but you will need to leave the premises right after. May we also remind you that you cannot disparage Canoodle Media or any of its associates on air or otherwise.”
“I would never.”
“Great.” Mr. Johnson stands and shakes my hand, then Francine’s. “It was nice working with you ladies. I’ll have security usher you out, Gianna.”
Francine and I get to our feet. But, as we rise, so do Drake and Mario.
I shiver as I watch Drake gather his things.What’s he doing?
“Mr. Bennett?” Mr. Brevard says, apparently unsure what’s happening as well.
He bites the inside of his cheek as he lifts his gaze to Mr. Brevard. “I’m going with her.”
“What?” I say before I can stop myself. “Drake …”
“I’m not working for a company that would talk to a woman like that,” he says calmly, as if he doesn’t give a shit what Mr. Brevard says. “You tried to steamroll her into doing what you want so you could essentially steal her brand.” He looks at me and smiles proudly. “She’s too smart to let that happen.”
Fucking tears again.
“We’re ready and willing to renegotiate your contract next week,” Mr. Johnson says. “You’ll be properly compensated in accordance with the move.”
Drake chuckles, shaking his head. “Money is not an issue for me. Have you ever looked up my contracts from when I played pro ball?”
My jaw drops. I haven’t thought of that.How much money does he have?
Drake laughs at the look on my face.
“I’m tendering my resignation, effective immediately,” he says. “You can send any communications for either of us, me or Miss Bardot, to my attorney.”
I drop my pen and paper and race around the table. Drake catches me as I fling myself into his arms in front of everyone. He’s never held me tighter.
“I’m sorry,” I say, whispering in his ear. “You have no idea how sorry I am.”
He presses a kiss to the side of my face. “You have nothing to be sorry for. Just promise it’s out of your system because I can’t do this again.”
I half laugh, half sob as I hold his face in my hands. I stare into his beautiful blue eyes. “I love you, Drake.”
He presses a soft kiss to my lips, then smiles. “I know.”
Our fingers lace together as the security team from downstairs arrives to lead us out of the building.
CHAPTER
THIRTY-SIX
Gianna
