If I'd ever needed closure, I didn’t anymore.
There was nothing left to close.
Mallory settled next to me, one leg crossed over the other, looking confident. Relaxed, but also alert. I kept both feet on the floor. Guarded. Braced for battle.
“We’d like to begin with a formal apology.” Marsha folded her hands on the table. “Our initial determination, based on internal documentation and a subsequently deleted social media post, led us to conclude that you had breached the termination provisions outlined in your contract with the station.” She paused. “That was incorrect.”
I blinked. I knew all that, but I kept my face neutral.
“We have since reviewed new evidence,” she continued, nodding toward a thick stack of papers the station’s attorney slid across the table.
Evidence I had gathered—testimonies from the tour bus.
Marla.
Josie.
Tay.
Joe.
Even Ed.
People who’d seen me—seen Noah and me. People who'd confirmed the truth: that whatever happened between us had started after embarking on the trip.
“In order to avoid full litigation, Mr. Dunlap will not deny that he made unauthorized modifications to your contract. He has also admitted that certain statements he made—both internally and publicly—may constitute defamatory claims regarding your conduct, resulting in reputational harm and constituting a breach of his contractual obligations.”
Across the table, Leo shifted uncomfortably, avoiding my eyes completely.
Coward.
“These,” the attorney said, tapping the papers, “include your submitted evidence, as well as the station’s internal findings.”
Mallory’s hand brushed mine under the table—a silent, steadying reminder that we’d brought receipts.
Marsha’s voice softened slightly. “Accordingly, the station has terminated all contracts with Mr. Dunlap. Effective immediately. He is no longer affiliated with our programming and, going forward, will be barred from entering the premises.”
Barred from…? Leo…?
“Wait,” I said, my throat dry. “So, the show?—?”
“Has been pulled entirely,” Marsha said. “We’ll be rebranding the timeslot.”
My show.
It wouldn’t go on without me. Oddly, I felt relief along with the sadness.
I wouldn’t have to watch him and Kensi flirting in my kitchen anymore, using my ingredients, my recipes, my favorite saucepan, my herbs.
It was over.
Done.
“What about all that stuff you posted about me?” I directed this question at Leo.
“The defamatory content has been removed.” Mr. Miller answered for him.
“And we’ve prepared a public clarification that will run this week,” the station manager added. “It is obviously best for everyone concerned to refrain from going public with additional details, so the station is willing to offer you a settlement.”
