CHAPTER 31
Jason
M y business partner , Chris, approaches. His gray hair gleams under the chandelier lights before he slaps my shoulder. “Sterling.”
I do the same, then introduce Valentina.
Chris shakes her hand, tilting his head. “A pleasure. Have we met before?”
“Yes, we have.” Humor glints in her dark eyes. “I’ll let Jason explain later.”
His brows narrow as he attempts to figure out the scenario like the investigative journalist he once was. Then he flashes her a charming grin. “Can I steal your date for a sec, Miss Valentina?”
When she nods, we step aside, and Chris raises his voice over the MC testing his microphone. “That guy you fired?” He looks around as if to make sure no one’s listening. “He’s threatening HR with a lawsuit. Says it’s wrongful termination.”
Austin won’t be the first grumbling employee. I sigh, my gaze drifting over to Valentina chatting with other guests. “That’s why we have a legal team.”
Chris rubs his jaw, his shoulders still taut. “Is that the same Valentina you cost us from hiring?”
I roll my eyes. “I like you better when you don’t remember things.”
He shakes his head. “Your assistant was right, thinking you had a romantic history involved.”
I catch Valentina’s eye this time. She smiles, unaware she’s the subject. “Things change, but Beatrix will be fired next if she can’t tame her tongue.”
“Next time, keep me in the loop before firing major staff.” His backslap this time knocks me forward a half step. “Not sure I can trust your abrupt judgment anymore.”
We mingle as servers pass cocktails and appetizers. Then Valentina and I find our table with three other couples—media executives and their partners, all familiar faces in the industry. The light banter and polite laughter provide a perfect backdrop as the waitstaff serve dinner. Savory beef bourguignon with vegetables or a delicate vegetarian risotto. Valentina opts for the risotto, having eaten enough meat at the previous party. I choose the mouthwatering beef.
As we eat, our head of public relations, a charismatic woman with a sharp wit, takes the stage, warming up the crowd with her engaging presence. She then introduces me, and I head up as a hush falls over the room. The attention always feels heavy at these events.
I take a deep breath as I adjust the mic on my collar. “Good evening, everyone. Thank you for being here tonight. What an honor to see so many familiar faces and welcome new friends who share our vision.”
My gaze flickers to Valentina, her smile a beacon in the sea of faces. “This year has been a landmark for Family Sphere TV station. We’ve reached milestones that seemed distant dreams not long ago.” I weave through our accomplishments, our strategic expansions, and our vision for the coming years. Warmth spreads through me. We’re not doing bad for a new network less than twelve years in the making. “This success is not mine alone but belongs to our dedicated team, our steadfast partners, and our loyal viewers.”
The room buzzes as I nod toward the crowd, careful to avoid Daisy and Scott’s table. “Your support is the foundation of our growth and success.” I let the applause fade for a moment. “Tonight’s charity is close to my heart. As a single dad, I understand the hurdles single parents face. With your support tonight, we aim to bolster those bravely navigating this path. Thank you for walking this journey with us. Let’s enjoy the evening and forge new alliances. Cheers!”
Applause rings out as I descend from the podium, the weight on me lifting with each step.
Valentina’s beaming smile guides me back to her, and she slides her arm around my waist, her whisper warm against my ear. “You did great!”
With her by my side, I’m ready to step into a future I hadn’t dared to imagine these last few years. After dessert, the soft background music creates a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for easy conversation and networking as Valentina and I move from table to table.
Despite my intention to introduce her to key business contacts, she commands attention on her own, charming everyone she speaks with. I find myself separated from her, pulled aside by guests keen on discussing collaborations. But each time I glance back at Valentina, my chest swells. She handles every interaction with grace and warmth, her laughter mingling with the soft clinks of glasses and the subtle hum of conversations.
Caught up in an animated discussion about new media trends, I’m jarred by the sensation of being watched. I catch Daisy’s gaze from across the room. She’s engaged in conversation with two women, but her attention is fixed on me. I divert my eyes, focusing on the positive energy around me. I’ve ignored her recent attempts to reach out. I won’t let her rend my daughter’s heart again.
Garrett, a longtime friend and fellow business network member, claps me on the shoulder. “Ho ho, look who’s here!”
“Good to see you.” I shake his hand.
“Is she the catch you couldn’t stop texting last time?” He nods toward Valentina engaged in a discussion nearby.
I smirk. “It was just a lunch meeting. I could get away with a text.”
Garrett, a casting director with a keen eye for talent, remains one of the noblest people I know. He and I worked together as business journalists right after college, but he didn’t want to work at my small network.
“We should plan a Jet Ski-day soon.” I suggest our biannual summer water day when he usually joins me with my friends.
“I might only pull off one trip this summer.” He winces. “We’re starting a new health-and-wellness show this fall. Means going through hires. I dread things like that.”
Another mutual friend joins, bringing news from another corner of the industry. Soon, the evening transitions into its music phase, and guests drift into the ballroom. There, the lights dim, and a well-known musician takes the stage, his melodic voice soothing the atmosphere. The dance floor beckons, and Valentina and I join the swirl of guests. The moment diffuses any earlier tensions.
“Your speech was wonderful.” She leans close enough for her whisper to tickle my ear.
“And you’re a star here. Known and still loved by everyone.”
“So are you.” She scans the other dancers. “Is Daisy here?”
I’d rather not talk about my ex right now. “Thank you for coming with me.”
Valentina’s smile broadens, her eyes sparkling. “I wouldn’t have missed it for anything.” Her arms encircle me in a gentle embrace. “You didn’t tell me about your single-parent organization.”
“It’s not a big deal.”
“You’re a noble man, Grumps.”
A warm glow radiates through me. But there’s not enough support for the many single parents struggling to balance work and childcare.
“I wish I could do more.”
“Any little bit helps.”
The charity auction begins at around eleven p.m., and Valentina and I dive into the spirited bidding, laughing and competing with other guests. We only win tickets to a movie premiere, but she seems happy about it.
After Chris closes the event with words of gratitude, the ballroom empties. Valentina and I linger to thank every guest personally. With a handful of people left in the room, Daisy joins us, Scott in tow, her black dress swaying, her blonde hair styled in waves. She used to be the center of my life, and while she’s beautiful, I see her in a different light now.
“Jason!” Scott offers a curt nod, which I return with equal stiffness. The man has a daughter in college. It makes sense Daisy settled with him since he’s not planning to have more kids. Valentina extends a hand, her smile poised, and introduces herself.
“All successful men have a smart woman behind them.” Scott’s gaze skims over Valentina, his expression unreadable.
“You’ve got quite a catch,” Daisy says, relaxed as usual. She introduces herself to Valentina, using her maiden name. “I’m a longtime fan of your show.”
Valentina’s smile tightens as she glances at me, perhaps piecing together the connection. “Jason mentioned you enjoyed my work.”
Daisy nods, then refocuses on me. “You didn’t return my calls.”
“If you want to talk to your daughter, you’ll have to show up.” I squeeze my teeth to contain my calm. “I have no energy for your false promises.”
“How am I supposed to know when you’re home?” She adjusts her beaded clutch tucked by her elbow.
“You’ve lost the privilege of knowing when we’re home.” I’m done being silent while she does whatever. “She’s out of school until mid-August.”
I look toward the exit, eager to escape, but Scott engages Valentina. Thankfully, his questions seem professional. My gaze lingers on her as she handles the situation with composure, unlike the tension between Daisy and me.
Daisy pivots to face Valentina, clearly aware she and I aren’t going to get anywhere in our conversation. “If anyone is going to be the mother of my kids,” she says, and Scott stops talking, deferring to his wife, “I’d rather it’s a woman who teaches them to handle things on their own.” Daisy’s history of indifference surfaces, a trait that makes her interactions complex. She never holds grudges, nor does she grasp the impact of her actions.
“I assume you’ve met my kids by now?” she asks Valentina.
“Your kids are wonderful, and they adore you.”
Daisy winces. “I know it’s hard to understand. I love the idea that I have kids, but I’m not meant to be a mom.” You’d think she and Valentina were old friends.
“I was miserable when I became a parent. But I’m at peace. I know Jason takes good care of them—he’s a kid person.” Her voice cracks, her eyes soften, and her large earrings sway with each seemingly heartfelt word. Scott, sensing his place, drifts toward the entrance, giving them space. “Your show opened my eyes to go back and do what I love. Not that Jason was holding me back, but I was so reliant on him.” Daisy shares her journey back to her modeling career, speaking of her newfound independence and how it feels right to pursue her passions.
Valentina listens, nodding from time to time. “You’ll always be their mom, regardless.” Valentina’s response holds no judgment. “If you ever have a moment, come by and say hello. They don’t expect you to do anything you don’t want to do.”
Their conversation ends with Daisy in tears. She wraps her arms around Valentina and then embraces me, which softens me a tad. “Jason, you’ve scored a gem. I’m so happy for you two.”
I draw out a breath. The anger I’d held over the years melts with my newfound understanding. “The kids are doing great.” My voice catches. “I’m happy you found your dream.”
As Daisy prepares to leave, she exchanges numbers with Valentina, promising to stay in touch. The evening, which started with tension, concludes with reconciliation and hope. In the end, things have a way of working out just as they should.
With everything unfolding, I forgot to text the driver. I pull out my phone and call, relieved when he answers.
“I’m already in the parking lot. Wasn’t busy anymore for the night.”
What a generous tip can accomplish, indeed.
Peace envelops me as we settle into the car. I’m too overwhelmed to speak, and she must be as well. She rests her head on my shoulder, and we sit in contented silence, her presence a comforting weight against me. My hand finds hers, our fingers intertwining.
Outside, the city lights blur into a haze. Soon, a sigh escapes her, and I glance down. Her breathing is shallow. Her chest rises and falls. Her lips, slightly parted, still hold tonight’s bright red lipstick. I love how her long lashes flutter, reminding me of the times she reads to the kids and the cute way she purses her lips when engrossed in a book. I love how sometimes she drops ice in her coffee or food to cool it down. I grin, loving everything about her, and my heart aches with longing.
Protective instincts swell as I bury my nose in her hair to inhale her fragrance in case I have to imprint her scent to memory. Valentina’s impact tonight went beyond supporting me—she touched lives, like Daisy’s, offering validation I couldn’t provide when it was most needed.
Keeping her to myself as the kids’ nanny is self-centered.
I’d do anything for her, not only to amend past mistakes but also because the world needs what she can offer—more people should benefit from her kindness and wisdom. She deserves a broader audience.
Garrett’s health-and-wellness show. They’re seeking a host. This would suit her, assuming the role involves providing support and relatable advice to viewers, maybe even conducting interviews with experts. I’ll see him at a networking meeting on Monday. I still have her CV and résumé. I’ll make sure she steps into a position where her talents can shine—even if it means losing her.