Page 156 of Lessons In Grey
They didn’t scare her, and I couldn’t help but imagine who she would be if she decided to stay here. She would become the Malachi of the business world, I was sure, but she had made it clear that the coldness of this kind of world didn’t attract her.
Publishing was about creativity and light. Imagination, building worlds, giving people the ability to hope for their dreams. This world had no room for things like that.
Emily leaned into me as the lights dimmed, focusing on the stairs that led up to the second floor of the room. A spotlight flooded the red carpet, the Mayor appearing with a microphone to welcome all the guests.
“Do you realize how many of those old hags want to fuck your guy?” Ash asked a little too loudly.
People turned, glancing back at us.
I pressed my lips together and looked over, giving Ash a stern look.
Emily’s face had brightened, her arm tightening around mine. “So long as they don’t touch him.”
I couldn’t help but smile. I kissed her head gently. “I’m all yours, Snowflake.” I hadn’t noticed, honestly. Jeremy hadn’t showed his face yet, and I was starting to get worried. That and how could I even pretend to look away from someone as beautiful as Emily? Nobody compared.
As the Mayor continued to speak, several people walked around collecting the checks people were supposed to write for a charity of their choice.
Ash and Syn both put in a check as did Emily, who had written it out to a charity of mine. One I had created years ago that Malachi consistently donated to. I had a building in the deepSouth dedicated to foster kids. A hotel we rebuilt to accommodate them. We had teachers, chefs, people to take care of them.
It was a wonderful place, and it gave them a chance at a good life, reminded them that even though they may have never been adopted, it didn’t mean they weren’t fully loved.
Malachi loved visiting, and Jack and Rae made monthly trips to say hello.
It was a good place, and I was beyond grateful that after doing days and days of research, Emily had decided that was the place her money would be the most well spent.
“Hey,” Ash said when the collectors had passed, “where is Jeremy? Wasn’t he supposed to be here too?”
Emily looked up, her brows furrowing. “WhereisJeremy?”
“I don’t know,” I replied, pulling out my phone. No messages, no missed calls.
She straightened. “You’re worried.”
“I’m…” I slid my phone away, finding her eyes. They were all seeing. “Yes,” I nodded. “I am.”
“Call him,” she demanded. “Call him, something’s happened.”
“I’ve tried, I’ll try again soon.”
She chewed on the inside of her cheek, turning back to the crowd only to still.
I instantly went on alert, my entire being focused on the room, the people, as my eyes shifted to the crowd, finding Helen and Harold making their way up to the Mayor who was offering them the microphone.
This wasn’t going to be good. Harold, in my opinion, had the potential to be a good person if he wasn’t so fucking full of himself. He cared about money and image. Emily didn’t fit that image and after Charlie died, he was done trying to convince the world that she was anything other than the black sheep.
“Harold Glass everyone,” he announced.
The crowd applauded, excited to see the man who ownedmost of the city standing before them.
“Good evening, everyone,” he greeted, Helen the ever-faithful trophy at his side, “and welcome to the annual Charity Event.”
I couldn’t believe after all the rumors and gossip about he and Helen, that he would unashamedly flaunt her like this. He was tactless.
“I’m so happy to see all of you again. The turnout this year was far bigger than expected, which is amazing for the charities, right?”
Laughter fluttered around the room.
I rolled my eyes.