Page 94 of Baby Daddy
“It’s official. Saxton Enterprises is acquiring Hanson Entertainment for an undisclosed sum rumored to be close to two billion dollars, and I will be retiring at the end of the year…leaving the day-to-day operations in the hands of my capable son.” With a proud smile, he looked my way.
I quirked a nervous smile and then glanced at Dee. She looked much like she did that day at The Pier when she stepped off the roller coaster…like she was going to be sick.
Krizia’s grin widened. “That’s wonderful, Orson. I’ll get on it right away.”
“Orson, darling,” chirped my mother. “Why don’t you share the other splendid news with Krizia since she’ll be helping me plan the big event.”
Suddenly, I felt as sick as Dee looked. My chest tightened as my stomach knotted with deep-seated apprehension.
“Ah, yes, my dear.” My father again looked my way and I struggled to meet his gaze. Then his eyes shifted back to Krizia. “Krizia, we just found out that Drake is engaged to Dee and will be marrying her in the very near future.”
Krizia’s mouth dropped open and her eyes bugged out. “What? He’s marrying that slut?”
My father’s eyes narrowed into razor-sharp blades. “Krizia, you are totally out of line. Both my wife and I are very fond of her…and her adorable daughter.”
A fiery bolt of lightening shot through me; I felt my cheeks flaring. It might be pouring outside, but a major shit storm was in the making here in the restaurant.
Krizia’s shock and rage gave way to a wicked smirk. “Well, Orson, perhaps you don’t really know who Drake is marrying.”
My father stared at her harshly. “What are you talking about?”
Krizia snickered. “Should I start off and say that your future daughter-in-law is pure trailer trash? Her mother was a drunken whore, and she doesn’t even know who her father is.”
My father’s bushy brows arched up. “What!?”
Having my father’s ear, and I suppose everyone’s, Krizia continued with an insidious mixture of confidence and contempt. “That’s just for starters. Did Drake mention that ‘our lovely widow’ is still married?”
Swallowing past the giant lump in my throat, I gave Dee another quick look. Every drop of color had left her face.
“And that her ‘late’ husband is still alive? And…”
My heart hammered against my chest so hard I thought it would jump out onto the table. The inevitable was coming.
“…That he’s a drug-dealing ex-felon, who served time in prison for domestic violence.”
She paused and a silence so thick a knife couldn’t cut through it fell over the table. Finally, turning to me, my father broke it.
“Son, is this true?”
Before I could open my mouth, Krizia jumped in. “Orson, I can prove it. I have documentation right here in my bag.”
Sickened and speechless, I watched as Dee slowly rose from her chair. Pale as a ghost, tears forming in her eyes, she looked squarely at my father.
“There’s no need, Mr. Hanson. Everything Krizia said is true. I’m sorry that I’ve shamed you all tonight.” Without saying another word, she grabbed her bag and fled.
“Jesus,” I muttered, leaping to my feet.
“Drake, where are you going?” I heard my father shout out. “Get back here.”
It was too late. I caught up to Dee at the front entrance of the restaurant. I grabbed her by the elbow, holding her back. In my peripheral vision, I could see diners staring at us; we were creating a scene.
“Dee, wait!”
“Please let go of me,” she choked out, desperately trying to free herself.
“No, Dee. We need to talk.”
“There’s nothing to talk about,” she replied tearfully. “I’ve totally humiliated your family.”