Page 99 of Corporate Escapades

“Check under the kitchen sink,” replied Paris, “and thank you. They’re beautiful.”

“Here,” said Chase, “I brought you your favorite Syrah for later this evening.” He handed the bottle to her, and she couldn't help but wrap him in a hug—something she’d never done before. Chase was taken by surprise but hugged her tightly in return.

“I have you all to thank for the support and for pushing me to be better. I couldn't have made changes without you. Honestly, looking back at how I acted, I don't blame the board for putting this plan into action. It made me realize how valuable my life really is and that I want to be surrounded by my friends and family.

“Where’s Vic?” asked Chase. “I thought he might be here with you.”

“Your guess is as good as mine,” said Paris. “He isn't picking up my calls.”

“He’s embarrassed by what happened, and he feels like you rejected him. He needs a little time,” said Jack. “I know my brother. He’ll come around.”

“I can try talking to him if you like?” added Chase. “He usually listens to me.”

“Wow, man, my brother actually listens to someone? I thought he just pushed through the pain and buried it as deeply as possible.”

“Nah, he's come a long way since his fall from grace,” replied Chase. “We’ve gotten to be pretty close. I would go as far as to say we’rebesties,” he said with a grin.

Jack raised an eyebrow. “I thought it seemed you two were hanging out quite a bit, but I wasn't sure if it was business or pleasure.”

Chase smiled. “I enjoy his company, and we have similar interests. I’m as surprised as you are that this turned into a friendship. He was a bit of a jerk at first.”

Jack nodded. “Like I said, bury the pain, which then comes out as anger and jerk behavior.”

“True, that,” added Mya. She turned to give Paris a pointed look.

“I know, I know,” replied Paris. “I was a jerk.”

Mya grabbed Paris's arm and hugged it. “But you're my B.F.F. again, so it doesn't matter anymore!”

“Okay, enough mushy stuff,” said Paris. “Shall we get down to business?”

“Yeah,” said Chase, “I think we should head out. Hopefully Vic’s meeting us at the boardroom.”

Paris’s knees wobbled as she left her condo. She’d done everything the board asked of her, within her power. She couldn’t help that Tom had deceived her. On the other side of her mind sat Vic. What was happening with him? Did he plan to stay with Sense of Adventure? Why was he avoiding her? The questions flowed through her mind like a never-ending river.

Vic was already seated inside the boardroom, along with Cristo, his parents, and Paris's parents. He quietly watched the secondhand tick by as he awaited the arrival of Paris, Mya, and Chase.

Arriving at the boardroom, Jack turned to Paris, “This is where I leave you. I’ll be at your condo tonight to celebrate. Good luck in there, though I don’t think you’ll need it,” he said, giving her a quick hug.

“Thanks, Jack,” she replied. Turning away, she stepped into the room, followed by Mya and Chase. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Vic at the table, but then her emotions took over and she had to look away. Thankfully, Mya and Chase sat in the chairs flanking Vic.

“Good morning,” said Nicola, a smile on her face. “I see you’re all here early. I like that. How’s everyone feeling after the long weekend?”

“Wonderful,” replied Vic. “How are you?”

“I'm glad we’re coming to the end of this rehabilitative road you’ve been traveling over the past couple of months,” she said. “I think Jessamine and I agree; this has been difficult for us as well. No one likes to see their children suffer.”

Paris looked at her mother. “This hasn’t been easy. I’ve spent a lot of time feeling angry at the board, angry at Mya, and frankly, hating myself. The day Alli died, we fought. I wasn’t supportive of her and we didn’t get a chance to makeup. When she died, I blamed myself.”

“Sweetheart,” said her mother. “Alli’s death wasn’t your fault.”

Sniffling, Paris said, “I know, but it was hard to see that. I didn’t think I deserved to be here when she wasn’t. I never had a pill addiction, but there was a point when I wanted my life to end. I couldn’t see the other side. Everything felt too heavy to carry, so I numbed the pain with the idea that maybe one day it would be over. I’d take one too many pills and never wake up. The day that happened, you all stepped in and brought me back.”

Gasping, Nicola shook her head. “I wish you would have talked to us. We could have gotten you help.”

“That’s just it,” said Paris. “I couldn’t find the words to ask for help. I didn’t think I deserved it.” Pausing, she sniffled and wiped away her tears. “When you and the board forced us to start over, you saved my life.” Unable to hold back, a loud sob escaped her throat. Mya leaned over and wrapped her in a hug. Breathing in through the watery snobbery mess, she said, “I wouldn’t be here if you hadn’t stepped in.” Turning to Mya, she said, “that accident you and Chase were in, made me realize I want to be here. I want to be a part of this family, and I want to help Alli’s legacy live on.”

Walking over to her, Mikel bent down and wrapped his daughter in a hug. “I’m so glad to hear you say that. You mean the world to us, Paris. We love you more than you’ll ever know.”

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