get his way. But somehow, somewhere along the way, all the hard work has paid off.
Robbie nods, pushing me into the crowded room. Everyone’s congratulating me, and my shoulders are taking a pounding from everyone clapping me. “Thanks, Scott,” Teresa says as she shakes my hand. “I won’t forget that you gave me a chance to do something meaningful.”
“You’re . . . welcome. Thanks for your hard work,” I reply, but inside, I don’t feel like celebrating. I don’t feel like eating a cupcake, even as everyone’s ‘toasting’ by smashing chocolate and red velvet cupcakes together and chasing the sweetness down with gulps from their champagne flutes.
Even the thought of going upstairs when Dad makes the announcement official just so I can see the look of shock on his smug fucking face doesn’t excite me. Who gives a fuck?
Robbie sees that something is wrong and comes over, handing me a glass of champagne. “Hey, man, you can unclench your asshole for a few hours. You did it. Nobody can take that away from you.”
I nod and plaster a fake smile on my face as I go around. I don’t even remember what I say when people come up to me, but when someone calls for a speech, I clear my throat. “I know everyone’s expecting me to say that this great Scott Danger moment was brought to you by Scott Danger and represents the greatness that is Scott Danger,” I start awkwardly, and it gets a few laughs.
“I didn’t write that,” Teresa snickers after having a few champagnes in quick succession. “Not enough Scott Dangers for you.” She winks at me and then laughs out loud.
I smile at her but get serious. “But honestly, this is because of you guys. It was your hard work, busting your asses and putting your faith in me and my crazy ideas that brought us here, enjoying the fine gourmet fare of cupcakes and champagne as we embark on a new phase of Danger Enterprises. So don’t congratulate me. Instead, look around and congratulate each other for a job well done and a reward well deserved. Please, let me be the first to say thank you. For everything.”
The room’s quiet for a moment before Robbie starts the serenade of applause. It feels genuine, not the polite business applause I’ve gotten used to, but the real clapping of people who honestly appreciate what I said. Robbie comes over, offering a handshake. Behind him, the door opens and Dad’s secretary enters. “Mr. Danger? Your presence is requested in the board room.”
I nod, adjusting my tie and looking at Robbie. “How do I look?”
“Lose the frosting by your lip,” he says, smiling. “Go, man, go. And thanks for what you said.”
I head upstairs, but I still feel so empty. This is what I’ve wanted, what I’ve worked for, what I’ve dreamed of, but right now . . . I don’t care. And that is a punch to my gut as I stand outside the door, taking a last moment alone to school my features.
Entering the board room, I nod respectfully to the assembled men and woman before taking my usual seat.
Dad, sitting on his throne at the head of the table, stands up. “This morning, after much discussion and hard negotiating, the board made a majority vote decision that Danger Enterprises will be moving forward with the proposal Scott’s team put forward.”
There’s muted applause, and the board members shake my hand. Liv looks genuinely happy for me as she gives me a kiss on the cheek. “Congratulations, Scott. You deserve it.”
“Thank you,” I echo for what feels like the thousandth time as Chase comes forward. “Chase.”
“Good job, lit . . . Scott,” he says, still a hint of a smirk on his face.
Chase offers me his hand, and we shake, and I’m surprised when he pulls me in for a hug, speaking quietly in my ear. “I think you were right. We can be better, do more. Danger Enterprises is lucky to have you. Me too.”
Chase leaves with the rest of the board, and I blink, stunned. I think my relationship with my siblings just took a considerable turn for the better, even more so than our apologies a few days ago. But more than that, I’m astonished the board actually backed my play.
When it’s just Dad and me, I see the pained look on his face as he steeples his fingers below his chin. “Well . . . it appears you were right.”
I nod, and he