“I’d like to say that Christy was entirely professional during all our dealings with her. And, at the time, she was desperate for our infusion of funds. There was never a hint of impropriety,” Niles Raines said.
“We have similar statements from other first-round investors who don’t have seats on the board,” Rick Slotnik said. “They’re entirely objective and completely outraged by the accusations.”
“I find the whole thing disgusting,” Katherine added. “Even if the story were true, which it isn’t, so what? It hasn’t affected Christy’s ability to lead the company.”
“Yes, but it says something really bad about my character, so we have to deny it,” Christy said, wishing Katherine had a clue that there was a connection between sexual forays and character.
“The stock dropped two points when the story broke. It’ll probably drop some more on news of your denial,” Richard Bender said. Richard was their most pessimistic director.
“I’m not so sure,” Niles said. “The market may have already reacted as much as it’s going to.”
“It was just reported on the wire that the chairman of UVA and his entire management team were killed today when their plane crashed near Jackson Hole. That’ll pull attention away from this story,” Rick said.
“That was a lucky break,” Karl said, cheered by the news.
“I’ve always said you and I shouldn’t travel together,” Katherine said to Christy. “Now do you see why?”
A temp who was covering for Randi interrupted. “Excuse me, Christy, there’s an urgent phone call on line two.”
“Ah, must be Joe Navarrato,” Christy said. He’s giving the Journal our statement. I’ll put him on speaker.” Christy pressed line two.
But it was Brownie Rich. “Christy Hayes, in all the years I’ve worked on the PTA, and I’ve worked on the PTA for many years, I have never seen anything this disrespectful. Every single graduation committee member took the time to come to our meeting today. And are we women with time to spare? NO. We’re active, busy wives, mothers, and volunteers. Here we sit in the Gloria Vanderbilt PTA Conference Room waiting for our committee chairperson to kick off our fifth-grade-graduation extravaganza and who walks in? Our committee chairperson’s assistant. Are you unable to lead this committee, Christy Hayes, because if you can’t do it, say so now.”
Christy lunged for the phone to take the call privately. There was no headset. The phone worked only on speaker.
“Brownie, can I call you back in a few minutes? I’m in the middle of something right now.”
“NO YOU CAN’T CALL ME BACK. I’m here with a room full of dedicated volunteers who have no leader. Your daughter’s admission to Colby was predicated on your overseeing a major committee. If you can’t fulfill your part of the bargain, I’m sure you’ll understand that Colby will need to revisit whether or not your family belongs here. You have twenty minutes to get to this meeting.” Brownie slammed down her end of the phone. At least that’s what it sounded like on speaker.
“I’m sorry,” Christy said to the board, her face burning. They were staring at her in stony silence. “You didn’t need to hear that.”
“Let’s take a five-minute break,” Katherine suggested. Everyone nodded in agreement. There was an embarrassed scramble to the coffeepot.
As the room broke up, Katherine approached Christy. “Maybe you’d better go to Colby. You don’t want to screw around with Brownie Rich.”
“I can’t leave. This is way too important.”
“Christy, let me take it from here. I have the same information as you. I know what decisions need to be made. That’s why you made me COO, so I could back you up in crucial matters.”
“Are you sure?” Christy asked.
“I’m positive.”
“Okay, but Katherine, would you please tell them where the accusations are coming from? At least let the board know that you had relations with those men.”
“I will. I’m just trying to get up my nerve. Now go. I don’t want to see Renata lose her place at Colby.”
Christy made it all the way to the elevator before she realized what she was doing. Then she turned around and walked back into the meeting just as it was coming to order again. “Now, here’s our plan…” Christy said, taking control. She couldn’t believe she had almost walked out on her board in the middle of a crisis just to satisfy Brownie Rich.
DEAR DIARY,
YESTERDAY I MADE A SPESHAL INVITATION FOR MICHAEL TO COME TO DINNER WITH ME IN THE KITCHEN. YOK WAH PUT IT ON HIS CHAIR AT BREAKFAST. MICHAEL ASKED IF HE COULD BRING CHRISTY. I SAID YES OR HE’D THINK I DIDN’T LIKE HER WHICH I DON’T. I MADE MY FAMOUS CHICKEN TACO CASSEROLE THAT GRANDMA USED TO LOVE. NECTER NECTAR HELPED ME SET THE TABLE WITH THE GOOD CHINA. DINNER WAS READY AT 7. CHRISTY CAME ON TIME. MICHAEL WAS 20 MINUTES LATE DUE TO TRAFFIC. I WORE MY WILLY WONKA OOMPA LOOMPA GOGGLES AT THE BEGINNING SO MICHAEL WOULD THINK I WAS CUTE (WHICH HE DID). DINNER WAS MOSTLY FUN. WE TALKED ABOUT WHAT I WAS STUDYING IN SCHOOL (THE INDIANA CORNBELT), OUR FAVORITE SHOWS, AND HEADLICE (WHICH MICHAEL HAD AS A KID—ME TOO!!!!! WE’RE SO ALIKE!!). I’M HOPING THIS GIVES MICHAEL AND CHRISTY THE IDEA TO INVITE ME TO DINNER WITH THEM WHICH WOULD BE THE POLITE THING TO DO AT THIS JUNCTURE.
I’VE DECIDED TO CHANGE MY NAME TO STRINGBEAN. THAT’S BECAUSE MICHAEL LOVES PEOPLE WITH NICKNAMES (LIKE HOW HE LOVES CHRISTY WHO HE ALWAYS CALLS BEEGEE). I DON’T KNOW WHY I DIDN’T THINK OF THIS BEFORE.
MRS. DE MILLE INVITED ME OVER FOR TEA AFTER SCHOOL TOMORROW. THAT’S ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS TO DO BECAUSE HER BUTLER SERVES MINI SANDWICHES AND STUFF LIKE THAT ON BEAUTIFUL SILVER TRAYS THAT USED TO BELONG TO THE RUSSIAN ROYAL FAMILY.
LOVE,
STRINGBEAN
Reunited and It Feels So Good
Christy
