I took a step back from the table, surveying the room. I didn’t mind if Hadley found out about my donation, but I’d prefer it to be after and not before.
“Hey, you.” Arms wrapped around me from behind and I recognized Hadley’s perfume. She walked around me until she was in front of me.
I pulled her in closer and kissed her. “Are we making a statement?”
“We’re not helping the rumors that’s for sure.” Hadley smiled.
She’d worried about this evening, but she seemed relaxed. I hoped I was the reason for that. As much as she wanted to do this on her own, together was always better.
Her face pinched. “It’s time to mingle. I don’t want to field any questions about Layton, but I’m excited to discuss the plans for Kids Speak.”
“Lead the way.” I intended to be by her side, but not interfere in her event.
We went from group to group, my hand on her lower back for support, while she introduced me as her boyfriend, told everyone she was happy in Annapolis and excited to start a new branch there. She was holding off on announcing Colin’s partnership and ideas until her keynote speech.
Hadley’s shoulders relaxed when we approached a couple standing by themselves. She grabbed my hand. “I want you to meet my friends, Taylor Leeds and Gabe Adler. Taylor and Gabe, this is my boyfriend, Cade Morrison.”
I shook their hands. “Nice to meet you.”
Taylor’s eyes skidded from mine to Hadley’s before she smiled. “We have a lot to catch up on.”
Hadley smiled at me. “Yes, we do.”
“When do you leave?” Taylor asked.
“Not until tomorrow evening,” Hadley said.
“Perfect. Brunch tomorrow?” Taylor looked from Hadley to me.
“Yes, definitely.”
“Isaac and I donated on behalf of the bar,” Gabe said.
“You did? You didn’t have to do that. I hate asking my friends to donate,” Hadley said.
“You didn’t ask,” Gabe said, his tone final as if he wouldn’t take no for an answer.
“Well, thank you. We appreciate it.” Hadley glanced at Colin.
“We?” Taylor asked.
“Colin is coming on as a partner. He’s going to help me manage Kids Speak here with Winnie, and I’ll be in charge of Annapolis. I think things are going to take off soon and I’d love for him to be involved.”
Taylor tilted her head as if to ask her more questions, but Hadley interrupted, “I’ll explain more after my speech.”
I glanced at the time. “Speaking of which, I think it’s time—”
“You’re right.” Hadley went up on tiptoes and kissed me.
“Good luck.” I caressed her upper arms.
“Thanks.” She smiled, taking a step toward the stage when someone tapped the microphone at the front of the room and asked for everyone’s attention, but I couldn’t tear my eyes from Hadley. She’d shifted her focus to the speaker while I edged closer to her. She tensed as the man opened his mouth to speak.
“What’s he doing?” she hissed at Colin.
“I have no idea, but it’s not going to be good.”
I put my arm around Hadley, drawing her in close. I kissed her forehead and whispered, “Who is that?”
“My father.” Her tone was tight and filled with anger.
I got the impression his speech wasn’t planned. The man scanned the room, only stopping when his eyes rested on Hadley. An uncomfortable sensation slid down my throat when Mr. Winters smiled. His expression was triumphant.
“I wanted to thank everyone for coming. I wanted to take this time to announce Winters Hotels entered into a business partnership with Aiden Black. We predict considerable growth in the coming years of tourism to the area and we are committed to making the city great.” After a round of polite applause, Mr. Winters continued, “We planned on making a generous donation to Kids Speak, but due to a disagreement with the director—”
I couldn’t believe he’d announce he was backing out or that he’d referred to his daughter as the director. Anger filled me as I forced myself to listen.
“We will be withdrawing all funding. I wish Kids Speak good luck.”
Murmurs began as soon as he stepped down from the podium. Seeing her father in action, using her platform to announce his business deal, and in the same speech cutting Hadley down, I could see why she didn’t want anything to do with him.
“I think it’s time for your speech, sister.” Colin’s jaw was clenched tight.
“I think you’re right.” Then to me. “I’ll be right back.”
“Good luck.” I squeezed her hand before she walked toward the podium. Her brother followed so he could stand next to her when she made the announcement she’d been so excited to make earlier.
I was so proud of her. She hadn’t faltered when her father gave that speech. She’d steeled her spine to confront it head-on. I knew she’d come out brighter on the other side.
“I can’t believe that asshole announced publicly he was withdrawing funding,” Gabe said in a low tone to Taylor and me.
“I can’t say I’m surprised by everything she’s told me and what I’ve observed, but it was a dick move.”
“I’m glad you’re here. You’re good for her,” Taylor said.
“Thank you.” I glanced at Taylor before I turned back to Hadley. She stood at the podium, smoothed her dress, before lowering the mic to her level. I wouldn’t relax until this was over.
“I have an announcement as well, one I’m very excited to share with all of you tonight. I intend to expand Kids Speak to more cities. My initial focus will be in Maryland where I’m based currently, but eventually I’d like to continue expanding to other cities, with the potential for a national program.” Enthusiastic clapping from the audience caused her
