Chessie stares at him, then bursts out laughing.
“Thanks,” I say to him.
“Don’t mention it.” He taps the contract. “What you’ve agreed to do here, Ms. Ross—helping Kingi to look respectable so he can get the position on the board—is very admirable.”
“It’s not that admirable,” she mumbles. “I’m doing it for the money.”
“I appreciate that, but he told me he offered you the money, and you refused unless he received something in response. That’s very unusual in this day and age. Not everyone would have been so honorable. So I’ve made it airtight, toprotect you. Kingi has to behave, and if he doesn’t, you get to keep the money.”
“You remember that you work for me?” I say indignantly.
“You’ve never been able to keep it in your pants,” he says. “But you’re a good lad, and I think you’ll be a great benefit for the Foundation. So I’m just offering my advice. Also, it’s why I’ve included the last clause.”
“I thought that was the last clause,” I say. He forwarded me the contract earlier, and I read through it closely.
Chessie reads out the additional few sentences he’s added. “The Parties acknowledge that this Agreement is entered into solely for the purpose of maintaining public appearances and enhancing the reputation of Mr. Davis. Accordingly, Mr. Davis shall, for the duration of this Agreement, exercise self-control befitting a gentleman and refrain from engaging in any physical intimacy, romantic advances, or otherwise inappropriate conduct (collectively, “Prohibited Conduct”) toward Ms. Ross. Any breach of this clause shall constitute a material breach of contract, entitling Ms. Ross to immediate termination of the Agreement and to seek such remedies as may be available at law or in equity.”
“What?” I glare at Tane. “That’s harsh. You make it sound like I can’t control myself.”
“It’s for Chessie’s benefit,” he states. “I know what you’re like.”
“Does this mean I need a lawyer present every time I look at her?”
He just gives me a sardonic look. I glance at Chessie. She’s trying not to laugh.
“I appreciate you looking out for me,” she says to Tane. “And I think it’s good to be clear where we both stand. Okay, pass me the pen.”
“You’re going to sign?” I ask her, astonished.
“I’ll sign,” she says. “God help me. I really need the money.”
Tane makes the changes on his laptop, prints it out, and goes to get the new copy.
“You’re sure about this?” I ask her once he’s left the room.
She nods. “I admit that, at first, I was a bit hurt that you felt the need to make it legal like this. But I can see how it protects us both, and I appreciate that.”
I feel a surge of fondness for her. Her big green eyes are wide and clear. There’s something innocent and naive about her that I find very appealing, and I don’t want her to get hurt. “All joking aside, I am very grateful for this,” I tell her gently. “It means a lot to me.”
“And to me, Kingi. Playing at being a rich guy’s fiancée is a small price to pay for so much money.”
“I’m glad I could help. I just hope that Mark appreciates what you’re doing for him.”
She scratches at a mark on the table. “I know it could be seen as enabling him. But I can’t keep doing it. It’s destroying me. I’ve already decided, I’m going to make it clear that it’s the last time. After this, he’s on his own, and if Dad wants to bail him out and lose his house, that’s up to him. I’m not getting involved.”
Her eyes glisten. I can see how it’s going to kill her to tell them that, but I’m so glad she isn’t going to keep throwing herself under the bus.
“It’ll be okay,” I murmur. “I’m sure Mark will come to his senses when he realizes he’s on his own.” Privately, I’m not so sure. An addict can’t just stop. He needs professional help, and often only reaching the bottom will force them to ask for it. But my main concern is Chessie, and if I can help her right now, that’s what’s important.
“I hope so. This… what we’re doing… A lot of my hesitation was because I don’t want it to go wrong. I don’t want to lose you as a friend.”
Puzzled, I reach out and covered her hand with mine. “Why would you?”
She turns her hand over, and our fingers close around each other.
“Don’t break my heart,” she says.
Just make sure you add a force majeure for broken hearts.