Deals Between Billionaires

Chapter 5: She Sees Unrealistic Expectations

“Unbelievable." Laurel paces around her office. Tony and Sidney sit at her desk, waiting for her response.

“I refuse." She says. “I will not go in front of those vultures. What would I even say? Daddy and I have not spoken since Friday."

“Señor Dominguez and Charlotte have prepared a speech for you to deliver. Charlotte also said that you would have to dodge and dance around questions the reporters give you." Sidney says.

“How gracious of her to be on top of things," Laurel rolls her eyes. “And why was I the last to know about the trending video?"

“I tried to send it to you last night, ma'am, so that you'd be somewhat prepared," Sidney says.

“I left my phone here over the weekend, remember?" Laurel says, holding up her cellular.

“I emailed you, Miss Dominguez."

Laurel pauses. “Mierda."

“I thought you would watch it last night, until Mr. Williams told me you were busy," Sidney says.

Laurel's eyes match Tony's. They share a knowing look, smiling at each other. Laurel even chuckles.

“That I was," Laurel says.

Tony looks down, barely able to contain his smile.

“Furthermore," Laurel begins. “Roll back the clip, please. Let me see it again." She requests.

Sidney rewinds the video on her iPad and hands it to Laurel. The viral video she referred to shows the altercation that took place on Friday between Tony and Laurel. The video begins right as the binder hits Tony's chest. The rest of the video shows the rest of the quarrel between them, and when Tony picked up Laurel and took her outside to his car. The video also features commentary from whomever recorded it.

Laurel turns to Tony, apologetic puppy eyes in action.

“It's alright, Laurie." He says.

Laurel sighs. “I see. Okay, and what does my father and Charlotte suggest I say?"

Sidney motions for her iPad back. Laurel returns it. After a few quick swipes and taps, Sidney gives the iPad back to Laurel.

“I am not reading this." Laurel immediately says.

“You barely read it!" Sidney says.

“I have read enough. Daddy wants me to say that I reacted badly to receiving news of his retirement." Laurel protests.

“It's… considerably a partial truth." Sidney comments.

“Oh please. It is a lie entirely. You were there Sidney, you should know. His retirement is not news to us, but giving my position to Tony, that was news."

“That you didn't take so well." Sidney comments.

“Would you?" Laurel stares daggers into Sidney. Laurel shakes her head and says, “This bickering is pointless. What Daddy wants me to say is a lie. I am not going out there in front of my people, painting a pretty picture covered in lies for his benefit! I refuse."

Laurel paces around her office.

“There is something else," Sidney says. “May I?"

“Yes. Go ahead," Laurel says, her heels echo through her office.

“I didn't pick up the binder, Brianna did. When I got downstairs, after you and Mr. Williams had already left, Brianna handed me the binder." Sidney admits.

Laurel mumbles, “Fuck." She turns to Sidney. “Did she see anything?"

“No ma'am. Well, honestly? I'm not too sure. When she handed me the binder, she seemed to just be stunned by what happened between you and Mr. Williams."

“I need a definitive answer, Sidney. Please try to remember firmly; how did Briana look when she gave you the binder?"

“Surprised," Sidney answered.

“Sorry, who's Brianna?" Tony asks.

Laurel turns to him. “The receptionist." She says.

“Damn. All those times of talking to her, I never knew her name." He says.

“Such a surprise. Every time you visit us, you are sure to visit her." Laurel teases. “It is a wonder how you never read that bronze name tag of hers."

Tony's eyes meet Laurels. “I guess I never cared to look?"

Laurel says, “I guess not."

“Ma'am," Sidney interrupts, “The issue is still present: after Friday, Paper Weight International has been in the headlights of the news and the blogs. For this past weekend, it has been a media frenzy about your outburst and what happened between you and Tony. The video has been circulating and people have even made a few edits to it."

“What, did the publicist take a surprise vacation none of us knew about?" Laurel asks, impatiently.

“Monice did what she could and put out a general statement, but she advises that a press conference would go over better with the public," Sidney explains.

“Sí, okay."

Sidney sighs, “And the clients—"

“I understand, Sid." Laurel says. “I need to do damage control. I understand. I just wish that Monice or Daddy could tell me directly. I wish Daddy spoke to me over this weekend in general." Laurel scoffs. “Unbelievable."

“You haven't talked since Friday?" Tony asks.

Laurel doesn't look at Tony. She only shakes her head.

“I'm sorry to hear that Miss Dominguez…" Sidney says.

Laurel smiles at her. “It is fine." She lies. “Thank you both for your concern." Laurel sighs. “And I will say what Charlotte and Daddy prepared for me. When are we holding the press conference, and where?"

Sidney and Tony exchange looks.

“They want to do it tonight, ma'am, after the workday is over. They're clearing out the lobby now and setting up chairs and a podium. I believe Charlotte and her team are currently creating media passes." Sidney says.

“Team? Huh. I have been hearing more and more about Charlotte lately. Sidney, why is that?" Laurel looks at Sidney, annoyed and curious.

“Well, you know she's Señor Dominguez's assistant. She'd have the most tasks, just because of that title alone." Sidney says.

“And the most tedious." Tony comments.

“All true. But still, media passes? That is handled by our social media department. To have Charlotte handle it does not make sense." Laurel shrugs. “Another thing I must ask Daddy about."

“Is it that serious?" Tony asks.

Laurel makes something up. “I want to make sure my people have jobs and that they are paid for them." She answers. She shoots Tony a look and he drops the subject.

“Would you like me to print out the speech, Miss Dominguez?" Sidney asks.

“No, that will not be necessary," Laurel says. She looks at the clock hanging on the wall, it reads 11:24 A.M. “I will have more than enough time to memorize the speech to recite it."

“Yes ma'am. Uh, I'll resend the email so that they're fresh on your computer." Sidney says.

“I appreciate that," Laurel responds. “Alright. Putting the record straight to the public and going forward with Paper Weight International as is. I can handle it." Laurel smiles a special smile at Tony. He reciprocates. She says, “I am going to get started. Tony, gracias for coming."

“First, if I may." Sidney stands and turns to Tony. “Mr. Williams, may I have a moment alone with Miss Dominguez?"

“Me first," Tony smiles. He stands. “Laurie, the hallway, please?"

“I will only be a moment, Sidney. Do not worry." Laurel says. She follows Tony out of her office to the hallway. “Yes?" She asks in a sing-song voice.

“Did you sleep okay? When I dropped you off last night, you could barely stand on your own." Tony says.

“I am awake, alert, and looking fabulous. That should answer your question." Laurel answers, smirking.

“You look great today." Tony compliments her.

“As do you. Now I am sure you did not pull me aside to pay me compliments. Now that you made me blush, what did you really want to discuss?" She says.

Tony doesn't try to hide his smile. He gets serious before he asks, “Last night, what we discussed, do you remember what we talked about?"

“I was in my right mind, if that is what you are asking." She answers.

“Then, you still want to do this? The marriage?" He whispers.

Laurel smiles and nods. “It will be my best friend and I against the world. The greatest corporate takeover." Laurel whispers back. She leans against the wall, taking Tony's hands. “I cannot thank you enough for this."

Tony nods. “Yeah, of course." Tony checks his watch. “I'll leave you to it. I'll see you later today at the press conference." He kisses her hands before walking away.

Laurel watches Tony as he strides to the elevator. She looks down at her hands, eyebrow raised skeptically and smiling at the lingering warmth from Tony's kiss. He's kissed her hands before, but this time seemed different. They're a team now.

Laurel walks back in her office with confidence.

“Miss Dominguez," Sidney looks at Laurel. “Can we talk now?"

“Yes, is everything okay?" Laurel asks.

Sidney offers a sad smile. “I was going to ask you the same thing, ma'am." Sidney steps closer to Laurel. “Miss Dominguez, the maddest I ever seen you was when you were on Dior's website last year. You remember; you kept refreshing the page because they were only selling twenty pairs of those heeled jewel sandals and—"

“Dearest Andrew called because someone hit my car while it was parked in the garage." Laurel interrupts, still smiling.

“Right. Andrew called you, and the time it took to answer the call made you miss your window of opportunity."

“And my limited-edition sandals were gone." Laurel nods. “Unfortunately, I remember. Why do you bring up the tragedy?" Laurel jokes.

Sidney sighs. “Miss Dominguez, I know that some shoes can't ever compare to a CEO position, but I just wanted to tell you that I am so sorry, and that I had no idea that Señor Dominguez was going to do that."

Laurel steps closer to Sidney and hugs her. “I know," Laurel says.

“Are you okay?" Sidney asks. She hugs Laurel tighter.

Laurel doesn't say anything, she doesn't want to mess up her makeup, that took an extra hour to do this morning. Laurel's emotions do get the better of her. Although she doesn't say anything, Laurel's sporadic breathing can be felt by Sidney.

“Damn it all, you know?" Laurel says softly. She buries her hair in Sidney's shoulder.

Sidney feels Laurel's breathing change as she tries to hold in her cry. Sidney urges her to cry, but Laurel's doesn't budge. Laurel just holds on to Sidney, breathing heavily.