The Billionaire Bad Boys Club(109)

“As some of you will have heard,” he said stiffly to Evan’s camera. “A tape of myself and two people I care about has been posted onto the internet. The tape was made without our knowledge and released without permission. It’s regrettable that we live in a world where people’s expectations of privacy can be violated so recklessly. Human nature being what it is, some of you will watch the footage. To those who don’t, I thank you in advance. While I’ve chosen to keep my bisexuality private until now, my personal preference isn’t something I’m ashamed of. I believe it’s given me a unique perspective on the world, one I hope makes me a fairer businessman and person. The freedom to pursue happiness, each in our own way and irrespective of others’ approval, is important to everyone. Thank you for your time and for letting me have my say.”

In the after commentary, the newscasters—for now at least—were treating him and his statement respectfully. Most felt compelled to add that it was fortunate TBBC was a private company and wouldn’t have to worry about plummeting share prices. Ditto for their brand being edgy to begin with. One waggish female commentator dubbed the incident Showergate. As mockery went, Zane decided he could live with it.

Once he’d watched a fourth station air its version of the story, Zane shut off all the TVs. He felt as tired as if he’d been up for week.

The picking apart would come later: the jokes on the late night talk shows, the conservative groups frothing at the mouth, the debates over whether bisexuality actually existed. Zane had done what he could for now. That had to be enough.

“That was all right,” Pete said judiciously, his words slurred by lack of sleep. “The bit about the pursuit of happiness was sort of patriotic.”

Rebecca got up to kiss her brother’s cheek. She came to Zane’s chair next and curled up in his lap like a cat. She was easy to put his arms around.

“I’m glad I’m someone you care about,” she murmured.

“Me too,” Trey said, sitting on his chair’s other arm.

Surrounded by the people he loved, Zane closed his eyes and let his breath gust out.

~

He let himself enjoy the respite for five minutes. Then he got up to tackle Mrs. P. Trey volunteered to speak to the house manager, but Zane preferred keeping busy right then.

“Stick with Rebecca,” he said. “Make sure the boys have anything they need.”

Standing close, Trey rubbed Zane’s wrist with his thumb. His brows went up when Zane had to fight not to pull away. “Stop thinking about your dad and his macho code. Letting Rebecca see who you are was the right choice. Having that exposed doesn’t mean you’re being punished. It’s just Missy being a nasty cunt.”#p#分页标题#e#

“I know,” Zane said. “In my head, I totally know.”

To prove it, he kissed Trey softly on the lips—though Rebecca’s brothers still sprawled sleepily nearby.

Trey pulled back from him and smiled. “Don’t let Mrs. P resign.”

“I won’t,” Zane promised, knowing as well as Trey did that she’d try.

His patience wasn’t completely up to soothing the guilt-stricken woman. She should have mentioned her nephew was the family troublemaker before suggesting him for a job. Zane was sure she’d convinced herself the position would help Owens straighten up, and no doubt her sister had put pressure on her to put in a word for him. People lied to themselves all the time about relatives.

Though Zane didn’t ask, she swore she hadn’t gossiped to her nephew about her bosses’ relationship. She probably hadn’t had to. Once Owens was on the staff and around them everyday, he’d have sniffed it out by himself. A single glance exchanged in the car could have given them away. Lately, Zane hadn’t kept up his guard as carefully.

“Trey and I didn’t have to take your recommendation,” he pointed out to Mrs. P and himself. “Ultimately, the buck stops with the bosses.”

It took ten more minutes, but he convinced her she wouldn’t improve matters by quitting. That was one load off his mind. Mrs. Penworth ran their house really efficiently.

He detoured to the terrace afterwards. He needed a few deep breaths and to remind himself that the sun had come up regardless. The birds were singing, the squirrels still scampering on the lawn. An unexpected peace settled over him. The truth was out, and the world hadn’t ended. He had Trey, and Rebecca hadn’t left. It was hard to imagine, considering all that remained to face, but maybe they’d come out of this stronger.

He’d set his cell to vibrate, and it buzzed in his pocket. Pulling it out, he saw the caller’s ID was blocked. This was his private number. He hoped to hell the press hadn’t got hold of it.