The Ugly Girlfriend(33)
“For many of you and because of the grapevine at the firm, I’m sure that you already know, but formally, I would like to announce our newest partner, Mitch O’Keefe, who has agreed to take us on long term and move our company into an amazing direction so that we can continue to flourish.”
The crowd cheered him on and clapped. Gracefully, he nodded and waved towards the crowd, then threw a kiss towards LaToya.
Catherine continued. “I had the opportunity to meet his backbone, whom he has spoken so highly of at the firm for the last couple of weeks and she’s amazing. I’m sure that both she and everyone here would like to hear a few words from you.” She gave him a hug, then moved towards the background to give Mitch the stage.
Mitch smiled and slipped one hand in his pocket. He was a picture of elegance and confidence. His eyes glimmered. His bright, wide perfect smile exuded masculine beauty.
“You know, I’m really proud to accept this opportunity. And I’m honored to be here with you tonight celebrating our hard work as a cohesive team. It’s been a trying but successful year for the firm, and I’m certain that as we move into the new fiscal year, we’ll do even bigger and better things. When I accepted this partnership, Catherine asked me one question. She asked if I had someone at home to help keep me grounded.” He turned and looked at Catherine. “And I answered yes. Everyone knows through the grapevine that I haven’t been lucky in love, but let me tell you that the reason that I was able to pull myself up by the bootstraps and stay in the game…” He turned and looked at LaToya who stood with tears in her eyes and continued, “is because of my wonderful son, Zach, and the woman here with me tonight. She’s been amazing and strong and a true vision for me. She’s given me the strength to carry on, and she’s given me the happiness I needed to feel whole again. So, I hope you all have the same or find the same, because I truly believe that happiness leads to better productivity at work, better outlooks on life and a stronger firm. So I’m happy to be a partner with this great organization, and I’m happy to have LaToya Jenkins as a part of my life.”
The tears flowed freely down LaToya’s cheeks. She didn’t even bother to wipe them away. The entire crowd looked at her as they clapped. They cheered the two on as Mitch gave the microphone back and went down to hold her in his arms and kiss her for all to see. Even Angela wiped a tear. It was an eye-opener for anyone who had never seen it before. Love. Pure. Special. Genuine love. And it didn’t matter that she was overweight. It didn’t matter that she was dark skinned. It didn’t matter that she was a cleaning lady. What did matter was that she was loved. And she loved. She gave her all and she received it back.
Holding him close, she whispered in his ear. “I don’t feel like the ugly girlfriend anymore.”
He looked into her eyes and smiled. “You were never the ugly girlfriend in the first place.”