Only One Love (Only One 7)

“What can you say? We all saw it. We know it was you,” Earl snaps. “You can’t deny it, and we can’t have the station associated with you.”

I laugh at them, and I’m sure a couple of them are surprised. “You guys are a joke.” I stand with my head held high and my shoulders back. “First, I’ll have you know firing me for having sex is discrimination.” I hold up my hand when Earl starts to speak. “And I have grounds to file a suit against you for sexual harassment.”

“That’s preposterous,” Earl says.

“Is it?” I stare at him and make sure he sees that he doesn’t scare me. “I have kept extensive notes of dates and times when my wardrobe was discussed. But I’ll cut to the chase. I’m not going to give you the pleasure of firing me because I quit.” A couple of them look at me in shock with their mouths hanging open. I turn and start to walk out. “And just so there is no mistake, all my shows are no longer allowed to be used by this station.”

“You can’t do that. We own those shows,” Earl says, getting up.

I smile having the last laugh. “That’s where you’re wrong. The station may have aired the show, but they belong to MFG Production.” Looking around the table, I continue, “Which I own. Have a nice day, gentlemen.”

I walk out of there with a smirk on my face, putting the production name into the contract was done at the last minute, and for once, I’m glad I listened to my father.

“How did it go?” Ava asks nervously.

“I quit,” I say, and she gets tears in her eyes. “Ava, I would like you to come work for me. It won’t be the same salary, and I’m going to have to see about benefits.” She just stares at me. “Can you give me a week to come to you with an offer?”

“I would like nothing more,” she says with a smile.

I look around the office now, the office I thought would bring me so much joy. “Guess I need to clear out.”

“Why don’t you let me take care of it?” Ava says. “Don’t give them the satisfaction of walking out with a box.” She looks back at the men who are watching. “I promise I’ll pack it myself.” She steps forward and turns her hand, showing me a USB key. “I backed up all your files.”

I smirk at her. “Look at you.” I hold out my hand, and she slips me the USB key. “I’ll call you later.” She nods at me, and I grab my purse, walking out with a smile.

Stopping at the flower shop on the way home, I pick up eight roses and put them in a vase as soon as I get home and I start making my plan.

The phone rings, and I pick it up, a smile coming over me when I see Wilson’s name. “Hello, you.”

“Hey,” he says softly, and I hear a car door close. “What time will you be home?”

“I’m home already,” I say, leaning back in the chair.

“Already?” He laughs. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, I just decided to work from home.” I avoid telling him about what went down, knowing he’ll blame himself. “Are you on your way?”

“I’ll be there in twenty,” he says and then disconnects.

I turn off the computer and walk downstairs to grab a glass of water when the door opens and slams shut. “Why is your front door unlocked?” He comes into the room, and I can’t help but smile when I see him.

“Hello to you, too, sunshine.” I laugh with the glass in front of my lips.

He glares at me, and then his eyes go to the flowers. “Who the fuck sent you those?” He puts his hands on his hips, and I walk around the counter

“Someone is either hangry or cranky.” I wrap my hands around his waist. “You didn’t even give me a kiss.” I look up at him, and he bends his head to kiss my lips. “Now the front door was open because I know you don’t have a key, and those flowers”—I point back at the flowers—“I bought for you.” I kiss under his chin. “Count how many I bought.” I get on my tippy-toes.

“Eight,” he whispers.

“Do you know what eight roses stand for?” I wrap my arms around his neck and look into his eyes as he puts his hand on my hips. “It means I support you, no matter what.”

“Frances,” he whispers. “I …” His hand comes up to touch my face. “I …” His voice trembles, and my stomach soars as his fingertips trace my face.

“You?” My voice almost cracks. He’s about to say something when the doorbell rings, followed by a knock on the door. “Hold that thought.” I walk away from him toward the front door.