From the side where I hadn’t noticed, Bentley, Aiden, and Maddox walked to the center. Behind them were the members of ABC—all of them. I gaped at the show of solidarity. Ronan had done this for Evan. For me.
They were a formidable group. The men tall and confident. The women intelligent and well-spoken. It was an impressive sight, and Paige was correct. I had no idea.
I listened as they all talked, starting with Bentley. None talked long, but they spoke of the company, the buildings, their vision. Paul spoke about the green project he was in charge of and answered a few questions. Each company member had insight to offer and kept it entertaining and motivational. It moved to education, to friendship, and by the time Aiden came to the microphone, I knew how it was going to end.
He was tall and strong in front of the kids. He talked of his childhood, meeting the men he, to this day, called his best friends later in life. He spoke about his dyslexia and how it shaped him. How they accepted him and helped him.
“They never looked down on me,” he said. “Life is too short to be a dick,” he said, staring across the sea of upturned faces. “We need to help one another. Be kind. We run our business that way, and we live it too.” He shook his head. “That shit is free, so you need to spread it around.”
I saw Bentley drop his head to his chest with a sigh. Maddox’s shoulders were shaking with unreleased mirth. All of Aiden’s kids were trying not to laugh, but it was perfect. These kids understood that lingo.
Aiden lifted his shoulders, knowing he had crossed a line and not caring. “It’s just as easy to lift a person up as to put them down. Easier, in fact. You’d be shocked how good it makes you feel inside. Remember—how you treat someone reflects on you, not them. Making someone else feel less is not going to help you feel better.”
There was silence in the room.
“Bullying is not cool. Learning, helping, being a decent human being is. Trust me, I know.”
He stepped back, stopping in front of Evan and giving him a high five then a fast hug. He stood next to him, a silent warrior. It occurred to me the entire family was circling around Evan. My heart was full seeing it, and I had to wipe my eyes more than once.
Bentley returned to the microphone and finished off the talk. He thanked the school and the principal for allowing them to break up a school day, then announced they would take questions. Hands went up, and for the next hour, they listened and answered every single one. Never impatient or rushed, they took their time, only cutting it off when signaled to do so, and even then, Aiden snuck in the last hands that were raised. Bentley made one last announcement.
“BAM and ABC Corp have sponsored a help line. If you need someone to talk to, if you’re having problems at home, being bullied, or just need a friendly voice, you can call and talk to someone. It’s open twenty-four hours a day and is completely confidential.” He paused, casting his intense gaze around the room. “No one has to be alone. Pick up the phone and call.” He smiled. “There are handouts on your way out, or ask one of your teachers. They all have the information. Remember what Aiden said.” A smile tugged on his mouth. “Maybe without the cursing. Be kind.”
The members of the company remained where they were as the school filed from the room, talking among themselves. They had applauded loudly at the end, a few whoops and cheers shouted.
I approached the group, unsure what to say, how to say it, or even if I could. The principal stepped in front of me, looking shell-shocked. His forehead glistened with sweat, and his voice was overly friendly.
“Miss Jones,” he began. “I believe we need a private word.”
Ronan appeared by my side. “Later.”
“Of course,” he muttered. “Whenever is convenient.” He paused, obviously hoping for something else, but I remained silent, and he turned and walked away. Ronan led me to his family, and I looked at all of them with gratitude. “Thank you. For what you did for Evan, thank you.”
Liam huffed. “We couldn’t let them get away with calling him a liar.”
“Or hurting him,” Aiden added, his hand on Evan’s shoulder. “Not happening again.”
“The help line was very generous,” Paige said.
Bentley smiled. “We sponsor a lot of help lines and programs. We do it for Aiden and kids like him. So they know they aren’t as alone as it seems.”
His words touched my soul. The stern businessman with a heart of gold. All of them.
“Do you think it will make a difference?” I asked quietly to Ronan.