The Billionaire’s Over 40 Love

“A lot of the thanks should go to my girlfriend at the time, Sophia Benson. She was the one that told me I was capable of being great and growing my ideas and work into something as great as Queens Media.” He looked at Faydra and smiled. She wasn’t disappointed that he’d mentioned Sophia because she knew what he was saying was true—Sophia had been his inspiration in their twenties. She found instead that she was intrigued, the look on his face said that there was more.

“But it took me a long time to realize that I didn’t need to be great, and my company didn’t need to be well known. And although I’m so appreciative to be here and to win this award, I want to remind you all why we’re actually here. Sure, we’re the best at what we do, half the room that are those that specialize in media and advertising. And the other half are those that spend the most money and can make the most contact with the general public. But we shouldn’t forget that we are the public. Our kids and our friends are the ones buying your products and that our media outlets are being used to get to these products. It’s more than just who makes the most money and who has the best product, it’s about offering quality service that helps people. Jake and Angela, at my table—their app connects anyone around the city and the state that has a passion for fitness. Anyone from marathon runners to new moms who want to get out and away from the kids for a few hours. It’s about community, and that’s what I’ve tried to focus on with Queens Media Group. And while I know that twenty years is a long time to go from having ideas in your girlfriend’s kitchen and jotting them down on a napkin to standing here talking to you tonight, I’m more than appreciative for the journey I’ve taken.

“I look forward to working with some of you.” He again looked at Faydra who was tearing up a little at his speech. “And to a future that’s full of new friendships and a lifetime of success—whatever that means to you. Thank you!” The clapping was a little louder than before as he walked off the stage and back towards the table.

Faydra thought about how much bravery that speech took. A room full of wealthy business people were not likely to take well to a man who wanted to unite the community through technology but it did seem to take. Jake and Angela smiled and kissed each other after shaking Cal’s hand once more.

“That was great,” Faydra whispered in his ear as he took a seat. He kissed her on the cheek and turned back to the stage. A few more awards were handed out and a few more speeches were given. After they were complete, the audience was instructed to enjoy another cocktail hour in the reception area while the ballroom was transformed into a dance floor.

Cal and Faydra ordered a few drinks before continuing to schmooze with the other patrons. This time Cal was very popular and Faydra was nonexistent. Even as he tried to introduce her to whoever he was speaking with, another person or two would come up and interrupt, distracting him. He gave her worried and apologetic glances but she smiled and shrugged it off. She did understand and tried not to find offense in the actions of others.

Instead, she allowed herself to walk around the room and introduce herself to potential customers.

“Hello, darling, don’t you look beautiful in that wine color. Ugh, amazing,” an elderly woman in a pink sequin gown said to her as they both stopped at one of the hors-d’oeuvre trays.

“Oh thank you, from Savory Co. right in downtown. I was so lucky to find it actually, I walked right by it on my way into work and I thought it would be perfect for tonight.”

“You thought right. Who are you working for?” The woman pulled her aside so they could speak.

“Actually, I’m here with a friend—Calvin Dennison, with Queens Media Group. But I actually run a children’s clothing store downtown. You might not have heard of us, Elite Boutique. If you have children you should look us up. We’ll be expanding to South Atlanta next month.” Faydra thought for a second that Cal was rubbing off on her as her words flowed seamlessly out into the conversation.

“Oh honey, I have grandchildren now,my children would never fit in your clothes.” The two laughed together. “But I love the idea, my grandson loves dressing up, it’s the cutest thing. We’ll have to come by sometime!” Faydra fumbled in her purse for one of the five business cards she had haphazardly thrown in along with her lipstick.

“Absolutely, here’s our card. Come by anytime, we’ll find him something nice,” she smiled at the woman. “What are you here in support of?” Faydra asked.

“Actually, I’m looking for a company to help my business. It was actually my husband’s business but he passed away six months ago and now I’m left solely in charge.”

“God, I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Oh thank you, actually he was my ex-husband. But no matter. I always disagreed with the way he ran the company, never thinking that the internet or even advertising at all would help. He was very word of mouth.”

“Ah, I see,” replied Faydra.

“So, I wanted to talk with a few people and see what my options were.”

“What kind of company is it?” Faydra asked, intrigued.

“A taxi and chauffeur company, actually. One of the more trustworthy and safer options in the city—not to brag,” she chuckled to herself. “But, we started to fall off in recent years with the new Uber and Lyft. And I think that’s what made Barton sick in fact. So, I’ve hired a bunch of young people to help me spice up the business. We’re doing all sorts of things online now, tracking the cars, registering the cars. Also, comparing public transportation time, we’ve been able to help customers decide what means of travel will be the best for them, even if it’s not our cars.”

“Wow, that sounds excellent. Very useful,” Faydra said.

“I think so too. But now I need to get us out there on social media platforms. Get Above Ground, above ground.” The woman’s pun made Faydra smile and they laughed together for a moment before thanking each other and parting ways.

*****

It was a familiar cackle that brought Faydra’s mind out of the conversation she was having with a man named Brett as she handed out her fourth business card and excused herself for the ladies room.

The cackle was Sophia’s. Faydra was amazed to see the woman hanging over Calvin in the corner of the room, surrounded by a group of men in suits. Sophia had a drink in her hand and would periodically move her hand from place to place on Cal’s body.

Faydra watched, a snarl spreading across her face, as Sophia touched his stomach and arm. Faydra let herself stand still, leaned quietly up against a wall near them but hidden. As she watched him try to remove her grasping hands without seeming rude or pushy in front of his colleagues, she realized what was going on. She could tell he was uncomfortable in Sophia’s presence and that he wasn’t at all interested in the public molestation that was occurring. She thought about everything that had happened up until this point and it started to click.

Calvin wasn’t oblivious or stupid, and he wasn’t a player—he was a grown man whose longtime business partner, ex-girlfriend, and probably still friend, was still in love with him. It was clear that he had fallen out of love a long time ago, probably when his passions shifted from making money to providing a service that could bring people together. And because he was such a gentleman and a truly good and honest man, he wouldn’t get rid of her. Faydra thought that maybe he should be more clear with her, but based on what she’d seen at his office that day he wasn’t afraid to tell Sophia the truth.