Trust No One by Krentz Jayne Ann

Author:Krentz, Jayne Ann [Krentz, Jayne Ann]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Penguin Group US
Published: 2014-11-20T05:00:00+00:00

Twenty-Four

That was my journey. I would not be here tonight if not for the things Harley Montoya taught me. Many of us can look back and name the people who gave us not only a chance but the guidance and direction that we needed at a crucial moment in our lives . . .”

Grace finally allowed herself to breathe. Julius was doing well on the podium. Granted, he might not make it in the motivational speakers’ world or on the campaign trail. But he was delivering the new version of the Speech from Hell with a conviction that was resonating with the audience.

Nothing grabbed people’s attention like a strong dose of passion and Julius had communicated more than enough to rivet the crowd. The darkened ballroom had been hushed from the outset when it became clear that the after-dinner talk was not going to involve a lot of dull facts and figures. There hadn’t been so much as a clinked glass or the clatter of a spoon on a dish since Julius had launched into the speech. Even the waiters had stopped to listen at the back of the room.

“. . . Those of us who have achieved success in the business world now find ourselves with an opportunity to wield some real power—the kind that leaves a lasting legacy, the kind that can change lives.

“Look around and find at least one other person who reminds you of yourself when you were starting out. Figure out what you did right and what you did wrong along the way. Focus on the things that you can reflect back on with a sense of pride because you know you did the right thing, the honorable thing, even if it cost you some money or a contract at the time. Offer those lessons to that individual who reminds you of yourself, the one who is still trying to decide what kind of person he or she wants to be. Your mission is to help shape the future.”

Julius swept up the notecards, turned and walked across the raised dais. It took a couple of beats for the audience to realize that the speech had ended. A good sign, Grace thought, satisfied. Always leave them wanting more.

The applause exploded across the banquet room just as Julius started down the steps. By the time he got to the floor, half the people were on their feet. By the time he reached the round table where Grace stood with the others, clapping madly, the rest of the audience was standing.

Grace knew that she was practically glowing. She smiled at Julius.

“That was wonderful,” she said beneath the roar of applause. “You were brilliant.”

“Don’t know about brilliant,” he said. “But at least they didn’t fall asleep this time.”

Without warning, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. It wasn’t a long, involved embrace—just a short, sure, triumphant kiss that sent the unmistakable impression of intimacy. It was the sort of kiss lovers exchanged.

The crowd loved it. Possibly even more than they loved the speech, Grace thought.

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