When the head of her security team suggested they hire more people, she quickly agreed. The first man they hired took pictures of her by the pool with his cellphone, which ended up in a tabloid the next day. He was promptly fired.
And still, Austin didn't come - or call.
By the end of the next week, she'd had enough.
*
As soon as Bill opened the Rolls door for her, Georgia got out and marched into the Gladstone Building. She went to an elevator, got in, punched the correct button and rode it to Austin's office.
She walked into the reception area and only hesitated for a moment. "Is he in?"
"Yes, Miss James."
"Thank you." She didn't wait to be announced, opened the door and walked straight to a startled Austin's desk.
"Georgia," he said, quickly standing up. "I…
"I want to sell GSTS."
"Very well, I'll put it on the market. Would you like to sit down?"
"No, thank you. I wish to sell it to Jim for ten dollars."
"I see. How is Jim?"
"Ask him yourself."
Her all business tone was unmistakable and he decided to match it. "Will you be a silent partner?"
"No."
"Does he know you're doing this?"
"Of course. Ten dollars was all he had in his pocket when I sold it to him."
"Maybe you should have given him a bigger raise."
She was not amused. "Are you willing to take care of this for me, or must I do this myself as well?"
"Georgia, I didn't mean to offend you."
"Of course you did."
"Please sit down. We need to talk this out."
"I don't have time just now. I have an engagement."
"An…engagement?" he asked.
"Yes. You do not expect me to live like a hermit, do you?"
"Of course not."
"Good, then we finally agree on something." She turned around, and was about to leave when she thought of something else. "I wish to use the corporate jet."
"What for?"
"May I use it or not?"
"It is yours; you can use it any time you like. Where are you going?"
"Don't worry, I'm not leaving the country and I will be back."
"Fine. Just let the pilot know what you want."
"How do I find this pilot?"
"I'll email you his phone number."
"Thank you." She marched out of his office with the same fortitude she had marching in. It was not until she got back in the elevator that she slumped against the wall.
Behind her, Austin slowly sat back down and stared at the door. "What sort of engagement?"
*
Just inside the rehab center's front door, Laura took a deep breath. With her suitcase in hand, she gathered her courage, opened the door, and then shielded her eyes from the bright sunlight outside. In front of the building was a long white limo and the girl standing beside it was Georgia.