I don't own anything.
Things were going well, at 4:30 a middle-aged lawyer delivered the divorce decree, by 7:00 the paper was ready to hit the stands. Kate remained in her office, which was now flanked by Smith and Wesson. By 7:30 Luis arrived and helped Jesse with Last minute details.
By 8:00 pm the party had begun and guests were arriving, the elite of Harmony society was there including the clueless guest of honor Ivy Crane.
Harmony Outlaw Offices
The Bennett's and Russell's are seated at their table, when Ethan and Simone make their entrance, John looks up as they near.
John
Simon, if you needed a ride here, I would've have picked you up?
Simone cringes at the pet name John calls as Ethan takes her hands and sneezes it.
Simone
It's not so much a ride as it's a date.
The statement is met with silence as the rest of the table looks up, so biting the bullet Ethan takes the lead.
Ethan
Yes, it's a date, and it's not our
first one, we been seeing each other for about a year now.
Chad stands up and Simone moves in front of Ethan hoping her brother-in-law won't risk her to get to him.
Simone
Chad, calm down.
Chad
(looking confused)
Why do people always assume I going to attack someone?
(off her look)
I was standing to shake his hand,
(smiling)
and congratulate him on his great taste in women.
Grace
I'd like to also point out
Simone's has good taste in men.
(getting up and hugging the two)
Eve
Not that I disapprove, but
why have the big secret?
Jessica
Very, good question.
Noah
I can answer that.
All eyes turn to Noah.
Obviously, Simone
(putting his arm around her shoulders)
got tired of waiting for me, and decided
to settle.
Ethan
(nodding)
Yeah, on the better Bennett brother.
Noah
Yeah, if by better you mean older, and less attractive.
Whitney
As riveting as this fight is, as all your fights are.
Can we focus on question asked?
Simone
What Question?
(innocently)
Reese
Oh, when your Mom asked why you
Two been hiding your relationship for the past year?
Simone
(glaring)
Thanks Reese
Reese
Your welcome.
Ethan
Because Simone and I didn't want to give anyone false hope.
Simone
Yeah, truthfully I didn't even like Ethan that much at first.
(shrugging)
Ethan
(smiling)
Well, on let's end the conversation on that ringing endorsement.
Ethan takes out Simone chair and as they sit down, as Jesse comes over.
Jesse
Good Evening , I hope you enjoying your selves.
Jessica
(standing)
Guys, I like you to meet my boss and favorite person Jesse
James.
Jesse
Thank you Jessica, I am touched and honored.
(nodding to the group)
It's pleasure to you all.
(turning to Jessica)
I'll just came by to remind you to be at the podium at
8:58 for the intros.
Jessica
Do I get to meet the secret partner?
Jesse
You will , but not yet.
(looking around)
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have more preparations to double check.
Leaving the Bennetts table, Jesse makes her way toward her date and his family.
8:47 pm
Jesse
Well, Hello Lopez-Fitzgerald's
Luis stands and pulls out her chair.
Jesse
Thank You
Luis
I don't think you know
My brother Antonio, his wife Sheridan, and my sister Paloma.
Jesse
Hi, how are you?
(Shaking their hands)
Sheridan
It's so nice to finally meet you.
Jesse
Likewise, I so glad you could all attend.
(smiling)
It will be a night you never forget.
Just then one of Jesse's bodyguards comes to the table. Everyone looks up at the visitor.
Smith
Sorry to interrupt, but someone
Is asking to see you.
Jesse
Ok
(looking around the table)
Please excuse me
(rising)
I will return shortly.
Smith leads into the lobby where Ivy Crane wiats.
Ivy
Ms. James
I presume?
Jesse
(Nodding)
Mrs. Crane
Ivy
So, you're Benn James.
It's very bold of you to invite me the gala to celebrate the opening of
a paper that I will be competing against.
Jesse
Well, I feel we need to start out on the
right foot, after all we don't need to be enemies.
Harmony a big enough town for the both of us.
Ivy
I know this routine
(off her look)
You try to play the gracious person, when in reality
You want to destroy me.
But that's not going to happen, I have taken on people bigger then you and won.
So, you might not want to make this too big a deal, after all you will probably be out of business in a 6 months.
Jesse
Than in the sprite of playing my part would you
allow me to escort you to your table.
Ivy
Of course, in the sprit of playing gracious winner.
Jesse step in front and leads Ivy to her table, as the eyes of the entire town follow the two. Jesse leaves Ivy at a table full of social climbers that would gladly suck up to Mrs. Crane, making sure her guest is settled she returns to Luis's table.
Jesse
Sorry, that took longer then I thought it would
(checking her watch)
and now unfortunately I have to start the show.
Luis
I understand.
It's a big night.
Jesse
Yeah, well………….
Stops short as Smith again joins her.
Smith
Sorry again, but it's time.
Jesse
Thank you
(seeing him still standing there)
I know how to get there.
Smith
K.B.'s orders.
Jesse
Of course
(nodding to the group)
I hope to you the show.
Smith follows closely behind Jesse, until she reaches the podium, Jesse checks to see if all is ready and begins.
Jesse
Good Evening Ladies and Gentleman.
My name is Jesse James and I am part owner of Benn James Incorporated.
We are here tonight to celebrate the opening of Harmony's newest paper.
The Harmony Outlaw.
A large curtain opens revealing the newspaper. Jesse wait for applauds to die down before she continues.
Jesse
Thank you
(moving from behind the podium)
It's a hard undertaking to start a new paper,
Especially in a small town. Now
I personally can't stand be second at something.
So when my partner and I decided to start a paper on the east coast we knew we needed the best.
(turning to look at the employees in back of her)
A task I thing we accomplished. My partner said, that if we want to successes in a community-based town, we need
To embrace the community. I think that perfect way to start our relationship is introduce to people that will be
putting together the paper that you will hopefully run to read.
(smiling)
Hint, hint.
Moving to stand behind the table were her staff is seated.
Jesse
I would like to introduce you to my new family
Head of marketing and sales: Jerrod Quick
(Applauds)
Head of Distribution: Ryan Clark
(Applauds)
Head of Personnel: Marjorie Sims
(Applauds)
Head Photographer: Jessica Bennett
(Applauds)
Journalist: Leslie Burk
(Applauds)
Journalist: Chris Watts
(Applauds)
Journalist: Ty Monroe
(Applauds)
Now this is not the extent of out staff, just the ones foolish enough to yes when I ask.
(laughs)
(turning to the staff)
I'd like thank my staff for they're patients and hard work.
Now, it's impossible to turn out paper no matter how good the staff without an editor,
The person I picked for this job, has proven to be tough, tenacious, smart, creative, and hard working.
She is also my partner.
Moving back in front of the podium.
Jesse
Ladies and Gentleman,
Half owner of Benn James Incorporated, and
Editor of the Harmony Outlaw
Katherine Bennett.
Kate walked into the room as shocks and gasps were heard all around the room, as the stunned crowd looked at the prodigal daughter.
Kate
Thank You Jesse, for the warm reception.
(looking around the room her gaze falls on her family)
I'd first like to say that it's wonderful to be back in Harmony
(smiling)
Among friends and family.
I would also like to thank you for coming out and helping up celebrate the opening of our
3rd paper in the United States.
That being said I invite you to do two things,
The first is to continue to enjoys yourselves, the second is grab the first issue of the Outlaw
This will be distributed shortly.
Once again I thank you for attendance and hope you all enjoy yourselves.
Then as quickly as she came Kate Bennet disappeared behind the curtain, as talk about the return of Kay Bennet went on through out the room.