Hi Readers: Now, how about we get to the real update that I want to post for you guys today? Thanks again for reading, and I hope that you guys like this chapter. I know that this day is getting long, and I promise that we're almost done. But for now, let's get to it.
Chapter Two Hundred and Seventy-Nine
Taking Care of It as a Team
They were so moved, moved by all of the statements that their friends and family just put out on their behalf; that they knew that they needed to do something much more personal than just send a text message to thank them, and that would be to call them. That way, they can talk to each other live and can hear each other's voices. Because right now, that's what they all need to do; and they are also going to be able to get something else, an update on just how the family was doing. And since that was something that everybody wanted right now, Matt and Gabby decided to just go for it and call everybody. And that was exactly what Matt was in the midst of doing as he put his AirPods in. Meanwhile, Gabby did the same so that she could speak on her own phone as it was easier.
"Glad that you always join the calls on your own phone now?"
Gabby agreed with her loving husband as he asked her whether she enjoyed joining the calls on her own phone, because she did; after all, it was much easier for her when it came to talking. "The truth is, I think that it's much easier when it comes to talking. We can just hear everybody easier, and they can recognize my voice better through the AirPods." Matt agreed with his wife as she said that, well aware that was the case. But now, it was time for him to do something; and that was ensure that everybody was on the call with them all, as they wanted to read the press release as a group. And thankfully, it didn't take anybody long to join the call; especially not their family…as Antonio was the first one to join the call. "I can only assume that this is about the statement that we just sent you guys?"
Gabby agreed with her brother as he asked her that, before making a bit of a joke. "Wow, such a smart one Toni; didn't know that you could read people's minds." Antonio snickered as he heard Gabby say that. "Shut up. I am just trying to make you laugh, as you need it; you were just all business as you wrote that statement, and now you want to do some more business." Jay Halstead couldn't help but agree with Antonio when he said that, as he joined the call. "I couldn't agree more with you Antonio, because this has to mean that we have more than one set of people that are going to be joining us; by the way, I added Alex to the call so that she can use her AirPods as we don't want to wake up the kids." Gabby agreed with Jay as he said that, as they were doing the same thing for their kids.
"Yeah, me and Matt are doing the same thing for our kids."
Antonio agreed with his sister as she said that, before deciding to ask her how his nephew is doing. "How's Noah anyways? He feeling better and is he asleep." Gabby agreed with her brother as he asked her how Noah was doing. "He's doing much better, and he's fast asleep right now." Alex agreed with Gabby as she said that, glad that was the case. "Good, because I hope you know that me and Jay feel horrible over what happened to him." Matt agreed with Alex as she said that, well aware that was the case. "Oh, we are both well aware that's the case Alex. You have nothing to worry about when it comes to us not knowing that you guys are worried." Antonio agreed with Matt as he said that. "Well, I am just glad that we get to hear your voice for a bit. Because we know this won't be long."
Matt sighed. "Unfortunately, it won't be. I guess I just want to talk about the statement and make sure that we're all on the same page, and that you guys got the updated version of the statement that me and Gabby just wrote; we wanted to add some things, and we also wanted to comment on the one that you made Antonio." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, before going to compliment her brother on the statement that he sent out on behalf of their family. "I have to say Toni, you really are a good writer, and I am so glad that you sent out that statement on behalf of the family." Antonio agreed with his sister as she told him that, especially since it was just the right thing to do. "Gabby, it was the right thing to do. That was why I released the statement, after clearing it."
Gabby was a bit confused as she heard her brother say that. "What do you mean by clearing it?" Antonio laughed. "You don't think that our parents got a chance to look at it, prior to us releasing it? I wanted to make sure that they got a chance to put what they wanted to say. You don't think that dad was the one that wanted to make sure that we put the language regarding how we hate what Stella did to you? He wanted to go harder, but I calmed him down." Gabby agreed with her brother as he said that, well aware that was the case; after all, the statement did seem pretty watered down when she read it. "Yeah, I could tell that it was a bit watered down. And speaking of down, is Matteo down for the night?" Antonio agreed with Gabby as she asked him if Matteo was down.
"Yeah, he's fast asleep in his crib. But he seems to want to sleep in your room right now."
Matt agreed with his brother-in-law as he said that, having had a feeling that was the case; after which, he turned to look at Gabby. "I think that's okay, and he can sleep there for the rest of the time. Just maybe have your mom sleep in there too, so that she can make sure that he's safe." Antonio agreed with his brother-in-law as he said that. "He's in his crib, located in your room. I'm sure that he's going to be safe in there, but that's fine. I will make sure that mom sleeps in your bed tonight if she wants to." Jay laughed as he heard Antonio say that. "Not too sure I'd want to sleep in the same bed that…" Alex then went to interrupt her husband. "Jay, do you want me tonight? Because last time I checked, we have the house to ourselves with the exception of the kids." Matt was confused.
"I thought that the grinch was in Hawaii right." Jay laughed as he heard Matt say that, as that was a really good way to refer to his father-in-law. "Oh, that's a good one that I am most certainly going to use!" Alex was a bit mad as she heard her husband say that. "Okay, then no sex Mr. Halstead!" Jay got nervous as he heard Alex say that. "I mean, of course I'm not going to use that title." Will laughed as he heard Jay say that. "God, you are so damn scared of her!" Jay then snapped back at his brother. "And you aren't scared of YOUR pregnant wife?" Natalie laughed as she heard Jay say that, as they all knew that Will most certainly was. "He's got you there honey." Will agreed with Natalie as he said that, well aware that was the case. "So, who we waiting for right now?"
That's when Christie decided to speak up. "Last time I checked, I was already here, and we weren't waiting for the Severides as they aren't going to be joining us for the moment." Natalie agreed with Christie as she said that, before saying something. "I just want to make sure that you know that we all meant everything that we said in our individual press releases. We worked with Antonio, and we drafted it all together so that we could limit the number of press releases that we put out from the company." Christie agreed with Natalie as well, before going ahead with thanking the family for making her job a hell of a lot easier. "And I really want to thank you guys for doing that, as it's going to make me and Antonio's job a hell of a lot easier tomorrow." Antonio was a bit confused.
"Wait, I thought that we were going to do the press conference Friday?" Christie laughed. "Not when we're putting the press release out ASAP. I want to do it tomorrow, because it's better for marketing. Now, that's why I need to talk to Matt. I want to let you know that I am going to speak for the family and the company, if that's okay Matt; or would you rather have Rafael talk on behalf of the company, as he is the interim Chairman and CEO?" Matt then realized something. "You know what, I should probably add him to the call since he's a member of this team. Do you guys mind?" Christie then spoke for the rest of the team. "No, go ahead as that's a good idea." Matt agreed with his sister as she said that, before going to add Rafael to the call so he can talk to him.
Solano Home – He didn't expect to be disturbed, as he took a nice swim with Jane this evening; the husband and wife wanting to get a bit of time with each other after a stressful day at the office, and ahead of another stressful day tomorrow (they can only assume). And that was why they were currently enjoying this time with each other, time where they were in the pool together and just holding each other close; as Rafael wrapped his beautiful wife's legs around her waist and ran his hands up her back as he kissed her slowly. But unfortunately, things can't always work out that well when it comes to the two of them; as his phone just started to ring, which prompted Jane to get close to him and start sucking on his neck. "Let it go to voicemail and concentrate on me Raf." Rafael sighed.
Turning his head, he looked down at his wife before kissing her softly. "It's Mr. Casey's ringtone." Jane sighed as she heard Rafael say that, well aware of what that means; that means that he can't ignore the call, because it's his boss. "How long do you think it'll be?" Rafael shrugged as he honestly didn't know how long it'll be. "Let's stay out here though, as we're having fun and having it easy. Matteo is asleep after all." Jane agreed with her husband as he said that, while watching as he swam away so that he could grab his phone; after all, he does need to work when his boss calls. Especially when he's currently in the midst of running his company, which is very large and can get quite complex at times. "Jane, I hope you know the reason why I have to do this." Jane agreed with Rafael.
"I can only guess that it may be related to the reason that you stayed late?"
Rafael sighed. "I needed to work with his sister, and get that statement out; so, he might have read it some more and just wanted to talk to me. Jane, I really need to take this because we're also going to do a press conference." Jane smiled and agreed with her loving husband as he told her that. "And that's fine. I will just stay here and wait for you." Rafael agreed with Jane as she said that, before walking over to a pool chair as he answered his phone. "Hi Matt, how can I help you this evening?" Matt snickered. "First, I am going to let you know that my sister Christie, my brother-in-law Antonio, Jay and Alex, and Will and Natalie are also on the call with us." Rafael agreed with his boss as he said that, while also sitting down on the pool chair. "Oh, hi everybody. Big call tonight."
Hearing that this evening, Jane smirked as she decided to get out of the pool and make her way over to her husband; after all, she would rather cuddle up to him as he talks to his boss. And let's just say that Rafael loves that idea. "I hope that we aren't disturbing family time at the moment Rafael." Rafael shook his head as he heard his boss ask him that, as that most certainly was not what he was doing (at least he wasn't going to say it). But right now, he most certainly was; but Jane was going to make it better, as she walked over to Raf at the deck chair. And boy did he love that sight, because his wife is so damn sexy; and he wants her exactly where she wants to be, and that was in his lap. And thankfully, that was exactly where Jane was now; as she laid down on his chest.
"So, I just want to comment on the statement that we're putting out."
Rafael agreed with his boss as he said that, because he also knew that there was something more. "And we also want to talk about the press conference for tomorrow, and how we're going to deliver it?" Matt sighed as Raf asked him that question, as that was exactly what he was thinking. "That's exactly what I was thinking, and I hope that you're okay with that. Now, here's the thing. I know that you're the acting Chairman and CEO, but I am just not sure who is going to deliver the statement; because we have Heather, and we may also have my sister deliver it, as she's family." Antonio then proceeded to add on. "If it's okay, I would like to read the statement that I made on behalf of the Dawson Family; as I believe that it should be read by a member of said family."
Gabby agreed with her brother as he said that, as she felt the same way. "Please have Eva there with you, as I want it to have multiple members of the family there for the Dawson Family." Christie agreed with her sister-in-law. "Well, if that isn't a good idea." Rafael laughed. "Now, here's the thing. Am I going to speak at all, or would you like your family to do the speaking Mr. Casey?" Matt thought about it. "I think that you should read the statement that I personally made. After all, it was also released in association with Gabby's office, your office, as well as my sister's office; and she can also do it, if you don't want to read the statement." Rafael shook his head. "No, I will read the statement. I believe that I should as the most senior member of the board for the time being." Matt agreed.
"Yes, for the time being. Because I am always going to be at the top of the seniority list."
Christie agreed. "I would think I would be second, now that I am a shareholder and a member of the family with the last name Casey." Matt agreed with his sister as she said that. "Well, I will leave it up to you guys. Either Rafael can give the statement, or you can give the statement Christie; if you feel like you can do it Christie, then I think you should." Antonio then proceeded to add on. "Actually, I think it would look good if me and Christie made the statements; after all, we are the relatives. And then Jay can do it for his family, as he is the most senior member of the Halstead Family." Will was offended as Antonio said that. "Hey, that's not true; I'm older." But Jay soon countered with the reason why he's more senior. "But I'm a SENIOR Vice-President and COO of a Division of Casey."
Jay then proceeded to explain why he is more senior, well add on tor the reason. "Meanwhile, you're just a Vice-President and COO of a Subsidiary of a Casey Division." Will agreed with his brother as he said that, well aware that was the case. "Okay, you're right." Matt agreed with Jay and Will as they both said that. "I agree with Jay when he says that, because that is the truth; he is more senior, and should therefore represent the Halstead Family based on his position. It's just for the title Will, and nothing more. Plus, don't you have a shift tomorrow?" Will sighed. "Right, so I can't be there. Is that okay?" Matt agreed. "Jay will carry the weight for your family then." Jay agreed. "I most certainly will. I will represent the family, as Alex stays here and takes care of the kids."
Alex agreed with Jay, as that's exactly what she plans on doing. "Oh, I most certainly will. Now, do we need to go over what we say? Or do we basically just read the statements that were released? And are we taking questions?" Christie stopped her when she asked that question. "You guys are not taking any questions. The only people who will be answering questions are me and Antonio, as we know what to do when it comes to dodging and not answering questions. If there are questions we think you should answer, then you will be called upon to answer them." Matt agreed with his sister as she said that, as he thought that was a really good idea. "Good idea sis, let's go with that plan." Rafael laughed as he heard all of them basically doing his work for him. "So, do I need to be here?"
Matt agreed with his interim CEO, as he most certainly does. "Rafael, you are my interim CEO, and you need to know everything when it comes to how we're going to do tomorrow. If you don't want to be here, then I can appoint someone else to be my interim CEO." Gabby agreed with Matt. "Just like I decided to do with Jane, is she okay with being the new interim Chief Creative Officer of Casey Creations?" Jane then proceeded to answer the question. "Of course, I am Gabby, and I am honored. But I thought it was ELLA?" Gabby sighed. "We changed it as to make sure that people know that I'm the boss, and that Stella is not the one that they all report to at the end of the day. My decisions are final, hers are not; and she didn't learn that. But can we not talk about her right now?"
Jane agreed with her boss. "Of course, Gabby, I promise not to bring her up again today." Gabby agreed with her new interim Chief Creative Officer. "Thank you Jane, and I can't wait to see what you come up with for the line." Jane agreed with Gabby. "I promise, I won't let you down." Gabby agreed with Jane as she said that, well aware that was the case.
Nursery, Solano Home – After finishing on the phone call with the rest of the team from Casey, Jane Solano couldn't help but smile at the sight of her hunk of a husband checking on their son this evening in his nursery; after all, Rafael is such a great father. And so far, he's been a great interim CEO. And she is so proud of her husband, because he does everything just perfectly; but not as good as he is when he's in bed with her. And that's exactly where Jane wants her husband at the moment, in bed with her so that they can have each other in bed. "You know, I think there might be someone who is much more interested in having you shirtless than our son." Turning around to look at Jane, Rafael smirked when he saw her standing there in some lingerie for him. "Well, I like this sight."
Jane agreed with her man as he said that, before smirking at him; after which, she put her hand out as she wanted him to follow her. To follow her out of the nursery, and to their room; because she wants something from her husband, and that would be for him to take things nice and slow with her. But first, Rafael wanted something ahead of him leaving the nursery with her; and that would be a sweet kiss from the woman he loves. So, he decided to do something. He decided to walk over to his beautiful wife and wrap his arms around her, so that she's right against his chest. "I want something first." Jane smirked and agreed with Rafael as he told her that, well aware of just what he wants as he wrapped his strong arms around her; after which, she leaned up and kissed him softly.
"So sexy." Rafael smiled as he heard Jane say that, before moving his hand to the side of her face as they both started to take things nice and slow with each other; after which, Rafael proceeded to pick his beautiful wife up in his arms. And let's just say that Jane was quite pleased, as it was exactly what she wanted Rafael to do; she wanted him to pick her up in his arms and carry her to bed. That way, they could enjoy each other where they want to enjoy each other; in there bed, which is where they can make love to each other. But they can only do that with Matteo's door closed, as they don't want to wake him up; and that was the exact reason that Rafael closed the door to his nursery behind him. "Thanks for remembering to close his door this time." Rafael agreed with Jane and smiled.
"Oh, we most certainly do not want a repeat of the last time that we made love." Jane agreed with Rafael as he said that, before smirking as he carried her right down the hall to their room; after which, he walked through the door and kicked the door closed behind him. But he didn't close it all the way, as they want to be able to hear Matteo in his nursery (even though they also have a baby monitor in here, they like it just in case the battery goes out). "God, I love you so much."
Primary Suite, Solano Home – Hearing her husband tell her that her loves her as soon as they walked through the door to their room, Jane Solano couldn't help but smile as she was extremely happy; especially since she loves her husband too. "I love you too Rafael." Raf agreed with Jane as she said that, before smiling as he kissed her softly. "God, I want you." Jane agreed with Raf as she watched him carry her over to their bed, before setting her down onto the ground and stepping close to her; he then went ahead and grabbed the little shirt that she was wearing for him. "We in a place where we can have another baby?" Smirking as Raf went to tug her shirt up off and over her head, Jane agreed as she was ovulating. "Do you want to try, because I'm ovulating?" Smirking, Raf agreed.
After which, he moved his hands to her neck and just started to take things nice and slow with the woman he loves. "I love you, and I most certainly do want to try for our daughter." Jane agreed with Raf as he said that, before going to grab his pants; after which, she went to start taking them off (which is exactly what her husband wants her to do right now). He wants her to take them off and throw them away; but since she wasn't doing it fast enough, he decided to help her so that she was done. And god did Jane love that they were now naked with each other, as she was ready for her man to lay her down in bed, which is exactly what Raf started to do, as he picked her up in his arms and laid her down in bed. After which, he looked at Jane and just admired her delicious body. "Damn."
Jane smirked as she heard Raf say that, well aware that her husband likes what he sees. "You like." Moving to climb into bed with his wife, Raf closed the covers on top of them and smirked. "Oh, I most certainly love." Moving his hand to Jane's neck, Raf smirked as he started to take things nice and slow with his beautiful wife. "I love you Jane, and always will." Moving her hand to Raf's face, Jane smirked as she took things nice and slow with the man she loves more than anything in the entire world.