Just One Kiss

Chapter 20

Clinking her knife to the glass, Juliana got the attention of the room.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor to have you here today to celebrate the grand opening of JE and Co Media House Madrid, a JE and FlorenTech collaboration." The room filled with applause. 

"This project has been a year and a half in the making" she continued, " and it grew into something more than what we could've ever imagined."

"We went from a contract deal with a Spanish investment group to the completion of TravelSport, our new sports and travel magazine, with the debut article that started it all still rising in online views into the billions." The room erupted into cheers at her words as picture of the cover graced the screen behind them; it was a picture Martin took of the checkered flag in Monaco. Just below the corner of the image was written: for Richard.

"Before we cut the ribbon" Juliana pointed behind her to the plaque that had been covered by red velvet curtains with a large ribbon at front, "there's a few people I need to thank for making this possible."

"Firstly, I'd like to thank Carla Florentino for introducing me to the world of FlorenTech. Carla has been my good friend for many years, but only recently did we discuss the possibility of going into business together and I'm happy to say that it was a success." Carla raised her champagne flute to Juliana on stage, holding Natalia's hand in her other. Natalia waved as well, resting her hand on her pregnant stomach, which she had gotten used to in a few months since she had started showing.

"Secondly, I would like to thank my team at home in South Africa because without them, this vision would never become a reality. They really held us down and pushed us forward. I would like to give a special thanks to the new editor and chief of JE, Duke Dlamini. Thank you Duke and Marjorie for being the brains behind this team and keeping us sane even through the hard times". The crowd applauded as they turn the attention to the happy couple, who raised their champagne flutes to Juliana as well.

"Finally like to thank my visionary. I put my trust, my company, and my retirement on the line for this woman" the crowd laughed, " and I am so happy to say that I was not disappointed. From coming in as an intern to working as my direct subordinate to now a fellow CEO in this publication world. I'm so proud of you."

"Ladies and gentlemen, CEO of JE Madrid, China Florentino." The crowd interrupted in the loudest applause of the night so far as China walked in stage. She kissed Juliana on her cheeks, thanking her as she whispered to how proud of her she was. Before leaving the stage, the two women stood and cut the ribbon in front of them, unveiling a golden plaque with the company name: JE Co Media House España.

China walked to the microphone in the middle of the stage as Juliana exited off the stage and down to the tables.

"Thank you ladies and gentlemen for taking time out of your very busy schedule to come and open a very tiny building in the corner of busy Madrid" China started making them laugh.

"To be very honest, this started out as a daydream that I had as a naive intern a couple of years ago in my university dorm room watching YouTube videos" she continued, switching to English. " Thankfully, Juliana saw my idea as a passion project and she put her time, her money, and her investment into making my dream becomes a reality and I thank her so much for that." The crowd applauded as she blew Juliana kiss.

" I would like to thank my South Africa people who helped me grow and realize that I could do this, but I could never have done it without them. Thank you guys for showing me the way, and for reminding me that our ideas are not crazy." The crowd cheered again with Duke being the one to blow the kiss this time.

"Last, but not least I'd like to thank my husband, Nicolas Florentino" she said that she turned to him. " My love, I never could've done this without you. You gave me the drive to remember who I am to show me what adventure is and for that I am forever grateful." Smiling at her he blew her a kiss from where he stood, causing the crowd to coo.

"Thank you for making me not only a member of FlorenTech, but a member of your family as well. Thank you for my sisters, my soon to be nephew, and most of all, thank you for being the most wonderful husband that girl like me could ever ask for. Thank you everybody and have a good night."

China took a bow as the crowd erupting in applause and stood from their seats. They continued to applaud as she walked off stage, Nico already at the bottom of the stairs ready to help her down and leading her to the table they shared with Duke, Marjorie, and Daisy.

" I'm so proud of you" Duke said to her when they reached, causing her best friend to smile.

"I'm proud of you too pumpkin. Look at you moving up the corporate ladder" she said, pulling him into a hug.

"And thank you" he turned to Nicholas, giving him a handshake, "for making not only my best friend happy but for making me very very rich."

"It's what I do" Nico said, making the group laugh. As they continue to animatedly talk about the future, he looked at his wife, who was already looking at him, eyes full of love.

" This is the beginning of the rest of our lives" he said to her. This time in her heart, China knew he was right. He moved to kiss her, but she pushed him away jokingly.

"Just one kiss" he asked, making her chuckle and smile at him.

"Just one kiss", she as he smiled and press his lips down to her own happy that he could not do this with no worries, no care and anytime he felt the need.

Fin.