No one yet has mentioned the obvious so I guess I'll be the one. If you both agreed to eliminate the 45 day clause then why didn't you cross it out on the contract? Have all signees initial it and it's legally no longer there. Never, never, NEVER leave anything to "verbal agreement". Even with friends, just say "it's just business, nothing personal, you understand" when insisting on having something in writing. Trust me, you'll keep more friendships that way. And, by the way, never start any work until you have a signed contract in hand either.
It's easy to define what you're willing to fight for; but what are you willing to stand for without fighting? What are you willing to lay down your life for?
This is CABL.com posting #179740. Tiny Link: cabl.co/mUVc