He’s right. I owe it to them to make things right. “I’ll think of something,” I say. “I’ll find a way to fix it. What’s the latest word on the re-brand? Do we have the new name yet?”
“We’re keeping the name,” Geoff says.
“Are you kidding me? How can you even say that, now that that video has gone viral?”
Geoff bursts into laughter. For a moment I wonder if he’s lost it.
“You lucky bastard, Jackson. Do you know how many downloads we’ve had in the last twenty-four hours? Turns out that stupid video is thebestthing that’s ever happened for the app, Jackson! People are making reaction videos discussing how happy they are to find an app that isn’t just for hookups. We’ve had requests from people who want to use our system to find platonic friends and an inquiry from a large HR firm that thinks the compatibility analysis might aid in job placement. Things are looking up!”
“You’re kidding me,” I heave a massive sigh of relief.
“I shit you not,” Geoff says.
“So people don’t hate me?” I ask, hopefully.
“No, they think you’re a total asswipe. But they love the product.”
“And the name? You’re sure about it?”
“It’s memorable. Asswiper, AI Swiper… The point is that people remember it. I hate to admit it, but you really are a fucking genius.”
As I end the call, I peer in through the sliding glass door at Isla. She’s still sleeping soundly. Nakedly. I want to wake her with kisses and a plate of fruit and bacon. I sneak back in to get dressed and bring some food back to the suite before she wakes.
* * *
Rob and Roryare eating their breakfast on the patio outside the buffet. Rory has a set of flashcards with the cast members’ photos on one side and the show logo on the other. She’s laid them out in a grid and she’s flipping them over like it’s a kid’s game.
“Jackson!” Rob looks up. “Your performance last night was incredible! Brainsandtalent? Game over!” He shakes his hand like he’s putting out a match.
“You forgot to mention my dashing good looks,” I say, dragging a metal patio chair over to their table.
“So humble, too.” Rory snorts.
“How’d it go with Isla after?” Rob asks. “Did you catch up to her?”
“I did,” I smile goofily.
“That smile tells me all I need to know,” Rob bursts into a grin. “Oh, Jackson, Dude. I am so happy for you. There’s nothing like it, right?”
“Nothing like what? Getting laid?” Rory rolls her eyes and flips the cards back over for another round of the game.
“Don’t be crass, Rory,” Rob frowns at his assistant producer. “It’s obvious that it’s more than that. It looks like the matchmaker has matched himself. Jackson here is in love.”
“You got all that from my smile?” I ask, a little incredulous.
“I have a sixth sense about these things,” Rob asserts confidently. “What are you going to do about it? Have you told her?”
“Not yet,” I admit. Rory’s matching game doesn’t seem to be going well. She keeps messing up the matches and sweeps the cards back into a pile, frustrated.
“Ugh. Looks like you two may be the only ones leaving here together,” Rory taps the deck into a neat stack and tucks it into her front pocket.
“Nevermind about that now!” Rob waves her concerns away. “Have you thought about the big reveal?” Rob waves his hands in front of his face for emphasis. “You couldn’t ask for a more romantic place for it. Go big, or go home. Amiright?” he elbows Rory and winks at her conspiratorially.
“Yeah sure,” she agrees. “Everyone loves a grand gesture. It makes for a good story. You do that podcast, Jackson. You know the drill.”
“I don’t know how to tell her,” I admit. “I mean I’d love it to be special, but I’m not good at planning this sort of thing.”
“Well, my friend,” Rob smiles delightedly and claps me on the back. “You’ve come to the right place. Lucky for you Iampretty good at this stuff.”
