Page 13 of Glitched Play

"Oh."

Professional. Sound professional, not like the woman who spent half the night rereading the job posting.

Not like the woman who almost didn't apply.

Not like the woman who recognizes Synatrix as one of the most influential gaming companies in the world.

"Oh?"

She laughs softly. "We'd like to schedule a phone interview with the current lead developer, and you’ll need to fill out our technical assessment form."

I grip the phone tighter. "Absolutely."

"Wonderful. Also, Mr. O'Ryan reviewed your application personally."

The words hit me strangely. Mr. O'Ryan. Everyone in gaming knows the name, although he’s not one to be in the spotlight.

Witt O'Ryan.

Founder.

CEO.

Legend.

The man practically built a digital empire from his bedroom. Other than that, he stays out of the spotlight. Doesn’t talk much of the games he played that inspired him. He’s a bit of a mystery.

For a second I forget how to breathe.

"He... reviewed it?"

"He did. And if the other phases of the process go smoothly, you’ll interview with him personally the following week."

A thousand questions race through my head.

Instead, I manage, "Thank you."

The phone interview is scheduled for Monday, and she asks that I fill out the form tonight, so that their team has ample time to look over it and prepare their questions.

When the call ends, I stare at the dark screen in my hand. I think my life just changed.

"Maci?"

I turn to find my entire family and Chase staring at me.

Apparently walking away from a celebration to answer a mysterious phone call has attracted attention.

Tyler narrows his eyes. "Was that a boyfriend?" he asks, arching one brow.

“No,” I bark out a laugh.

Even though Chase and I aren’t dating and haven’t even kissed, Tyler shouldn’t have said it.

Mom immediately stands. "Was it a job?

"Maybe."

“I don’t know why you’re not happy where you are. It’s a Fortune 500 company with stock options and retirement. Jobs like that are hard to come by,” she says, instantly making me defensive.