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He turns around to see me holding out the stick to him. “Shay?”
“There’s something I forgot to mention…”
Chapter thirty-nine
Austin
Two Months Later
The glare from the overhead lights is blinding as the camera focuses on us. Miles and I are seated side by side dressed in jeans and Hungry Llama hoodies, ready for the final interview of the two-day press tour about the acquisition, which finally went pubic earlier this week.
The muted background hum in the BizTV studio fades into silence. Tasha Adams, the sharply dressed host of Business Rockstars turns toward us with a practiced smile. “Good evening. Tonight our guests are Austin Andrews and Miles Stojanovic. Your story has been making headlines around the world. Hungry Llama’s sale to Jacoby International is being touted as the biggest deal in the gaming industry. How does it feel?”
I clear my throat. “It’s been a whirlwind, Tasha. We started Hungry Llama as freshmen at University of Washington. To see it grow and gain the attention of a global giant like Jacoby International…it’s surreal.”
“It’s a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication.” Miles nods at me. “We’ve built something special, and while the acquisition is a significant milestone, we’re excited about what’s next.”
Tasha’s eyes flicker with curiosity. “You’ve both agreed to stay on during the transition. Why make that decision? Surely, after such a successful sale, you could’ve taken your earnings and retired to a beach somewhere.”
“True.” I chuckle. “But Hungry Llama is our brainchild. We’ve been entrusted to ensure that its values and spirit remains intact, even as Jacoby International takes the helm. Our commitment to our team and our users doesn’t end with a sale.”
Miles adds, “We’re still very much in the thick of it. But Austin and I, along with Jacoby’s leadership, are committed to smooth sailing.”
The rest of the interview touches upon our journey, the highs and lows and our hopes for Hungry Llama’s future. As we wrap up, Tasha delves into our private lives. “Away from the boardroom, how has this transition impacted your personal lives?”
I glance at Miles, who simply smiles and gives nothing away. “It’s been a ride. And we’re grateful for the supportive folks we have in our corner.”
When the interview is over, we take off the microphones, extend pleasantries to Tasha and the crew, head down the elevator to the parking garage.
“Well, that’s that.” I extend my fist out toward him.
He taps his fist against mine. “I’d be sadder if I didn’t have two hundred million dollars clear in my bank account.”
“True that.” I laugh. “With another two hundred mill coming in a year.”
We walk to our cars in silence. He and I have made our peace with selling Hungry Llama. We’re proud of the company we built. Proud of the opportunity it’s provided to so many. Jacoby is keeping the entire team. Miles and I will continue to participate at the board level. All in all, not too shabby for a couple of twenty-nine-year-old gaming geeks.
“See you in a bit. I’m looking forward to dinner.” Miles waves as he gets into his car.
I watch him drive off, get in my own car and text Shay: “I’ll pick you up out front in 5.”
Inside the private dining room at Canlis, ambient light sets a gentle glow upon the mahogany table with seating for ten. Shay and I are a few minutes early.
As we settle into our seats, her sparkling blue eyes find mine. “I can’t believe we’re here celebrating after the past few months. A little surreal, isn’t it? We got through it all.”
“It sometimes feels like a dream.” My fingers graze hers. “We had a few rough moments, but we stuck together. I love you. So much.”
“I love you too, Austin.” She strokes the side of my face.
I hand her a flute with a splash of champagne. “Before everyone arrives, a toast to us. To our future.”
“Yes, to us.” We clink glasses and she takes a sip and puts the glass down. “It’s delicious. I know my doctor cleared me to have a drink now and then, but I think that was enough. Besides, if I’d been pregnant, I wouldn’t be able to enjoy even a taste of this exquisite champs.”
“You’d have a cute little baby bump instead.” I stroke her flat stomach. “Be warned, I’m determined to knock you up sooner rather than later.”
“Don’t feel pressure because my neurologist thinks it’s better for me to get pregnant before I’m thirty-five. We have time.” Shay says this to me, though I know she’s reassuring herself. Pregnancy scare aside, both of us want to be married before she gets pregnant.
Little does she know…
