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“To not just You2, but to us. To friends.” Rian raised his beer, and we all took a drink. Tiffany and Kody took one look at each other, and both pulled up their phones.
“Group picture.”
The flashes were blinding, but not more than the truth as knocking pounded into my door.
We all looked at each other, and I pointed to my overly-fake smile as they continued to laugh and talk as if nothing was wrong. After all, we did have more people on their way.
More knocking.
“Coming!” I swung open the door seeing Dominguez and two other men standing in front of our other alibis.
“Barbara, Kramer, and Amber. Glad y’all could make it. Please come in. Make yourself at home.”
Each made their way in, surprise on their faces as they took in my place. Barb nudged into my shoulder like old times, smiling at Kody as she headed towards us.
“You must be Barbara. Jase has told me so much about you.”
“Has he now?” She lit up, laughing as she took the beer Rian handed her. “I am pretty amazing. I’ve been with the company almost from the beginning.”
“That’s what he was telling me.”
“Because you’re my miracle worker,” I cut in. “Barbara, I want you to meet my beautiful girlfriend, Kody. Kody, the queen of You2, Barb.”
As they shook hands and laughed, I took in Kramer and Amber. For newbies, they were already making themselves at home. And if I wanted to be honest, they weren’t really new anymore. They’d held their position a hell of a lot longer than the others. And they were good. Their resumes, their experience, went beyond the majority. They would become foundation eventually. That was…if they made it past tonight.
“Snacks,” I yelled out. “They’re in the kitchen. Don’t forget to eat something. There’s even pizza over there if you want something heavier. Now that I have that out of the way, let’s all head into the living room. I’d like to make a toast.”
The group gathered as if we’d done this every weekend before. As if complete pandemonium weren’t ensuing all over the world around us.
Any minute now.
Any minute.
I stood before them, truly proud for what I was about to say. Smiles were beaming as I reached over, pulling Kody to my side. It felt right, regardless of the ploy.
“I want to thank every single one of you. Despite You2’s success, we know I’ve been in a rough patch for quite some time. That time is over. Between all your support, your hard work, and this gorgeous woman next to my side, the future has never looked so bright. We’re breaking records left and right. No one has ever done what we’re doing. I know I say this a lot, but tech history is being made and it’s time we stop looking to next month and take a moment to celebrate the hell out of it right now. We wouldn’t be here without all your dedication and skills. You’ve put in the hard work. Now it’s my turn to show my appreciation. So, with that…I have a surprise.” I looked at Kody, seeing the excitement radiating from her being. “Who’s ready to pick surprise cards?
“Ooh! Me!” Amber raised her hand, bouncing on her toes. I laughed, pointing at Rian who led the group to the table at the far end.
“We don’t have much time. You okay?”
Kody nodded. “Are you sure they’ll come?”
“They do any time something big happens. Between Rush’s past of almost getting caught, and our skillset, we’re like a magnet. They have all these plans and laws, but when shit does go down, they have no idea what they’re doing. They have people, but the people they need don’t usually want to work for them, if you know what I mean.”
“I hope they don’t come. Everyone’s having a good time.”
“I hope they don’t either. Let’s go see who gets the car.”
Kody’s feet nearly stumbled. “There’s a car as a prize? I’m coming to work for you.”
“No need. Give me your ultimate promise, and I’ll buy you the sun, the moon, and the stars.”
“Do I get to rule them as I see fit?”
My laugh had the others glancing over as Rian shook the bowl full of envelopes.
“You can rule, so long as you remember who you take your orders from.”
