Page 78 of Return on Love

Chapter 23

“This is a new day, a new beginning.”—Ahsoka Tano

It’s Friday morning. I wake up feeling hopeful about the future. If not with Nick, I’m sure there are other opportunities. The other gaming company has sent the job description to take things forward. The role is similar to what Nick is offering me—head of investment and investor relations. If I’m okay with it, they want to schedule an interview early in the coming week. I’ve played some games developed by this company and I’ve not really found them engaging enough. It’s just pure violence. No story, not enough depth. Just gore. Between the two, Nick is the winner.

Bernard has not officially accepted my resignation, in case I don’t like what I get outside. He’s such a sweetheart that this gesture of his makes me wanna stay back. But I know it’s not the right reason. He has told me to skip office and work from home. I guess he doesn’t want news of me leaving to spread just yet, and the best way is to keep me out of sight. People will just assume I’m traveling for work.

I brew some coffee and open my laptop. There are some routine emails from clients, some updates, reports and the like. Our lawyers have made some changes to the terms and conditions for James’ app. Thankfully, it’s no longer live. Otherwise James, and by extension, our firm, could be in a big mess.

As I switch to check my personal email, I’m surprised to see something from Gabriel. Why is he sending it on my personal email id? As the email opens up on my system, I’m astounded. It’s an offer to join them as Growth, Strategy and Investment Head. My God! It’s pouring offers for me. Could Bernard have told him to offer it to me so that I have at least something in hand? Possible. The timing sure makes sense. Was this the reason he was trying to call me?

He has copied Ryan on the email. Is he okay with it? I pick up the phone to call Gabriel.

“I’m sorry I haven’t called you back. These last few days have been quite chaotic.”

“Don’t worry about it. I understand.”

“I just saw your email.”

“And? Do you accept? We can’t pay you as much as your current salary, but once we get the funding, the bonus will hopefully make up for it.”

“Look, I know Bernard has probably set you up for this. You don’t need to do it for him. You need to do what’s best for your company.”

“Bernard? You’ve got it wrong, Eva. We’re doing what we think will take us forward.”

“Really? Because I thought your founder is the one who hires people. Not you. And I don’t see him calling me.” I don’t know why I’m saying this. “Anyway, I have a couple of other offers. So, you really don’t need to do this.”

“But Ryan is okay with it. Trust me. I would get him on this call, but he’s… he’s a little busy right now.”

“Well, thanks for the offer, Gabriel. Really, I mean it. But I already have another one that I’m considering. Give Nora my love and say hi to others for me.”

I’m huffing a little as I disconnect the phone. So His Highness is too busy to even talk to me!

I begin typing out a reply to Nick. I’ll accept this offer and make Nick’s company way better than MooreGames. What does Ryan think of himself?

Then I take a few deep breaths. I’ve misunderstood him before. When he said I should dress appropriately, and in grad school when he told the prof that he couldn’t do the project with me. Am I doing it again? Could he really be busy?

I dial his number. Let me hear him say it myself. Maybe he has an explanation for it all. Switched off! He never switches off his phone. What the hell is going on?

One part of me is angry at him. The other is a little concerned. Is he okay? Is he well?

My phone lights up with a message. Ryan? I open it hurriedly, only to see it’s from Dad, reminding me about the lunch date with him. I let out a sigh and think, for the hundredth time, if I should excuse myself. As if cares about it, anyway. It’s Friday afternoon. I can easily make some work-related excuse. Then I remind myself. I don’t need to run from people anymore. I have to face him and tell him how I feel. These past few days have been full of me taking control of my life, but this is the biggest hurdle I’m yet to face. I can’t run away from it. Not anymore.

I have forty minutes before I have to leave home. Thankfully, the restaurant he has chosen is close to my place. I do a quick research about Nick’s company. There are no red flags. Nick is known to work long hours, but that’s what has made him and his company rise so quickly. The speed at which they come up with new games is phenomenal, though I think, if they slow down the releases but think of better storylines, they might do better.

I want to dive further, but it’s time to leave. I’ll email Nick my acceptance later. Changing into a casual dress, I go out. Throughout the way, I rehearse what I’m gonna say to Dad. It’s an entire lifetime of pent-up emotions. One lunch might not suffice, but it’ll be a start.

He’s already there. Surprise! He actually stands up and holds me in what seems like a very awkward hug. Is this for real? What’s happening here? Did Alex put him up to this?

As we sit down, I brace myself for giving my speech. The waiter comes to take our order. I just order some chicken salad. That’s the most I can eat right now.

“So, how’s work?” he asks, once we’re alone.

Yup. That’s the only way he knows how to start a conversation. “Work’s good,” I reply out of habit. But then, something snaps. I look up, as he’s nodding at my response. “Actually, y’know what, Dad? I don’t know how work is?”

He raises his eyebrows and sits back in his chair.

“I’ve got a promotion in my firm. A VP with a confirmation of partnership in a year and a half.”

---