Page 4 of Reeling in Love

“Um. I need to think. It’s a good amount of money and the valuation is decent. It’ll be good for the company. You know that.”

“I know that the company needs you more than that money. Promise me you won’t think any more about it, because none of us are. And I’m sorry again for putting you in this position. I’m going to give Neil a piece of my mind for bringing this investor to me. Trust me on that.”

I laugh as I sense the anger rising in Eva. “It’s strange to see you all geared up to fight. Boston has changed you. Or maybe it’s Ryan who has changed you. Or is it the pregnancy?”

She chuckles. “That reminds me, Neil wanted to connect with you. I think he’s been tasked with getting some European clients, and he knows your family has strong business connections. What should I do?”

“Depends on whether you wanna do it. It won’t bother me, if that’s what you’re asking. You can give him my number.”

“Cool. I’ve got a call now with one of the school principals who’s using our product, so I gotta go. But Gabs, we all agree that we don’t need the money if it means losing you. There’s no doubt in any of our minds about that. You get me?”

“Yeah, yeah! Now go.”

I pour myself a bit of whisky and slump on the couch. Don’t judge me for drinking during the day. It’s been an awful couple of days and I feel like shit because the investor really made me feel like one. I’m usually a confident person, well-liked by one and all. So this feeling is new to me and to be honest, I hate it. I want to cower inside myself and never come out.

Young. Inexperienced. Not competent to take the company to the next level.

These are the words Monsieur Dumas used for me. Over and over and over. I let out a sigh and take a big swig from the glass. It burns my throat, but I like it.

Ryan rejected the offer, but Gerard Dumas has given him a week to mull it over. “After all, this isn’t an opportunity that comes around often,” he said when we wrapped up. And he’s not wrong. Besides the money, the guy’s loaded with connections to governments, companies, and investors. He’s a big shot. Not like me, as he kindly reminded me.

Maybe he’s right. I’ve done my job at MooreGames. It’s time to move on now.

As I sit there, wallowing in self-pity, thinking things can’t get worse, my phone buzzes again. I glance at the screen and instantly know my day’s about to nosedive.

Mom. Ugh!

I don’t hate her, but I sure as hell don’t love her either. I’d rather forget she exists, like she did with me growing up. But I can’t do that, right? I’m better than that. So, I knock back the rest of my whisky and swipe to answer the call.

“What a surprise, Maman. How’re you doing?”

“Tres bien, Gabriel. Et toi?”

Yes, she is French and loves to talk in the language.

“Couldn’t be better,” I lie, making my voice sound as uplifting as I can, given the circumstances and my mood.

“Vraiment? You don’t sound too good. C’mon now, tell me what happened.”

“Nothing. Just some work-related stuff. So, what prompted this call?”

“Can’t a mother call her son without reason?”

Well, yeah. Normal mothers. But not her! Best not to voice my thoughts and remain quiet instead.

“Well,” she continues in a bit. “there is something I needed to tell you. You remember Monsieur Martin of Martin Enterprises?”

“We met him last year when we went to Versailles, right?”

“Oui! Same one. Well, the funniest thing happened. He has this lovely daughter, Sophia, who is in the States for business. She’s an only child. Like you. I want you to meet her.”

“Meet her? Like a date?”

“Oh, don’t worry. Just dinner. Unless you want to go on a date with her.”

Mom loves having dinner parties, especially if there’s anyone from France visiting the States.

“I already have a girlfriend, in case you forgot.”

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