Page 8 of Reeling in Love

Finally, he speaks up. “To be honest, I have mixed feelings. I mean, the meetings were a success for the company, right? They love the product and the future strategy and everything, and I’ve obviously been a part of all that. The only thing they’re concerned with is my experience, or rather lack of it, and how it might hurt the growth of MooreGames. If I think objectively, I believe there is some truth to it. We’re growing so fast, and if we get the funding, we’ll grow even faster. Maybe it’s time to get a more experienced CFO.”

I gawk at him. What kind of nonsense is he spouting?

“You know that’s dumb? How can an outsider understand the company better than you? How can that person work as well with Ryan as you do? Isn’t all that crucial for the company’s future?”

“It is, but I’m sure we can find someone who ticks those boxes. I don’t think I can, in good faith, remain in MooreGames. I mean, it’ll cost them the funding and that means a loss of growth opportunities. How can I be so selfish? I have to step down. I’ve decided.”

I hold his hand and squeeze it a bit. I know this is the toughest decision he’s made in his professional life.

“You thought of anything? About what you’ll do?”

“Maybe join the family business. Mom has been after my life to do that since I graduated. It might also give me an experience of working in large companies and with much more experienced people.”

“In France? You’ll go to France?”

I support him in all his decisions, crazy or not, but this is too much, and I can’t stop the incredulity from seeping into my tone.

Thankfully, he shakes his head. “No. They have two offices in the States. One in Boston and the other in LA. I might have to go to Paris occasionally, but that’s it.”

We sit there like that for some time, holding hands. I can’t imagine the office without him. I joined MooreGames because of him. Now, even though I have other friends and I love my work, but it still won’t be the same.

“And how’s Paula?” I ask, changing the subject. It’s too much for me to handle right now. “You told her about your dinner date with So-phi-a? Hashtag the-woman-your-mom-loves, hashtag the-arranged-date.”

“First, it’s not a date. Just dinner. And second, I did tell Paula and she’s cool with it, or so it seems. She wants to come over tonight and give me some ‘new experience’,” he says, making air quotes.

I growl, snap my teeth, and curl my hands into mock claws. “Yeaow! Someone is in for some fun time.”

The corners of his lips twitch upward into a smile. I love it when he smiles and I hate that stupid investor who caused my best friend so much pain. If I ever see him, maybe I’ll take some cues from Paula and give him a taste of feral rage.

“Yeaaah. It’s actually a bit much. I mean, it was fun for one time, maybe two. But every time? Every. Damn. Time. She keeps biting me. Man! The week in Paris helped me heal a little, otherwise, I had bite marks in places you can’t imagine.”

“Even there?” I ask, looking at his crotch, and he nods, biting his lips. “Ouch! That must hurt. Why don’t you tell her not to do it? Suggest some different games, if that’s what she likes.”

“You think I haven’t? C’mon Nora. As if I’d take it all quietly. But she doesn’t listen, because that’s her animalistic phase nowadays.”

“You know this is borderline abuse, right?”

He rolls his eyes. “It’s mostly fun, except that one time,” he said, glancing down between his thighs. “But I’m tired of this. Tired of her. Her meowing, barking, growling, walking on fours, and making me do the same. I mean, she’s great and all, but I don’t think I can take it anymore.”

“Wow! Wasn’t it you who told me earlier today that she might be the one?”

“Whatever. I can’t stand her, even to keep Mom off my back. Even if she’s the one.”

“Is anyone the ‘one’? I mean, look at Rick. He’s the perfect man. He cares for me, earns well, has a nice house, and is okay in bed. But as soon as he hinted he wants us to be a ‘thing’, like engaged and stuff, I’ve been freaking out. Avoiding going home. I mean, he’s waiting for me right now because we had planned to go for dinner. And here I am, being anywhere but near him.”

He shrugs. “Maybe there’s no one for the likes of us. Maybe we’re broken. Destined to be alone.”

“Is that a bad thing, though? I’m happy being alone. And we’re not really alone, right? We have each other and other friends. So who cares?”

“I know, right? If you’re happy with your current status with Rick, shouldn’t he accept it? Your happiness should be paramount to him.”

“Wow! Paramount? Did you really say that? You must really be upset.”

“I’m serious, Nora. Why label the relationship? I think you should tell him that honestly. If you’re not ready, you’re not ready. If he can’t get that inside his skull, his loss, I say. Ain’t I right, Sugar?” He ends with a Texan accent.

I punch him on the arm, chuckling. “Stop making fun of him. But you’re right. I’ll talk to him. If he’s the one, he’ll understand. I mean, it’s only been two years of our staying together. And it’s a lifetime we’re talking about. Two years in a lifetime is a rounding off error, y’know.”

“Yup. Two years! Wow! At least you’ve been stable. For me, I think there’s something intrinsically wrong with me.”

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