Page 15 of Britain

Britain,

I asked around and this was everyone’s top choice to write on. On the backside of this paper you’ll find your password and login. Change them to what you want, and I only got everything going because I downloaded a writing program that people seem to love. Just to be safe, I also downloaded Word, if you wish to write on that. I hope this encourages you to give writing a chance. I think you’ll be amazing at it.

Sincerely,

Silas

I turn it on and hear the familiar noise that comes from Apple computers. I use the password to log on and can’t help the cheesy smile that’s on my lips. The background on the home screen is a picture of us that Silas took a week ago when we were at the Coffee Hound. Of course he looks handsome, with his blond hair styled and his blue eyes popping. I had my hair up in a knot, and no makeup on as usual, but I do admit I look pretty…happy.

Along the bottom I can see Word, a program called Scrivener, and one called Vellum. I’ll have to research how to use them. I grab my phone and shoot him a quick text.

Britain: Thank you. I don’t even know what to say.

It doesn’t take long before the three little dots dance, showing that he’s texting me back.

Silas: You keeping it is thanks enough. Can I take you out for dinner this weekend?

Britain: Yes, I’d like that.

Nerves assail me, but I’m just glad I did it, and Keith is right: I can’t be scared to take a chance.

Silas: I’ll call you tomorrow to make plans.

Britain: Okay that sounds good.

I set my phone down and play around with my laptop until my eyes start to get heavy, and then as I fall asleep, I dream of Silas.

Chapter Eight

Silas

The head designer, Matt, walks me through my office, showing me the work in progress. He came highly recommended and has been worth every penny. “The electrician has got your server room all wired up, and the HVAC guy was able to make the vents bigger so the room will be able to be kept at a cooler temperature. It’ll also have its own thermostat so you can adjust it to what you need.” He talks me through everything as we walk through the office and to the room in the back where the servers will all be located.

Matt shows me everything in there, and then he takes me back out to the main area. I’ve decided against offices, keeping the concept more open. If anyone needs privacy for something, there’s a conference room that’ll have a door for privacy. I decided on gray and black carpet, and the walls are a bluish-gray.

“When will the furniture be delivered?” I ask when we stop at the front of the space.

Matt pulls out his iPad. “It should be here by next Wednesday, and then they’ll start assembling everything. We’ll want you here as we start moving the furniture into the spaces they’re supposed to go in, but honestly that shouldn’t take very long. Once it’s all done, you just give them your approval or let me know if you want stuff changed. After that, we’ll get your servers moved here, and all of the electronics. The following week we’ll get the phones set up.”

I thank him for showing me around and then head over to Stefan’s office to meet him and Jeremiah for lunch. Stefan’s a CPA, so he’s always been my numbers guy, helping me get the most of my business without getting screwed tax wise. One of his partners is the one that does my taxes.

I step inside and find the receptionist, Tawny, sitting behind the desk. She’s been to the club a few times, and both Stefan and Jeremiah have had scenes with her. I never have—she’s not my type, and I don’t make it a point to fuck the same people my friends have. That’s just not my style, no matter what others might think.

“Hey Silas, how are you?”

“I’m good. Can I go on back?” I move past her when she says yes.

I hear laughter coming from his office, so I know Jer is already there. After giving the door a quick knock, I push it open. “What’s up, fellas?”

We all give each other back-slapping hugs before I sit down in the chair next to Jeremiah. “So tonight is your first real date with Britain?” he asks.

I was fucking ecstatic when she said yes to dinner with me; I even got her to agree to let me pick her up. “Yep. I’m taking her to Carmine’s.” It’s one of the best steakhouses around—meat so tender you don’t need a knife.

“When are you going to tell her what you’re into? You can’t hide who you are from her forever,” Stefan says.

“I know that, but something inside of me is telling me to take things slow with her. I don’t know what it is, but I feel like I can’t just throw her into it.”

“I love you bro, but you’re putting in a lot of time with someone who may never be into the scene. You should tell her now and cut your losses if she’s not into it—for both of your sakes.”

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