Page 95 of A Whole New Play

I stop in my tracks. “A job?”

“Yeah.” Will clears his throat and begins what’s, clearly, a rehearsed speech, “Henry and I aim to have young professionals join our startup who all have some connection to us or one another. We want to create a positive work culture where we all lift each other up to help the company succeed. I know you worked for one of the big four firms in Houston, and I know you’d make a great asset to our team if you decided to take a chance and work for us.”

My mouth falls open. I snap it closed and swallow down my shock. “Wow. That’s… wow. I’m flattered.”

“I’m sure you need more information and time to think about it,” Will says. “But if you don’t mind me asking, what are your initial thoughts?”

My initial thoughts?

Taken aback.

Intrigued.

And worried.

When I quit my job all those months ago, I told myself I would branch out of my comfort zone. I refused to fall into another demanding accounting job just for the sake of having a job.

“I don’t know,” I admit. “This kind of caught me off guard.”

“That’s understandable.”

“But that doesn’t mean I’m not interested. What can you tell me about your company?”

Will begins to explain how he and his friend have designed a performance platform intended to optimize supply chain services for technology companies and their customers.

I do my best to focus on the unfamiliar terminology, but I have to admit I’m a bit lost.

The rumble of an engine distracts me further. I look over my shoulder and take two large steps into the grass along the road as the black pickup truck steers left to drive on the side of the road farthest from me.

The older man behind the wheel acknowledges me with a wave as he passes. I step back onto the road to avoid stepping into anything unsavory.

“—the process is innovative, and we already have an in with one of the biggest computer manufacturers in the country. Henry and I just need to finalize our pitch, onboard essential employees, and then we will be ready to roll,” Will finishes his spiel. It’s easy to hear his excitement.

“That sounds incredible, and you seem to have a solid business plan.”

“I have my sister to thank for that. Do you remember Elise?”

“Of course, I remember Elise.” Will’s sister is two years older than us, but everyone at our high school knew the Class President and Homecoming Queen. “How is she doing?”

“Great. She has an MBA from SMU and she’s agreed to lend us her expertise and help us get our company off the ground.”

“That’s great. Do you have a name for the company yet?”

The roar of another engine drowns out Will’s reply. It sounds like it comes from a fancy sports car.

I frown and turn around, stepping off the main road, wondering who in their right mind would be driving so fast down this country road filled with winding curves and blind spots.

A bright red car appears around the bend half a mile back. It approaches quickly, clearly speeding.

I move farther into the grass. “Sorry, Will. What did you say?”

“Our name is to be determined, but we’re running preliminary surveys and also confirming trademarks and domain names can be obtained on a few options.”

“That makes sense.”

The roaring car continues its approach.

I scowl at the vehicle, but that scowl swiftly turns to fear when I notice it swerving from side to side on the two-lane road.

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