Page 32 of Doubling Down

“My place is in the Financial District,” I say, cheeks warming more than the heated water can account for.

Simon eyes me with a half-smile, and I can tell he’s catching on.

Sheridan blinks at me. “You don’t live in New York?”

“I grew up here, but no. I’m finishing my degree at Stanford soon. I intern for a non-profit in the city, at the moment. I’ll probably be going full-time when I graduate. I’m heading back at the end of the month.”

“And your relationship has survived the distance? The three of you are so in sync I just assumed you’d been together for ages.”

“It feels that way, doesn’t it?” Jude says, eyes locked on me. “But no, Simon and I lost touch with Sarah when she left for college. We just reconnected a few days ago.”

Sheridan’s so surprised he sets down his glass and leans forward, shifting his gaze between the twins before landing on me again. “This sounds like a story I’d love to hear, but more importantly, how did you two let this creature slip through your fingers?”

“Youthful stupidity?” Simon offers with a contrite shrug.

“On all our parts,” I add. “It’s complicated. Maybe we’ll tell the story sometime, but the important thing is that we’re together now, right?”

I look to either side where the twins are sitting, hoping they hear my unspoken request. I don’t want to mention it, because it’s just too crazy a thing to ask when we’ve spent fewer than two days together since finding each other again, even though it feels like no time has passed.

Sheridan clears his throat. “Well, I have a very generous offer for you that will hopefully sway your decision. And hopefully I get to benefit from it too.” He smiles and shakes his head. “Will you stop making eyes at each other for just a minute so I can give you the actual number I have in mind?”

When we give him an expectant look, he laughs and holds up a finger. “I just need to go grab the paperwork.” Then he climbs out of the tub, reaching for a towel that he slings around his waist before disappearing into the other room.

He returns a moment later with a messenger bag he must have been carrying when he arrived, but that I entirely missed in the moment. He pulls out a spiral-bound sheaf with a fancy letterhead on the first sheet and sets it at the edge of the tub beside us. I take a peek and see the name of the twins’ business, along with Sheridan’s in the first paragraph. He takes a moment to explain the terms to us and turns the page, pointing at the value of the partnership.

Simon barks a laugh, shaking his head in disbelief. I stare in utter shock at all the zeroes, looking for a misplaced decimal, but not finding it.

“Seriously?” Jude asks. “Why this much?”

“It’s the software, frankly. I consulted with my attorneys, and they pointed out that the program you’ve written is unique enough to be patented. It could have other applications besides the sex industry… more lucrative ones by far, including potential medical uses. Frankly, it’s worth more, but this is all I can afford, which is why I added this clause, making it clear I’d only receive a token percentage in the case of third parties licensing it for other uses. My team will assist in getting the entire thing patented with you two as dual rights holders. My part is only as agent. You have nothing to worry about.”

The twins share an excited look, and my own heart is in my throat with joy for the two of them. They seem too stunned to speak, so I say, “I think they need some time to have it looked over, if that’s okay.”

Sheridan nods. “Absolutely. Please take your time. I’ll leave this with you here.” He sets the contract on the counter where it’ll stay dry, then looks at us again with an affectionate smile. “I think this is my cue to give you three lovely people some space. My flight home is open-ended, so I’m here if you have any concerns.”

The formality in his tone is somehow endearing, and I’m tempted to ask him to stay, because I sense he’d really like to, but doesn’t want to intrude. But I need time with the twins alone.

“Thank you,” Simon and Jude both say in unison, yet again signaling they’re of the same mind on this. Jude adds, “We’ll talk it over and call you tomorrow with our decision.”

“Very well. Enjoy your evening.” He starts to leave, then stops in the doorway and turns. “Ah, if I may be so bold, even if we don’t do business together, please keep my number. I’d love to remain friends.”

“That would be nice,” I say, smiling at him. He nods and smiles back, then slips out the door, closing it behind him.

“Fuuuck,” Jude says, sinking deeper into the water and resting his head back on the ledge.

Simon moves to the other side to face us, sitting up on the edge of the tub and leaning his elbows on his knees.

“First off, Sarah, you’re the deciding factor here.”

“What? I shouldn’t be. Guys, you have to say yes!”

“He means about us moving the whole business to California, versus staying here and just traveling.”

I’m dumbfounded that they’re even asking, and when I stare at them without speaking for several seconds, Simon says, “Please say something.”

“How… Why…?” I shake my head and take a breath, but find it hard to speak, because this all feels too good to be true. “You already know I can’t move back to New York yet, but now there’s literally no reason that you guys shouldn’t move to San Francisco. And I really hope you’re not hesitating because you think I don’t want you there. Of course I fucking want you there!”

“Well, when you put it that way…” Jude says with a sardonic smirk.

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