Page 126 of Knot a Good Idea

The only guests I were looking forward to seeing were Sophie and Tom, but they were unable to make it. So, Hunter and I were stuck schmoozing with investors and tech affiliates.

I hate it.

I nod at Donovan, who subtly tilts his head in return.

The eighteen-year-old Beta kid that built the social media app is polite and shy, dressed in a suit that he obviously doesn’t feel comfortable in. But when he sees me, he approaches me and gives me a genuine, excited smile. We chat for a few minutes, and he asks me questions about how I learned to code—and I happily tell him the story of how Donovan, Hunter and I were working out of a crowded storage unit to createAxton.

That’s when I discover he was part of our art program when he was a teenager.

“Thank you for everything,” he says. “If you ever have time, I would love to chat with you guys more about some programs.”

And that moment with him is worth all the posturing we endure.

“Sure. Shoot any of us an email; we’ll look out for it.”

The excitement in his eyes makes me laugh.

“Wait—really?” he asks. “Are you sure?”

“I’m sure. We’ll make time.”

“Thank you so much,” he stammers. “I can’t even believe I’m here. I’m so happy I got to meet you guys.”

I say goodbye to his parents, who thank us for having them.

Based on their reactions, this party was worth it.

“That was kind of you.”

I turn around at the sound of April’s voice, her sweet scent barreling into me. Hunter accompanies her, his arm at her waist and his breathing heavy.

The air is charged with electricity, and I’m ready to tell Donovan that we need to end this party when Clay saunters up to us.

“Liam, Hunter,” he chuckles, and Hunter groans under his breath. “I have something for you. A thank you present for having me.”

I don’t want anything from Clay.

“You probably want to look away,” he chuckles at April. “I doubt you partake in this. It’s not meant for you.”

Alarm bells go off in my head.

Niceties and politeness have gone out the window.

“It’s time for you to go home,” I tell him evenly. “We can arrange for a driver if you’re too inebriated.”

“We don’t need shit,” Hunter adds at the same time.

Clay is undeterred and gives me a shit-eating grin. “C’mon, Liam. You ever hear ofO?” he whispers.

Time stands still.

Something itches in my brain at the name. Where have I heard it before?

O?

April lets out a gasp as she drops her glass.

“What did you say?” Hunter growls. “What thefuckdid you just say?”

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