Page 32 of Until You're Breathless

“And you know that he couldn’t put her up to that?”

“It was a spontaneous call. He literally called her a few minutes after arriving here. She was in between clients.”

“Well, now you know, right?”

“Yeah.” I say, my remorse showing. “I felt like such a shit.”

“You should.”

A ‘v’ forms between my brows. “Thanks a lot.” My voice says that I’m annoyed.

“Hey, look, I told you back then and I’ll tell you again now, Jagger isn’t capable of cheating on you. Fuck, I was so jealous of how much he loved you back then. It would have been easier for me to believe that he was a douche bag, but he wasn’t, and I knew it. And he still isn’t a douche bag now, that’s why I knew that he’d hire us. That’s why I wasn’t worried about walking out on that son of a bitch, and that’s why you and I, Bowie, are going places now.”

“I don’t know how you do it.”

“Do what.” Her voice is flat, unimpressed.

“Stay so positive.”

“The world is our oyster, Bowie. I’m telling you, ever since I gave up drinking, I feel like I can conquer the world.”

“You gave it up in college.”

“Yeah and look where I am now. Think about how shitty my life would have been had I waited.”

I decide it’s time to change the subject. “My mom thinks that we need to worry about Boston being out for blood.”

“Well, of course he’ll be out for blood. It’s whether or not he has the balls to go after it. The man is a pussy. Any guy that pulls shit like that...there’s no other word for it. But if you ask me, he’s not going to come after you or me. No, he’s going to go for the jugular, and try to shut Jagger down.”

“He’ll never do that. Jagger is one step ahead of him.”

“Let’s hope.” She says. “Because we’re about to sign up to be the official targets, Bowie.”

“Good morning.” Jagger says as we walk into the office.

“Good morning.” Both Jinny and I say in unison.

“I’ve got some papers for you both to sign in the boardroom, and then I’ll show you to your offices.”

“Sounds good.” Jinny states. “How about you get your HR person to give me the lowdown while I peruse the documents. I’m a master at multitasking.”

“And I don’t really need an office if one isn’t set up yet, Jagger.” I inform. “I’m always on the run, anyway.”

“No, you need one. It shows integrity. But unless you’re meeting with just one or two people, I suggest using the boardroom. Because that shows professionalism.”

“Exactly. I’ve never done anything different.”

“Good. Okay, I’ll get you set up with Led, our CFO.” Jagger says to Jinny.

Her eyes widen. “Oh my God! Led! I totally forgot about him! I haven’t seen him in years!”

Jagger smirks. “Yeah...and he’s...thrilledto see you again.”

She chuckles. “I’m sure. You know, he had a crush on me in high school.”

“And you never let him or anyone else forget it.” Jagger snorts. “You and him can negotiate, or fight to the death, on salary. I’ll take Bowie over to meet the production and design team.” He gives me a look. “Don’t worry, they all know who you are.”

“Greeeeaaat.”

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