Page 127 of Playing the Game
“Not off the top of my head. I’ll let you know if something comes up as long as you don’t drag me into anything with Hunter.”
Why does everything go back to him?
I shake my head. “I’ll keep anything you share with me to myself. You should know I’ve got your back.”
Mateo’s deep laugh fills the room. “You’ve proved you can keep a secret or two.”
“That won’t change.”
“That’s good to hear. It will put my clients at ease.”
“Nobody will know anything about that side of your business. At least, not from me.”
He nods. “I consider you more of a friend than most. That’s saying a lot.”
“How so? If I remember correctly, you don’t have many friends. Outside of Colton Monroe and Justin, your right-hand man, you roll solo.”
“I have acquaintances. When you’re as high up as we are, trust isn’t given. It’s earned.” Mateo leans back in his chair.
“That was true before I had money.”
He blows out a gust of air between his lips. “Fuck, man. I don’t know many men who have pulled off what you have.”
“What have I done?”
“Two billion in two years. Even if it is being paid out to you over time, you have my respect. That’s quite an accomplishment.”
My chest swells. If only my parents were here to see it.
I accept Mateo’s compliment and bask in the feeling of my success. “I find it fascinating.”
“What’s that?”
“It seems once I hit that billion-dollar glass ceiling, making money has been the easiest thing I’ve come up against.”
“It’s a strange phenomenon, but you’re right. Once you have money, it just flows to you. You can’t teach it to anyone. You just have to experience it to know how it works.”
My mind travels to Dori. With the amount of money I make, I can provide her with every wish she’s ever had. I want that more than anything.
My phone vibrates with an incoming call.
“Mateo, I have to let you go. I have another call.”
“Okay. Let’s touch base next week.”
“I’ll reach out as soon as I have my itinerary.”
We disconnect, and I pick up my phone, thinking it’s Dori. When Hunter’s name flashes on the screen, my throat constricts. The last thing I want to do is hear him gloat about getting Dori’s job back.
I slide the answer button anyway. “Hunter. What can I do for you?”
“Jamison, are you alone?” His panicked tone has me sitting straighter.
“Yes. Why?”
“Are your security guards around?”
“No. What’s this about, Hunter?”
