“No, it’s okay,” I said. “I shouldn’t be drinking anyway.”
“Why not?” He picked up the glass so the server could leave, but held it between us as if he wasn’t sure yet who should take it.
I realized at that moment that it was SnakeRunzz. “I’m working,” I said. “I’m here with HarperTech.”
“Oh, really? Damn. I heard something about them making the graphics faster without changing the gameplay. Making things easier when we’re maxing out the processors. Can you tell me about it?”
Glancing across the room, FlashFleaze and Andrew were at the top of the mezzanine, about to go into the VIP room. Miraculously, I caught Andrew’s eye and mouthed, “Stay right there.”
He nodded, tapping FlashFleaze on the shoulder.
Turning back, I said, “Listen, Andrew Harper is about to give a demo to FlashFleaze. Why don’t you come up too, and the two of you could have the very first game on the new system. It would be epic.”
He handed me the champagne. “Here. Drink half of it while I think.”
I swigged a huge gulp while he laughed, taking the glass from me. “I haven’t played that guy in years. But I’m willing to let bygones be bygones if he is. Let’s go.”
He chugged the rest then set the glass on a table. I waved to Andrew to stay put, as we headed for the stairs. Taking a deep breath, I followed SnakeRunzz up, realizing that I would have to be direct, and take control of this monumental moment.
Timing my steps so that I was just behind SnakeRunzz, I positioned him on Andrew’s left, so that FlashFleaze was on his right, so I could make a quick introduction and then step out of the way. Andrew gave me a wide-eyed look as he realized what I was setting up.
Flashes from the event photographers went crazy as FlashFleaze and SnakeRunzz shook hands on the mezzanine above the whole room, with Andrew in the center. There was no way to crop him out of the photo later since he was standing behind that historic handshake.
This was it. After all of my hard work, the pinnacle of my success came down to reaching for a drink at the right time. But I didn’t care. Versions of that epic photo would circle the world, and people would find today’s HarperTech press release describing their new product.
This success was a bit of a shock. I’d had some very satisfying PR moments already in my short career, but this felt deeply rewarding – even more so because I did it for Andrew.
Smoothing my sweaty palms on my dress, I followed them into the quieter room, then had a quick chat with the man running the smaller gaming area, explaining how important this was.
It was incredible to hear Andrew explain the tech to a room full of people who hung on his every word. It was amazing to see him in his element, taking charge and confidently conveying a ton of technical info in a light, engaging way.
It was heartbreaking as I realized that the more I listened to that deep, gravelly voice, the more I stared at his handsome face, that I had made a terrible mistake.
I was already in love with him. Yes, it was too fast, and yes, I might not be suitable for him. But he was right for me. And I could try like crazy to be more outgoing, to keep up with his energy.
But after the way I’d behaved, there was no reason for him to give me another chance. He was always so direct that he likely had no patience with my insecurities.
His dream had come true tonight. I was glad to have done my job well, but I’d have to find myself a new dream.
14
_____
Andrew
This was the moment I’d been dreaming of for over a year. Jimmy Veiki, SnakeRunzz, FlashFleaze, and a few others were all freaking out over the new processors and asking a ton of in-depth questions.
As enthusiastic as I was, I couldn’t stop sneaking looks over to where Jenna sat to the side. I’d always been so focused on our business that I’d never wanted anything for myself. Now that I was positive Jenna was what I needed, this incredible success was going to be hollow if I didn’t have her to share it with.
Somehow that sweet, smart girl had changed me in just a week. What would she do to me if I convinced her to be with me permanently?
Terry had suggested a forced reboot. In relationship terms, I thought that perhaps if I acted utterly professional and aloof for the night, and stopped trying to be close to Jenna, we could start again. But instead, it made me feel absolutely terrible to see her sitting alone.
“Excuse me for a minute, guys,” I said, leaving them to the game as I went over to where she was scrolling on her phone, quickly adding links and comments to social media posts.
“You are stupendous,” I said, sitting close beside her. “I don’t know how you did it, but everything turned out perfectly. Thank you.”
She smiled, but it didn’t quite touch her eyes. “A lot of preparation and a little luck,” she said softly.