Until I Met You

‘That’s impressive. I don’t think I ever met one in real life.’

‘I develop software mostly,’ he said. ‘What about you?’

‘I write content for The Financial Files. It’s a business publication.’

‘I know what it is,’ he said. ‘It’s Britain’s version of The Wall Street Journal.’

‘Something like that.’

‘In that case, have you heard of Trident Data Corp?’

‘I have, actually.’

Samantha had written a profile of the start-up not long ago, after it closed a Series E funding. The company was valued at one billion dollars.

‘That’s me.’

‘You work for Trident Data? That’s cool.’

‘I am Trident Data.’

‘You …? How?’

He chuckled. ‘I get that a lot.’

‘But wait! I did my research. The CEO of Trident is …’ Her voice dropped. ‘CJ Miller.’

Chris’s grin widened. Clearly, he was enjoying this. ‘Christian James Miller is a mouthful. Everybody calls me Chris.’

The unassuming and otherwise unremarkable Chris was a multimillionaire?

‘Technically, I’m on sabbatical. Burnout is a real thing. Jen never mentioned it?’

‘Jen is very protective of you.’

Chris’s open expression closed. They walked in silence for a bit before he said, ‘Mind if I pick your brain for a minute?’

‘I’m no mathematician, but go ahead.’

They’d instinctively slowed to a stop. Chris tapped his coconut to the beat that he’d just mastered on the steel drums. He was nervous.

‘What is it?’ Samantha asked.

‘Do you think I’m an asshole for not giving Jen a second chance?’

‘I’m not sure I know what you’re talking about,’ Samantha stammered.

‘It’s OK. I know you know a little bit about it.’

Even so, it wasn’t her place to give him advice. ‘I can’t tell you what to do.’

‘That’s not what I asked. Just tell me what you think.’

Samantha took a sip of coconut water for electrolytes and courage and dived in. ‘I think it’s a shame you two can’t figure something out. You look comfortable together. That’s rare.’

Chris squinted toward the horizon. The sun was low and the sea had turned silver. A breeze ruffled his curls.

‘Do you forgive her for the way she behaved in high school?’ Samantha asked.