Fat Cat Liar
“In a heartbeat, if I could financially. Every time a client walks out of this place, I’m filled with a sense of accomplishment.”
It doesn’t take more than three seconds for me to calculate the cost of taking on a full-time employee, including benefits. My financial statements flash in my head, and I know it’s a true possibility.
“You’re running numbers in your mind, aren’t you?”
“Of course.”
“You never cease to amaze me. Brains, beauty, wealth, yet the kindest person ever.”
She’s one of the only people outside of my core group of friends who knows who I really am. Greer Palmer, daughter of Kevin Palmer. I’m not ashamed of who I am, but it’s hard to blend in when people know you are the only daughter of a well-known businessman and billionaire extraordinaire.
“Let me chat with my dad and run some more numbers. He’ll have to be involved.” This is a semi-lie because I already know it’s my decision, but I want to consult with his Human Resources team.
She squeals eagerly and goes back to cleaning. I think about the prospect of expanding my business and what it could mean. It would allow me to incorporate so many ideas that have been impossible to implement thus far. A rush of excitement flutters through me.
I shoot a group message to my dad and friends.
Me- We have some celebrating to do!
There are a few smiley faces, but Jenny is the only to respond.
Jenny- You bet your ass we do! Hurry, everyone! Hurry!
The message may be vague, but I know what’s coming. And it’s going to be awesome.
•8•8•
“The CONDOM worked!” Jenny shouts, bursting into the café.
The place goes silent, all eyes on her as she dances in a circle, screaming in triumph. My dad’s eyes lock with mine right before we le ap to our feet, clapping loudly. The staff, who are all too familiar with Jenny and me, join in our celebration, knowing what this means. Then the customers erupt in cheers as Jenny curtsies and bows her way to our table.
My dad embraces her first, spinning her in a circle with pride written all over his face. He hands her off to me where I tearfully hug her tight.
“I’m so damn proud of you, Jenny! You rocked this!” I whisper in her ear.
She backs away, her smile beaming. “I can’t take all the credit. I had loads of help.”
“Regardless, you’re making a huge imprint on the world with this.”
“Ricardo!” My dad waves at the owner of the café. “Every customer in here gets a treat on me. We’re in the presence of greatness.”
Jenny’s cheeks turn pink, and she face plants into Dad’s chest.
“Wait! Don’t start the party without us!” Bessie yells, flying through the door with Jonas and Enrique on her heel. They come straight to us, taking turns hugging Jenny until she collapses in a chair. “You know better than to start the festivities without the whole Nerd Herd,” Bessie scolds my dad playfully.
“Won’t happen again.” He pulls back a chair for her to sit then shakes hands with the two men. “The excitement got to me.”
“Word has spread like wildfire. Everyone in the lab is talking about this revolutionary new gel, and I don’t mean just our floor; I mean the entire building. Jenny, your team is going to be famous. Who would have thought the first time your name was placed on a patent, it would be working with prophylactics?” Jonas teases her.
I snort, thinking about the day she showed up to my apartment in a panic when she found out the subject of her doctoral research. Her mood was a mixture of excitement and fear at being assigned to work with other scientists on creating, testing, and marketing a new gel for condoms. The purpose was multi-layered, ranging from alleviating latex allergies to encouraging safe sex.
Her first group interview was with men between the ages of fifteen to fifty. She asked their hesitancy to use condoms so she could understand a little more. The responses sent her into a tizzy.
When the session was over, she called an emergency Nerd Herd meeting and declared this might not be exactly what she was expecting for her doctoral research, but she was damn sure going to do her part to get this gel approved.
Three years, one doctoral degree later, and today, the word came in. The gel was going to the FDA, and Jennifer Dennis was proudly listed on the patent.
“I know I’ve said it before, but I couldn’t have done this without you guys.” Jenny looks at all of us with appreciation swimming in her eyes. “My team is excellent, but you all helped me behind the scenes. Your knowledge is unparalleled. I wish I could include you in my sources.”