Page 13 of Kayla's List

ANDERSON

After I got off the phone with Kayla, I knew it would be an uphill battle. Kayla was so self-assured when she was drunk, but speaking with her on the phone, I could hear uncertainty echo in her soft voice. It’s amazing that she had such an open and free spirit while she was intoxicated. That uninhibited version of her was buried deep down, and I know I can bring it out of her. I just need a chance to make it happen.

But even with her obvious reluctance, Kayla intrigued the hell out of me. And that was potentially bad for her because I can be quite neurotic when I’m intrigued by something or in this case,someone.

My obsessive compulsions make me an excellent programmer and an even better developer. Being obsessive is also why I’m a multi-millionaire at thirty-one without my parents’ wealth. When I’m determined, nothing can stop me, and my single-minded fixation on Kayla will get me what I want.

So, the first thing I need to make is a plan of action. It’s the only way I’ll be able to see Kayla again. I can’t leave anything up to chance. Once I’m able to get her on a date, I will show her all the benefits of being the object of my affections. Maybe if I figure out what makes her tick, then I’ll be able to leave her alone and refocus my attention on A&M.

“TechConshould be interesting this year. I heard Pearson Grant is the keynote speaker,” Brady breaks my deep concentration, and I’m both annoyed and relieved. I can’t spend all weekend obsessing over Kayla. I’m here to help my company.

I look up at him and nod, getting my thoughts back on track. Pearson Grant just became a billionaire after his company Media Tech Innovation became a household name with the opening of his new division. Grant’s company helped revolutionize applications, and it also gave me the courage to start developing my own social media platforms.

Now that we are about to expand to Europe and maybe even Canada, hearing Pearson Grant speak on how he became a billionaire is even more exciting news for the conference.

But even with the prospect of meeting one of my business idols doesn’t begin to put my mind at rest. Kayla Jones is doing laps around my thoughts. I keep replaying the first time I saw her over and over. The way she laughs with her head thrown back without a care in the world. I want to experience that again without her being drunk. I know Kayla will be even more fascinating once I get to know her.

“Hey, are you okay?” I hear Brady ask.

I zoned out again. It has been happening for the last week. Initially, I didn’t think anybody noticed, but now I can tell by Brady’s narrow eyed stare that he knows something is up.

“Yeah, I’m good, man. I was just thinking about how we can get a meeting with Pearson Grant. It would help us get into the Canadian market. I heard his wife has some connections.”

Brady nods, but his eyes light up with hope. Because Monique Grant is a well-kept secret in the technology world, she’s the best at what she does, and it would be beneficial to A&M and me personally if we could get on her client list.

“It would be handy to have a woman like that on our team. She’s a beast. I heard about all the shit she helped Grant with behind the scenes after his episode on that one TV show,” Brady responds with a nod.

I nod in return. Only a select few knew about what Monique actually does for a living. We only know because our friend, Tobin, is Keifer Swanson’s cousin, and Keifer is now the Vice President of Operations at Media Tech Innovation.

In this industry, it’s good to know people, especially a billionaire tech guru. We don’t know him yet, but when I put my mind to something, I make it happen, which leads me back to Kayla Jones.

Kayla works for TRI. I pulled some strings and found out a little more about her. No matter how charming both Jason and Tobin thought they were, Shelby wouldn’t give Kayla’s number to either one of them. But, I’m pretty savvy when it comes to finding out information, so it wasn’t hard for me to get her number. It might have been slightly illegal, but I don’t care.

If Kayla would’ve turned me down, I wouldn’t have become a stalker or anything. I’m just determined when I want something.At least, that’s what I tell myself.

Once we get to the private airstrip, I can brood without interruption. A few of our senior engineers, one of our Public Relations Specialists Bethany Lester, Brady, his assistant Julia, and my assistant, Vance, are on the flight. We didn’t always travel private, but for a conference like this, it was more cost effective.

Although to outsiders,TechX-us A&Mis new, we have the luxury of having backing from other millionaires. Of course, we struggled to prove ourselves, but once we made it, the connections we’d made in boarding school and college came in handy.

When we’re flying at a safe altitude, everyone starts moving around the cabin, laughing and talking. This may be a work trip, but it’s still taking place in Vegas, so everyone is in party mode. It would usually bother me that everyone isn’t focused on the company, but even I can’t focus so I won’t complain.

I start thinking of the many ways that I can get Kayla to go out with me without seeming like I’m a pushy bastard. I would suggest a group thing, but I don’t want her to hide behind anyone else. I don’t want to share her attention with anyone else anyway, so a group date is out. I may not be pushy, but I can admit that I’m definitely selfish.

It’s too late to invite her to this conference, but maybe I can get her to go to another technology summit. Of course, that would have to be a third or fourth date. I don’t think I could get her to go to a restaurant with me. I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t go on a trip out of town.

However, if I find a conference in Dallas, she might be willing to go.That’s what I’ll do!I smile as a plan forms. I will find a Dallas tech conference to take Kayla to, even if I have to organize one myself.

* * *

When we touchdown in Vegas, my mind is set, and I am able to focus on getting a meeting with Pearson Grant. Brady has been talking nonstop, and even his overly enthusiastic chattering doesn’t dampen my mood.

We all get checked into the Bellagio hotel where the conference is being held, and I get settled into my suite. I agreed to meet my team for dinner and drinks in a nonworking capacity for once. I’m looking forward to relaxing before we have to network.

Talking to people about my company has gotten easier over the years, but the tediousness of small talk with potential investors still irks my nerves. I’ve never been a very social person, and it has always been a struggle for me not to be awkward. I’ve always said whatever was on my mind without taking into consideration how it may come across. Even though I’ve gotten better over time with my “bluntness,” some people consider me rude. Even though I won’t lie to please anyone, I don’t want people to think I’m an asshole.

Even though I don’t want to be purposely ill mannered, I’ve learned that my personality isn’t for everyone. That’s why I believe that Kayla and I could have something special. We laughed and talked for hours with me being my prickly self.

It’s not that I can’t be charming because I can. I can be the most charming bastard anyone has ever seen. Again, I just choose not to be. It’s too much work, and it reminds me of my childhood. I hate pretending to be interested in things and people that I couldn’t care less about. And one thing I hate more than anything is being fake. My parents are fake. When I was at home, they wanted me to be fake. It’s bullshit, and as an adult, I do my best to stay away from fake shit.