Page 15 of Kayla's List

Monique and I spend a few minutes talking about the future of our sports app and what all we would like to see accomplished as a company. With every word, I am more and more impressed with her technology knowledge.

“It was nice talking to you, Anderson.” Monique digs her hand into her clutch purse and pulls out a card. She hands it to me with a bright smile. “I’m a fixer. So, if you ever need my services, don’t hesitate to call.”

Unexpected Connections

ANDERSON

After Monique left, I stayed for a little while longer and actually socialized with my team. I could tell they were surprised, but nobody said anything. I know I have to make more effort not to get stuck inside my head.

I even made plans to meet everyone and treat them to breakfast the next day. Again, they were shocked, but I took it all in stride. I get obsessed with things sometimes so I know that I have to handle my standoffish behavior.

Although I was thinking about Kayla until I fell asleep last night, I vowed to myself that I would focus on work this morning. I have to prioritize my compulsions or I can spiral. Nobody wants that, and it hasn’t happened since I was a teenager.

I get off the elevator with confident strides. Now that I have a solid plan on how to deal with my focus issues, I am much more relaxed.

I see Bethany and I wave. Our PR specialist is a nice woman, and like me, she stays singularly focused on one thing. Her focus just happens to be the growth and marketing of my company. Because of that, we get along splendidly.

“Hey, Anderson!” Bethany greets with an excited wave and a bright smile.

Her blonde ponytail bounces with the movement, and she reminds me of a cheerleader. I know that something must be going on because although she’s very good at her job, I wouldn’t necessarily describe her as the bubbly type.

“Hey, Bethany. What’s going on?”

“Pearson Grant is here!”

I nod because we all know that he’s the keynote speaker.

“He’s asking foryou!” Bethany is practically jumping up and down. I’m just waiting for her to break out a backflip or something.

“Really? Why? Where?” I can’t get all of my thoughts together to figure out how Pearson Grant is asking for me personally.

“The organizers of the conference called the hotel, and they just gave me the message. He wants to meet atSpagoin…” She looks down at her watch before continuing. “Ten minutes.”

“Spagoisn’t open for breakfast.” I furrow my brows in confusion.

“Pearson Grant is a billionaire, Anderson. And if you want to get on his level, I suggest you high tail it over toSpago.” I frown because she’s right, even though I should feel offended.

“Tell Brady where I am,” I throw over my shoulder as I head in the direction of the restaurant.

“He’s already on his way over there!” Bethany shouts behind me.

I quickly make my way over to the restaurant. By the time I get there, I am a nervous wreck. It’s not every day that you meet someone that you’ve admired from a distance. But I’m a grown man and I refuse to fall all over myself like some type of fan.I take a deep breath and adjust my face into a cool unbothered expression. When I walk in, I spot Brady and Pearson right away because they are the only two in the restaurant.

“Anderson McNair, I heard you met my wife last night,” Pearson greets. His face is a stone mask, and I try to keep the smirk from taking over my face. I heard he was possessive, but if the meeting is about his wife, I underestimated his crazy.

“Yes, I did. She’s a lovely woman,” I reply in a calm tone.

“I heard you had an interesting conversation. Monique doesn’t often get excited about technology, but she raved about you and your company. She called you guys the “golden boys.” I know a little about your company, but why don’t we talk in more detail?”

I hide my surprise at his words. I’m not sure why she would call us the golden boys, but I don’t care. My excitement is overwhelming as I break into a bright smile. I nod my head and shake Pearson’s hand as I sit down beside a grinning Brady.

We look at each other with elation dancing in our eyes. This is a big deal for our company and it’s coming without us having to beg and barter our way in.

“So, Monique tells me you all are trying to break into the European market,” Pearson says then takes a sip from his coffee mug.

“Yes, we’ve had some initial success in minor markets there, but we need connections to be able to offer some of our paid for services. As you know, laws in other countries can be difficult to navigate.”

“Yes, they can be tricky.” Pearson rubs his chin. His green eyes are sparkling, and I can tell he has an idea.