Page 16 of Kayla's List
“I’d need to see some numbers, and of course, we would have to meet in a more official capacity. But I like your confidence.” He nods again. “Plus, Monique likes you.” Pearson scowls, and again I hide my smirk.
“Umm, so what are you saying?” Brady is sitting at the edge of his seat, and by the look on his face, he’s about to explode. I can’t help but try to tamp down my own excitement.
“I’m not saying shit, yet. I’ll be honest because I don’t do bullshit well. I did my research on you guys. You’ve been on my radar. Monique just sped up the process.”
Brady and I look at each other and then back at Pearson Grant, who is way better at hiding his emotions than either of us. I can’t tell what the man is thinking. His words are positive, but the deep frown he’s wearing has me confused.
“What process?” I finally ask.
“You guys have potential. Your company is groundbreaking, and if done correctly,Maniacal Sportscan be worldwide within the next two years.”
My mouth drops open in shock because I can no longer hold my expressionless façade.Two years!That was on our ten-year plan.I can tell that Brady’s thoughts are the same as mine because he has the same wide-eyed expression as I do.
“What kind of witchcraft are you practicing to make that happen?” Brady asks, breaking the awe-inspiring silence.
Pearson chuckles with a smirk, “I don’t practice anymore. But I do know what I’m doing, so what do you guys say to a meeting when we get back to Dallas?”
“Yes, that sounds like a plan,” Brady answers with a smile. He’s gotten a hold of his excitement, but I can tell he’s still ready to burst.
When we exchange cards, Pearson finally relaxes. “I’ll have my assistant, Kelsey, get in contact with you next week.”
“Awesome! Thanks!” Brady and I take turns shaking Pearson’s hand as we stand to leave.
“I’m having a small celebration after the gala tomorrow night. It’s atHouston’sat eleven. Your names will be on the list. Don’t be late.”
We nod our goodbyes, and Pearson is gone. Just like that, we are on an entirely different playing field.
* * *
KAYLA
“I’m soglad you guys talked me into coming toTechCon!” I say excitedly to Emani and Shelby.
Although my company has a booth here, I wasn’t planning to come toTechConthis year. I’ve been in the past, but this year the conference has grown so much that it’s almost unrecognizable. There are so many people here and new technology. I don’t know where to look.
While I’m geeking out, I can see that my best friends are only slightly interested. I shrug because this is the one place where I can be myself and not be stared at. I can ask a million and one questions, and nobody bats an eye. Almost everyone here appreciates the innovations that haven’t been released to the public yet.
“I’m glad you’re excited, Kayla. But I need you to keep that same energy tonight when we go to the party atHouston’s,” Shelby replies, looking at the newest virtual assistant.
I’ve told her several times not to have one of those in her house. It’s so easy to hack those systems, but she thinks I’m overreacting. I’m not one for conspiracy theories because I rely on facts. And the truth of the matter is people can and do hack those systems.
“When have you ever known me to be excited about a party?” I question as I roll my eyes at her.
Emani snickers, but Shelby just frowns at me.
“Listen, Monique isn’t going to keep giving me all these hook-ups. So, you better be thankful andexcited,” Shelby says, finally putting down the virtual assistant.
“Monique is the sweetest, and your cousin willnotstop giving you hook-ups. You just have to stop asking for so many,” Emani says with her hands on her hips.
“Man, she’s married to a billionaire with a capital “B.” I’m going to keep asking until she tells me no.” Shelby contradicts herself with a wave of her hand.
“Well, I’m just glad you asked her for this favor. Even though I’ve been here before, I’ve never had special guest passes.” I feel so giddy that my words come out rushed and bunched together.
Emani and Shelby laugh loudly. Neither of them has ever really seen me act this way. I can’t control how excited I am to have an all-access pass to the newest inventions. I’ve seen mockups of the tech behind self-driving cars, a pair of voice activated eyeglasses that turns into shades at a simple voice command, and the coolest of all, a smartwatch that can take both your temperature and blood pressure. It’s all amazing!
I’m so impressed by everything that I can almost forget about what’s happening at home and how Warren called me nonstop while I was out with the girls. I didn’t answer, but my anxiety got the best of me. Shelby noticed right away and suggested we get away. I thought she’d meant drive to Houston or something. I had no inkling that she meant hop on a plane and go to Vegas.
It would’ve normally taken me no time at all to say no, but with the reminder of my list and my promise to accomplish my goals, I easily said yes. So, as soon as we got here, I took out my list and made a slash.