Page 46 of Kayla's List

Emani, Shelby, and I spend the rest of our afternoon laughing and talking as usual. I’m so glad that the awkwardness and tension are finally resolved. It’s unlike us to go so long being upset with each other. It always feels better to tell your secrets to your best friends.They really are my chosen family.

21

Deceiving Eyes

ANDERSON

Because of the deal withMedia Tech,the launch of our new features forManiacal Sportswere put on hold. As a company, we decided to introduce the new features along with the expansion into Europe. Our engineers have been working tirelessly to work out all of the bugs for the new programs.

Even though I still work an astronomical amount of hours, I have managed to delegate some of my work to my employees, so I don’t get burnt out. I have Brady to thank for that because he’s constantly reminding me, and also Kayla because I’d rather be with her than working.

Everything is going so great between us, and I haven’t been this happy in… well, I’ve never truly been this happy. I smile at the thought. I never imagined that a woman could give me the joy I didn’t know that I needed. I thought proving to my parents I could make it without them gave me all the pleasure I wanted.I guess I was wrong.

“So, where are you going on your vacation when we finish our launch?” Brady asks with a wide grin on his face. He hasn’t stopped smiling since we closed the deal. Hell, neither have I.

“We have a few more months until we can safely take a vacation.” I chuckle at Brady. I haven’t even thought about where I want to go.

“I think I want to go to Bora Bora,” Brady says with a thoughtful nod as he runs his hand through his freshly cut hair.

A few days ago, he showed up with his shaggy blonde hair chopped completely off. His surfer boy look was completely replaced by a Wall Street appearance that shockingly fit him. When I asked him about the change, he shrugged and said he needed to look the part of a multimillionaire tech company owner. I’ve always told him the same thing, but for some reason, I’m not convinced it was my encouragement that changed his mind.

“So, I know I have to ask you well in advance if you want to hang out with the guys this weekend. Tobin and Jason are feeling neglected.” Brady shakes his head.

“Yeah, that’s cool. We haven’t hung in a while. Kay is busy doing a self-care night or some shit so I won’t see her until Sunday.” I scowl at the thought of not seeing my baby for almost two days.

I get her need to take some time for herself. Kayla is on what she calls a self-discovery journey, and I commend her dedication to finish her list. However, I’m still “salty,” as Shelby says, about it. However, I won’t crowd her because I made a promise to help her complete her list, and I want to be a supportive boyfriend. She’s dealt with enough douchebag boyfriends for one lifetime.

“Well, then it’s a plan. I’ll text the guys,” Brady says before he gets up from the seat in front of my desk. Our offices are exactly the same size and almost the same décor, but for some reason, my co-owner almost always ends up in here.

“No need to text, Jason. He’ll be here in a few minutes for lunch. I’m surprised he didn’t tell you. Ya’ll gossip like teenaged girls,” I say with a chuckle, but Brady just frowns.

“Yeah, he’s salty right now. But it’s Jason. He’ll get over it.” Brady shakes his head before leaving my office.

My head ticks to the side, “Salty… interesting word choice.”

Before I can contemplate just how much time Brady and Shelby are spending together, my phone rings. I check the name that flashes across the screen, and I hit decline. I am not in the mood for whatever bullshit interview Bethany has set up today.

“Anderson, you have a call from Bethany on line two. She says it’s urgent,” Vance, my assistant, says from my doorway. I don’t know why he doesn’t just use the intercom on the phone because, more often than not, he comes to the door.

“I got it. Thanks.” I nod before I pick up the phone. It must be important if Bethany is blowing up my cell and office phone. “What’s up, Bethany?”

“Anderson, I’ve been calling,” Bethany’s words are dripping with impatience, but I ignore her tone.

Bethany calls me several times a day with nonsense that she can handle herself. As our lead public relations person, it’s her job to weed out the foolishness from a real threat. Around this time every year, my family’s name begins to trend. The McNair’s holdtheFall Charity Ball. It’s one of the largest fundraisers in North Texas.

My family is notoriously private, so I’m usually the object of the media because I’m more in the public eye than anyone else. I’ve been over this with Bethany several times in the past, but she seems hell bent this year.

Brady never has to deal with this shit because his humongous family has more famous members. He gets to enjoy his moneyandfreedom from media scrutiny. When we were younger, he wanted to be in the spotlight, and although he’s still wild, Brady has toned down his antics quite a bit.

“What do you need, Bethany? I’m working on a program.”

“I just wanted to make sure that you are ready for the fundraiser? There are a lot of media outlets that will be there,” Bethany responds, and I roll my eyes.

“Bethany, I go to this fundraiser every year. I know about the media,” I say in an exasperated tone.

“I’m just doing my job, Anderson.” Bethany’s voice is equally annoyed.

“I got it, Bethany. Is there anything else you need?” I ask.