Tied to Trouble(46)

So Owen took a deep breath and remembered he’d graduated second in his class from an Ivy League school and talked. “We’re already ahead of our competition, using social media more effectively and building platforms across YouTube, Tumblr, and Instagram. And we’re working to establish ourselves on up-and-coming social media sites that haven’t become household names yet. I’m so proud of where we are and what we’ve accomplished already, and that’s why I see big things for us in five years. I see us becoming part of the gaming culture by creating interactive components to better engage our readers—and advertisers. I see Gamers as a brand rather than just a magazine. It will be the go-to for all gamers—reviews on the latest games and products. I see us reaching out more to our consumers and evaluating our readership demographic constantly. Because I think it’s always changing.” He ran out of steam then and resisted fidgeting with his napkin again.

“And can you tell me a couple of ways you think Gamers can achieve that?” Karina asked.

Jesus Christ. Owen could feel the sweat dripping down the middle of his back. “I think we are well on our way now, but I think we need to reach beyond the traditional magazine mind-set. Be more interactive with our subscribers. Hire a social media expert, maybe a couple of people who look good on camera and could do live reviews.” He flashed a grin, gaining confidence. “Of course, larger advertising clients will help us get there faster and more efficiently, which is why I think we are the perfect place for you to advertise, to partner with us as we continue to move forward.”

When Karina didn’t answer and instead stared at him unwaveringly, he wondered if he’d stepped over the line.

Then she smiled and chuckled softly. “Good answer.” Then she turned to Grant. “He could have handled this meeting himself. I don’t even need you.”

Grant’s laugh boomed across the table. “Why do you think I brought him?”

Relief coursed through Owen’s body, until Karina turned to him again. “And Owen, where do you see yourself in five years?”

Owen froze. He wanted to still be with Gamers. He loved it there, and clearly Grant thought he was an asset. But even though he knew she was talking about work, he couldn’t help but think about Chad. Owen hoped to be working at Gamers in five years, and for once, he saw himself in a long-term relationship.

With Chad.

Owen swallowed. “I see myself at Gamers.”

Everyone at the table nodded, and Owen excused himself to go to the bathroom to prevent more questions.

When he returned, Grant was paying the check. And Owen gritted his teeth, thinking he only had a little bit more time before he could hole himself up in his apartment until tomorrow.

Grant and Karina walked out of the restaurant ahead of them. Grant hailed a taxi and turned to Owen. “I’m going to share a car with Karina and see if I can get some numbers out of her and a verbal commitment to sign with us.” He slipped something into Owen’s hand. “Here’s money for Cary and Monica’s cab. Maybe take them out for another drink or two. There’s some extra cash in there for that.” He clapped Owen on the shoulder. “You did good tonight. I see big things for you at Gamers. Keep up the good work.” Then with a wink, Grant was in the car with Karina and Owen was standing on the sidewalk, holding a wad of money, with Cary and Monica whispering to each other behind him.

He turned around and took a deep breath. “So—”

Monica grabbed him by the arm and hailed a taxi like a pro. “Come on, cutie. We got plans, and Cary and I both think it’d be fun for you to tag along.”

Owen let himself be dragged into the cab as his gaze ping-ponged between his two companions. “Excuse me?”

Monica was applying lipstick in a small compact mirror as Cary shut the cab door, effectively smushing the three of them together. He turned to Owen, and his gaze dipped to Owen’s mouth before popping back up. “You’re off the clock, right?”

“Uh—”

“Because we have plans. Karina doesn’t care as long as we don’t miss our flight tomorrow.”

“P-plans?” Owen stuttered.

Cary just grinned big.

Owen was a big boy. He could say no and get out of the cab, but this was his job, to entertain these clients while they were in town. So he sat back in his seat while Monica mumbled something to the cab driver. He closed his eyes, thinking maybe he’d just have another couple drinks and it’d be okay.

Fun, even.

He hoped.





Chapter Thirteen


Chad ignored the glares Candy was shooting his way, because a) he wasn’t taking lip from someone named Candy, and b) he wasn’t in the mood to get hazed while only wearing his underwear.