“My wife? Andrea? Why?”

“You sure about that? Marriage and all?”

“I’ve known Andrea since we were in high school.”

“That’s a hell of a commitment.”

“Sorry I don’t meet the Jeff Dandard time frame… twelve hours and you’re set free…”

“That’s right,” Jeff said.

He opened the door to Darlings and ushered Steve in. He had to look away from Steve because the small sting of jealousy started to grow. He always asked about Steve’s wife, Andrea, and joked about her, but it was all out of jealousy. He remembered Steve and Andrea coming to college together, surviving good times and bad. Steve was dedicated to Andrea with all his heart, staying with her no matter what.

Of all things, Steve had the one thing Jeff wanted. True love with someone who loved him back, and he didn’t have to question it. He just knew.

“You coming?” Steve called.

“On my way,” Jeff replied.





-5-



Five minutes into the walk, Jeff had already made up his mind. The company was golden, exactly what he looked for in a company that could really take off. The owners were passionate and the last thing they wanted to talk about was money. They started with their products, their history, and they incorporated their employees into each and every story. A company that cared about their product and people as much as Darlings did would do just fine.

They didn’t hide their employees and they welcomed open conversations. It was a warm atmosphere, a bit crammed considering the office space was about half what it should have been, but all that did for Jeff was tell him how much Darlings wanted to succeed.

Back in the main office of Billy Darlings, Jeff sat in a leather chair that had a piece of tape on it.

“Love the chairs,” Jeff said pointing.

Each chair was a different color, each with its own flaws.

Steve sat down and looked a little uncomfortable. Jeff loved his best friend, but hated to admit that he had become a little snooty since his bank account reached seven figures.

“Look, we know why we’re here,” Billy said. He rubbed his face, a face in dire need of a shave. He took his glasses off, rubbed his eyes, and put them back on. “I want to go global, okay? I want to be everywhere, in every system, helping people. I want to grow. I’ve got a team of engineers out there who don’t stop working. They don’t stop thinking. They’re brilliant minds and I’d hate to see them get lost in the corporate clutterfuck somewhere else. Pardon my French.”

“I agree,” Jeff said. “Nothing worse than talent being held back.”

“Yes!” Billy cried out. He stood from his chair. “Mr. Dandard…”

“Please, call me Jeff.”

“Jeff. The investment isn’t just in Darlings. It’s in my people out there. We’re going to create something long lasting, something powerful. Not just some game that takes off, but software. Applications. Things people want. Things people need.”

“Tell us about Cressley,” Steve said. He always cut in during the sales pitch with something to deflate it. It was his charm and Jeff appreciated it.

“Ah, that asshole,” Billy growled. He sighed and fell back in his chair. The chair let out a long moan as he shook his head. “Look, I was eighteen. I needed money. I met someone at a trade show and he liked an idea I had. He gave me money and I thought once I started making millions, what’s an extortion loan, right?”

Jeff half smiled. The kid got screwed over.