Page 59 of Unmasking You

“Just frustrated. I wish there was something more I could do, other than pining for him.”

“I’m sorry, man. Please do not become a stalker again.”

I laugh, because if I wasn’t still recovering, I probably would be stalking him again.

“He’s still replying to your texts, isn’t he?”

“Yes, he is.” I’m so damn happy about it.

“Then stop complaining. If he hasn’t sent you packing, that means he still has feelings for you.”

How can I believe him after everything I put Jamie through. “Come over and help me get smashed.”

“Why don’t you come to the meeting I have with that company I told you about, so you can meet them?”

“I don’t feel like it.”

“Please man. I need you there.”

When my silence goes on for a little too long, Karl speaks again. “Please, mate. Please come.” His childish voice makes me laugh. That’s what he did the first time we met.

“I love you, man,” I say, touched at the way he’s always there for me. “Okay, but you’ll have to pick me up.”

“Of course, Mr Campbell.”

“No, please. Don’t do that to me. My father is someone I don’t want to talk about.”

“I love you too, Shay. And fuck your father.”

“I’ll see you later. Over and out.”

I’ve got just enough time to get changed, because an hour later the doorbell rings. I walk slowly to the door, and laugh when it rings another three times before I can reach it.

“I’m coming,” I say into the receiver.

“Come on, we’re late.” Karl’s voice fills my ears and makes me laugh.

I put the receiver back. I look at myself in the mirror, and then pick up my wallet and key, and I’m out the door.

“Princess, your chauffeur is here to drive you to the ball,” Karl shouts as soon as I exit the building.

“Stop it, you crazy old man.”

“Says the one older than me.”

As soon as he enters the traffic, I talk business.

“So, tell me more about this company.”

“So, they’re working with all the best Fortune five hundred companies, and dealing with their internal security. They came from nothing, just like me, and they’re one of the best in the market, if notthebest.”

“Okay, I like what I’m hearing. Why do they want to work with us?”

“They don’t. That’s why you’re here, to convince them.”

“They mostly work with companies that are involved in LGBTQ+, so that’s a good advantage we have.”

“What are we hiring them for?”

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