Page 12 of Anti-Player

I'm happy.

After the run, I return to my condo. The Rometto Complex is beautiful outside and in. The lobby is magnificent, my sneakers squeaking on the clean floor while Beanie's claws tap like rain on a roof. The security guard who mans the check-in log for visitors gives me a wave, which I return politely.

Riding the elevator up, I laugh at how eagerly Beanie pulls me back to our home. “Hungry?” I ask, feeding him in my massive open kitchen. While he eats I take a quick shower, then change into a pair of freshly pressed black slacks and a red button-down shirt. Locking my place up, I ride the elevator for a second time. I need coffee and don't have time to make it—also I have an addiction to the house blend at Starbucks, why fight it?

The notorious coffee chain has a small store right outside my building. The barista working there smiles at everyone, but she smiles more at me. I've seen her numerous mornings when I come in. Today, when she looks at me, a new thought claws firmly into place: Paige has a nicer smile.

Paying for my coffee, I sip it while pulling out my phone. It's just after eight, will Paige be awake yet? I send her a text.

:

Me: Good morning.

:

There's a small lineforming in the shop; I move to a corner to get out of the way. Anxious for Paige to respond, I browse my email, killing time. I have multiple messages. One of them stands out.

:

From: Taylor

Subject: Bad Media Reactions

Hello Mr. Hause,

Just touching base on the general reaction to the influencer review on the Secret Reader. Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are all replaying the clips where the streamer, Fawn of the Dead, gave it a poor rating. However, we think we can send the product to some other reviewers that we can pay out of pocket to insure they only say good things. This will be a decent band-aid, based on my research.

Best,

Taylor Grand

Head of Media

:

My frown draws my wholeface downwards. Taking a drink of my coffee, savoring the bitter taste, I type my response to Taylor.

:

From: Mikel Hause

Subject: No

Taylor,

With all due respect, we will not be sending out anymore review copies until I personally finish updating the Secret Reader to my own standards. This is not up for debate.

Thanks,

Mikel Hause

CEO of Hause Industries

:

Within seconds of sendingthe email, I receive another one. I ignore it. Taylor is just doing his job to help us save face, but that isn't what I care about when it comes at the cost of our integrity. Pay for fake reviews? No. I won't do it.

My phone buzzes again. I'm expecting it to be Taylor, or maybe my father—Taylor would certainly be keeping him in the loop—but it's neither.

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