Page 28 of One Good Reason

Lawton

“Dating app?” I asked again for clarification as I moved around my house tossing clothes into my suitcase for my impending travel. Since I couldn’t go into either office today because of this seminar, all of my meetings would be done via phone in between my breaks. My assistant had moved things around as much as she could.

“Yes. Much likeRaya, my objective is to cater to celebrity clients,” the young woman expounded.

“WithRayaexisting already, what would set your app apart from theirs?”

“I’m a member ofRayaand have been for a while. While their goal is exclusivity, I’ve found out that you can give a specific code to someone wanting to join. That opens it up for the public basically.

With the app I’m looking to develop there will be no invitation codes. Every celebrity that signs up for the app would go through a specific vetting process along with a lengthy background check. I don’t care if you’re the top athlete in the world, if your background, values, and morals don’t align… you will not be granted access. I’m striving for complete anonymity.”

Pausing my packing, I took a seat on the bed. “I guess my question is how you plan on keeping the“groupies”from joining?”

“My celebrity clients will have to provide financials for one. While it will primarily serve as a dating site, I will also offer matchmaking.”

“Ahhh.” I nodded like she could see me. “I get what you’re saying now. Am I to assume that you have backers for this?”

“I do. I’ve secured enough and they want to remain silent.”

“In that case, forward everything over to my assistant, Chari. I will be out of town on business until Monday. Either Chari or I will reach out so we can set up an in-person meeting.”

“Thank you so much, Mr. Harvey.”

“No thanks needed. As long as your business model aligns, we might have something on our hands. Be expecting to hear from my office mid next week.”

“Will do. You have a wonderful day.”

“You as well.” Ending the call, I tossed my phone on the bed and focused my attention back on the suitcase. I was a day ahead of schedule but seeing as though I had another seminar to sit through today, I figured I would go ahead and get my packing out of the way.

I would find out whether or not Talitha would be able to accompany me this weekend when we met up. I hoped like hell she would. I had enjoyed chatting with her yesterday after we’d finished for the day.

The ringing of my phone had me groaning. When I picked it up and peeped who the caller was, I smiled.

“You’re up early.”

“Aren’t I always.” I could hear the smile in her voice.

“Not on my phone you aren’t. Good Morning Adele. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?”

“Are you available for dinner tomorrow? I’ll be in the city and wanted to sit down with you so we could further discuss what we talked about the other night.”

“I was under the assumption that we had come to a clear understanding.”

“We did. However, I have a few more concerning questions.”

“I see. Well, no I won’t be available tomorrow night. I’m going to a gala in New York.”

“Alone?”

“Are you being intrusive?”

“A little.” She giggled.

“If you must know it’s a business trip.”

“With a female companion?” she tossed out.

“In fact, Adele, it is.” I knew she was getting ready to pry.

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