Page 16 of Sharing Shadow Secrets

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“Sus, girl.”

I shrug, and he motions for me to shut his office door.

“Order of events is important here. Quit before you start trying to sell your business so there isn’t an argument you were doing it on company time.”

“Looks like I’m quitting today,” I whisper.

That feels better than lying.I hate keeping secrets.

Now that Nicholas is on board, I don’t want to keep this charade going. I have enough in my checking account to goa couple of months without any income, and I need to get everything solidified. I need to do all the things I’ve been avoiding like establishing the LLC, opening a business bank account, and all the boring stuff. But High Five alone won’t replace my salary and benefits. I will need more accounts.

“You’re bad,” Benny mouths.

“Fuck ‘em.”

“Take me with you.” He laughs—and someday, hopefully.

One day, I might have an agency like this: a team of savvy, smart people around me. That’s the dream.

12

I’m sitting in my hotel room. I need to go to sleep and get adjusted to this time zone, but I’m wide awake. While it’s eleven here, it’s only five at home. I’m curious if Taylor did it—called Nicholas. She hasn't texted me since our last message.Is it desperate for me to text?Whatever.

Brandon

Are you celebrating?

Taylor

Are you stalking me?

Brandon

No. What do you mean?

Taylor

I’m at the bar with my roommates. We’re celebrating me quitting my job and getting High Five as a client.

I should go for sober girls.The thought flashes through my mind. Taylor didn’t have anything to drink at the barbecue.Hopefully she is just a social drinker. I could be with someone that has a couple drinks with their friends sometimes.

Brandon

You quit your job today? Damn!

Taylor

Felt right. I’m a vibes person. I do what the vibes tell me.

Cute.

Brandon

Congrats on getting your first account! That’s incredible.

Taylor

Need three more, and then I will have a viable business.

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