Page 5 of Christmas with Brother's Best Friends
Chapter three
Chapter Three: Max
Emma Blake is back home.
When Ryan suggested that we reach out to her for the job, I wasn’t even sure if she would accept. She’s been gone for so long doing her freelancing work that I figured she would politely blow us off and keep doing her thing.
I wouldn’t have even blamed her. She worked hard to get the clients that she’s worked with, but I am glad that she took a chance on us. We’re not offering her an easy, flexible gig.
The success of this update determines the future of the company. I should probably make that more known, but she’s smart. She probably already knows.
“Did he bore you to tears with that pointless tour?” I ask her as Ryan and I walk across the office toward her.
Emma laughs and shakes her head. “It was actually nice. You guys have a cool setup here.”
“I probably come by the most. I like using the whiteboard in the conference room to visualize my marketing plans,” Ryan tells her.
“I meant to ask about that. Who does what? I know you’re all founders, but do you have specific areas that you focus on?” Emma asks as her eyes dart back and forth between us.
“Josh deals with the leadership and social stuff. He meets with investors, big clients, and whatnot and represents the company at events and conferences. He’s the best with people,” I explain to her before putting a hand on Ryan’s shoulder. “Ryan handles more of the marketing and brand management stuff, and I focus on the tech side of the company.”
Emma nods in understanding. “Good to know. Tell me more about the project.”
I take a seat next to her, while Ryan remains standing. “We’re about to launch a big update for the platform. It’ll have some new features that we’ve been testing for the past few months. Built-in video chat. Larger file sharing. A digital whiteboard that keeps track of real time updates by employees.”
“But the look of our platform and our marketing materials is outdated. It’s probably the biggest complaint that we’ve gotten,” Ryan adds. “That’s why we need someone with your skillset and vision to revamp everything before launch.”
“It needs to be a cohesive launch. It needs tolookcool andbecool,” I tell her. “This update is really important for the future of the company.”
Emma takes a deep breath, and at first, I’m worried that I spooked her. If she takes off, we’re probably shit out of luck when it comes to the look of the platform. “Then, we’re going to knock this out of the park. I’ve already done some research, and I have a few possible themes in mind that we can at least draw some inspiration from.”
I glance over at Ryan, who lifts his eyebrows a little. He’s impressed just like I am. She’s always been smart, but when she was younger, she wasn’t as proactive as her brothers. She didn’t spend hours studying or go above and beyond.
It seems like that has changed.
“Sounds like you’re up to speed then,” Ryan tells her. “I’m going to finish up some work. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I nod to him, watching him walk off before turning back to Emma, who frowns.
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
Emma looks at me and shrugs, trying to clear up the disappointment on her face but ultimately failing. “I thought he would stick around longer. If you guys decide that I’m not the best fit, it won’t hurt my feelings.”
I shake my head and scoot closer to her, my hand moving to her arm. “Everything is fine. He’s just like that.”
Emma gives me a confused look.
“He can kind of be a brooding loner sometimes,” I say with a light chuckle. “Don't worry. You’ll be graced by his presence more than you’ll probably like.”
Emma cracks a small smile. “You guys are decent company.”
A smirk crosses my face as I motion for her to follow me over to the closest towering window that overlooks the city. Snow drifts through the air, riding the cold wind that sweeps through the city. The holidays are getting closer, but I don’t know how much we’re going to be able to celebrate them this year.
“So, you’re the tech whiz,” Emma comments as we stand in front of the window together. “You always did like computers and stuff.”
I snort a laugh through my nose. My interest in technology went far deeper than just liking computers and stuff. I could spend all day talking about my passion for developing this software and its features, but I would much rather hear about her.
“And you always had your nose buried in a sketchpad and had lead stains on your hands,” I reply as I pitch her a coy grin. “Looks like we both ended up making a living by doing our passions.”
