Page 10 of Starrily
Outside, they headed for the parked limo. “Back to Aries,” Everett curtly instructed Stan and raised the divider between them and the driver. “I’m sorry you don’t think her fun enough,” he said, his business-like tone negating any regret.
It wasn’t just her being humorless. Simon got along well with many people who weren’t jokesters. He liked to think he got along with most people, actually. Just look at Everett—he had no humor, either.
It was something else—something that didn’t come from any of their actions but simply existed as a fact of life. Maybe they were two magnets, pointed at each other with the same pole, and had no choice but to repel each other.
Simon blinked. That thought was slightlytooscientific.
“Anyway, it has to be her,” Everett said.
“Why?”
Everett glanced toward the darkened partition in the limo. “Dr. Guidry is working on a computer program. In astrophysics, they need code to sort data, create models, all that. Others will use existing software and code bits and adjust them to their needs, but she’s writing her own. She’s already published part of the software in her paper.”
“And?”
Everett sighed and shook his head. “Sometimes I wonder where your entrepreneurial spirit has gone.” He leaned forward, resting his hands on his knees. “You might think her the most boring person in the world, but she’s a bright one. If she wanted, she could make up to a million bucks per year, working for a major tech company like ours. Since she isn’t, I assume she loves her current job too much. So, we can’t have her services, but we can still attempt to get her software.”
“Wouldn’t QueLabs own it?”
At last, Everett’s mouth quirked in the briefest smile. “They would. But I’ve seen her pre-invention assignment agreement, and I found a loophole. If it can be proven she’s worked on the software at home, during her off hours, she can claim rights to it. Which is where you and your shadowing mission come in.” Everett’s eyes took on a zealous gleam. “By working with her, you’ll be able to confirm her software was not created only during her work hours—or, if needed, you’ll sway her from doing that.”
“This is cheating.”
“This is business, and you used to know that.”
He supposed he did. Before the accident. Before he became a whole other person. “Then what’s up with the article?”
“A diversion.” Everett waved his hand. “The article is happening, but it’s only a smokescreen. And it might soften her up. Scientists need exposure, and she’ll get it, thanks to you, which is crucial for the second part of our plan.”
Simon didn’t particularly like calling ittheirplan but kept silent for the moment.
“Once the rights to the software are resolved, we have to make sure Dr. Guidry is willing to sell it and that she sells it to us, not her beloved employer.”
“You mean—”
“She has to likeyoumore. So tomorrow morning, and for the next few weeks, you’ll show up in her office and you’ll smile and charm her and do all those flattering things you do around women.”
“You’re making it sound like a Cold War spy movie.” Which should be a good thing—Simon would’ve loved to live out a movie. And yet, a heaviness settled in his stomach. As much as he didn’t like Calliope, this didn’t feel right.
Everett only graced his response with an unimpressed raised eyebrow.
Simon leaned back and ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t think this is a good idea.”
“Simon.” Everett’s voice took on a strict father tone. “You’ve been different since the crash, and before you think I’m scolding you—I’m not. I’m glad you’re still here with us. But I’ve been too permissive. I promised your father I’d take care of you. Part of that entails making sure you’re happy. So if you’re happy bungee-jumping, skydiving, swimming with sharks—I’ll humor those hobbies, and whatever lifestyle you want now. But it doesn’t come at no cost. Someone has to take care of the company—me.”
“And I trust you to do it.”
“Of course. You know I mean only the best for it. But I have to make certain business decisions to bring in money and please our shareholders. And to fund your carefree, and not very cheap, lifestyle.”
Simon swallowed.
“Exotic vacations, yacht parties, all the daily craziness … I’d rather see you got your head back in the game.”
Simon scratched the back of his head. The scars have long since healed, at least the physical ones. But he wasn’t sure hecouldget back in the game. He didn’t know how.
“But if you want to keep doing what you’re doing,” Everett continued, “you have to let me plan and manage things. And you have to cooperate. Do you understand?”
Simon stared out the window, not really paying attention to the outside world. He wasn’t sure how far he’d have to go with Calliope; to a friendship, at least, but Everett had indicated he’d need more. And as much as he rebelled against that, this life was great—fun, easy,comfortable. He didn’t want to give it up. “I understand. I’ll do it.”
