Chapter 2

TWO

C at Reeves stood in awe, her brown eyes wide with wonder as she navigated the bustling expo hall. The air hummed with excitement, a palpable energy that resonated deep within her. Booths stretched as far as the eye could see, each one showcasing technological marvels that pushed the boundaries of what she thought possible.

“Oh my god,” she whispered, her fingers itching to touch every gadget and gizmo on display. A holographic display caught her attention, its vibrant colors dancing in midair. Cat stepped closer, fascinated by the intricate details of the 3D model rotating before her eyes.

“Pretty cool, huh?” A friendly voice startled her out of her reverie.

Cat turned to see a young man grinning at her, his nametag identifying him as one of the expo staff. She nodded, a shy smile tugging at her lips. “It’s incredible. The resolution is unlike anything I’ve seen.”

The staff member launched into an explanation of the technology, but Cat found herself only half-listening. Her mind was already racing, dissecting the possible algorithms and hardware configurations that could produce such a crisp image.

As she moved from booth to booth, Cat found herself relaxing. Here, surrounded by cutting-edge tech and fellow enthusiasts, she shed the social anxiety that often plagued her in crowded spaces. This was her element, a world where lines of code and circuitry spoke louder than small talk.

A commotion near the center stage drew her attention. The crowd surged forward, and Cat found herself being swept along. She caught snippets of excited chatter around her.

“It’s starting!” “Sharpe Drakon’s presentation!” “I can’t wait to see Guardian AI in action!”

Cat’s heart raced. She’d been looking forward to this presentation since the expo’s schedule had been announced. Keir Sharpe, the enigmatic CEO of Sharpe Drakon Games, was about to unveil his company’s latest innovation.

Unable to push her way to the front, Cat settled for a spot at the back of the crowd. She stood on her tiptoes, craning her neck to see over the sea of heads before her. The lights dimmed, and a hush fell over the audience.

A spotlight illuminated the stage, and there he was. Keir Sharpe strode confidently to the center, his presence commanding instant attention. Cat’s breath caught in her throat. She’d seen pictures of him before, of course – his face graced tech magazines and business journals alike. But seeing him in person was something else entirely.

Keir’s voice, rich and tinged with a hint of a Scottish accent, filled the hall. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome. Today, we’re not just showcasing a new product. We’re ushering in a new era of gaming – one where the line between virtual and reality blurs in the most extraordinary way.”

As Keir spoke, Cat found herself captivated not just by his words, but by the passion behind them. Even from back here, she could see his eyes sparkled with genuine excitement as he described Guardian AI, an artificial intelligence system designed to enhance and protect users in virtual reality environments.

“Imagine an AI companion that doesn’t just react to your actions, but anticipates them,” Keir continued, his hands moving expressively. “An AI that learns from you, adapts to your play style, and most importantly, keeps you safe in the virtual world.”

Cat leaned forward, her mind racing to keep up with the implications of what Keir was describing. The potential applications were staggering, extending far beyond just gaming. She could already envision how such technology could revolutionize fields like medical training or disaster response simulations.

As Keir’s presentation drew to a close, the hall erupted in applause. Cat found herself clapping enthusiastically, caught up in the excitement of the moment. She watched as Keir fielded questions from the audience, his responses quick and insightful. There was something about the way he carried himself, a blend of confidence and genuine passion for his work, that resonated with Cat on a deep level.

The crowd began to disperse as the presentation ended, but Cat lingered, her mind still buzzing with ideas sparked by what she’d seen. She made a mental note to research more about Guardian AI when she got home. Maybe she could even apply some of the concepts to her own projects...

As the expo hall slowly emptied, Cat realized with a start how much time had passed. She glanced at her watch and gasped. “Oh no, I’m going to be late.”

She hurried toward the exit, her mind already shifting gears from the excitement of the expo to her evening plans. Her brother Michael and his wife Laura had asked her to babysit their son, Ayers, and she didn’t want to keep them waiting.

The New York City streets were a stark contrast to the orderly excitement of the expo. Cat navigated through the crowds, her earlier confidence giving way to her usual caution in busy public spaces. She breathed a sigh of relief when she finally reached Michael and Laura’s building, the doorman greeting her with a familiar nod.

“AttieCat!” A high-pitched squeal greeted her as she entered the apartment. Little Ayers toddled toward her, arms outstretched. He tried so hard to say Auntie Cat, but she’d love that baby no matter what he called her.

Cat scooped him up, her face breaking into a wide smile. “Hey, there, little man. Ready for some quality time with your favorite aunt?”

Laura appeared from the kitchen, looking elegant even in casual clothes. “Thanks again for doing this, Cat. Michael got called into an emergency surgery, and I’ve got that charity gala tonight.”

“It’s no problem at all,” Cat assured her, bouncing Ayers on her hip. “You know I love spending time with my favorite nephew.”

“He’s your only nephew.” Laura laughed.

“Yeah, but once you and Michael decide to give him a sibling, Ayers will still be my favorite.”

After a few last-minute instructions and good-byes, Cat found herself alone with Ayers. The apartment fell into a comfortable quiet, broken only by Ayers’ occasional babbling and the soft sound of the city beyond the windows.

As the evening wore on, Cat settled onto the couch with Ayers curled up against her. She flipped through the channels, finally settling on a familiar anime. “All right, Ayers Satoru Reeves, time for your cultural education to continue,” she said with a grin.

Ayers cooed, his eyes fixed on the colorful anime characters on screen. Cat chuckled to herself, imagining Michael’s reaction if he ever figured out the origin of his son’s middle name. Her brother had always teased her about her love of anime, but he’d been touched when she’d suggested Satoru as a middle name, thinking it was just a nice-sounding Japanese name. He’d had no idea it was her favorite character’s name.

As Ayers drifted off to sleep, Cat found her thoughts wandering. She gazed down at her nephew’s peaceful face, feeling a familiar ache in her chest. How she longed for this – a family of her own, a child to hold and love. But the path to that dream seemed fraught with obstacles.

Her mind drifted to her last serious relationship, and she winced at the memory. She’d thought she’d found someone who understood her, who appreciated her dedication to her studies and her work. Instead, she’d discovered his infidelity in the most humiliating way possible – through a video shown to her by a well-meaning classmate.

The betrayal had cut deep, made all the more painful by the realization that she’d been so absorbed in her work that she hadn’t even noticed the signs. Since then, she’d thrown herself even more into her career, finding solace in the logical world of code and circuitry.

Cat sighed, gently stroking Ayers’ hair. “Maybe someday,” she whispered more to herself than to the sleeping child. “Maybe someday I’ll find someone who gets me, who won’t make me choose between love and my passion for tech.”

The rest of the evening passed quietly. When Michael and Laura returned home, they found Cat and Ayers curled up on the couch, the TV still playing anime in the background. With whispered thanks and good-byes, Cat made her way back to her own apartment, her mind still full of the day’s events and her own swirling thoughts.

The next morning dawned bright and early, sunlight streaming through the gaps in Cat’s curtains. She groaned, burrowing deeper into her Jujutsu Kaisen pajamas. The aroma of coffee from the auto coffeemaker eventually lured her out of bed, her bare feet padding across the cool floor of her Tribeca loft.

Cat poured herself a generous bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, settling onto her couch with her breakfast and queuing up the next episode of the anime she’d been watching. This was her typical morning routine – a moment of peace before diving into the day’s work.

Halfway through her cereal, her phone buzzed. Cat glanced at the screen, not recognizing the number. Probably another sales call, she thought, debating whether to answer. In the end, curiosity won out.

“Hello?” she answered, crunching on her cereal.

“Is this Catrina Reeves?” A deep, vaguely familiar voice came through the speaker.

Cat swallowed hastily. “Yes, this is she. Who’s calling?”

“This is Keir Sharpe from Sharpe Drakon Games. I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time?”

Cat’s eyes widened in shock. She inhaled sharply, promptly choking on a stray bit of cereal. Coughing and spluttering, she managed to gasp out, “Mr. Sharpe! I – cough – excuse me, I’m fine!”

“Are you all right?” Keir’s voice held a mix of concern and amusement.

Cat took a deep breath, willing her racing heart to slow down. “Yes, sorry about that. You, uh, caught me by surprise. How can I help you, Mr. Sharpe?”

“Please, call me Keir,” he said smoothly. “I’m calling because I find myself in need of a new lead engineer, and your name came highly recommended. I was wondering if you might be interested in interviewing for the position?”

Cat blinked, sure she must have misheard. “I’m sorry, what? But I didn’t apply for any position at Sharpe Drakon. I know you don’t usually accept outside applications...”

Keir chuckled, the sound sending an unexpected shiver down Cat’s spine. “You’re right, we don’t. But sometimes exceptional talent catches our attention through other means. Would you be available to come in for an interview this afternoon?”

Cat’s mind raced. An interview? Today? With Keir Sharpe? “I... yes, I suppose I could make that work,” she heard herself saying.

“Excellent,” Keir replied, sounding pleased. “I’ll have my assistant send you the details. Looking forward to meeting you, Catrina.”

As the call ended, Cat sat in stunned silence, her cereal forgotten. She glanced down at her anime pajamas, then at the clock. “Oh my god,” she muttered, jumping to her feet. “What am I going to wear?”

In a flurry of panic, Cat called the one person she knew could help her navigate this unexpected situation – her sister-in-law, Laura.

“Laura, I need help,” Cat blurted out as soon as the call connected. “Can we meet for lunch? I have an interview with Keir Sharpe this afternoon and I’m freaking out.”

Laura’s calm voice was a balm to Cat’s frazzled nerves. “Deep breaths, Cat. Of course, we can meet. Come over to our place – it’s closer to the Sharpe Drakon building anyway. We’ll get you sorted out.”

A few hours later, Cat found herself in Michael and Laura’s penthouse, pacing nervously as Laura laid out several outfit options on the bed.

“I don’t know why I’m so nervous,” Cat admitted, running a hand through her hair. “I’ve had plenty of job interviews before.”

Laura gave her a knowing look. “But none with a CEO who looks like he just stepped off the cover of GQ, right?”

Cat flushed. “That’s not – I mean, yes, he’s attractive, but that’s not the point. This is a huge opportunity, Laura. Sharpe Drakon is at the cutting edge of gaming technology. Working there could be incredible for my career.”

“Exactly,” Laura said, holding up a smart blazer. “So focus on that. You’re an expert in your field, Cat. Multiple advanced degrees, successful projects under your belt – you have nothing to be nervous about. Just be yourself and let your expertise shine through.”

Cat took a deep breath, nodding. “You’re right. I can do this. It’s just a job interview, not a date.”

Laura grinned mischievously. “Besides, isn’t he supposed to have like three girlfriends or something? Pretty sure a guy who looks like that isn’t hurting for company.”

Cat laughed, feeling some of the tension leave her shoulders. “Good point. Okay, help me pick an outfit that says ‘competent professional’ and not ‘nervous wreck.’”

As Cat paced nervously in Michael and Laura’s penthouse, Laura rummaged through the closet, pulling out various options. Finally, she emerged with a triumphant smile, holding up a sleek, professional black-trimmed, beige skirt suit.

“This is perfect. Nobody wears plain black anymore,” Laura declared, eyeing Cat critically. “The tailored jacket will emphasize your waist, and the skirt will show off your curves without being too provocative. You’ll look competent and confident.”

Cat eyed the outfit dubiously. “Are you sure it’s not too... much?”

Laura shook her head firmly. “Trust me, Cat. You’ve got a fantastic figure, and there’s nothing wrong with dressing in a way that makes you feel good about yourself. Besides, the cut is completely professional. You’ll knock ’em dead. Just one question, I know you hate heels, but this is an interview…”

“Bring out whatever heels you want me to wear. I hate them if I’m just going to walk around the city, but I’ve had to wear heels for multiple presentations during my last contract, so I got used to them.”

Laura smiled brightly. “Excellent. These black peek-a-boo pumps will look amazing with your skirt suit.”

Cat eyed the shoes. “They’re a little high.”

Laura raised her brows. “They’ll make your legs look longer.”

She was short enough on her own and could use all the help she could get. Not like she’d be wearing them on a regular basis. “Sure, why not? May as well go for the full look.”

Reluctantly, Cat tried on the suit and the heels. As she looked in the mirror, her eyes widened in surprise. The jacket hugged her curves in all the right places while the skirt fell a little above her knees, striking the perfect balance between professional and stylish. The heels really made her legs look good.

“Now, let’s do something with your hair and makeup,” Laura said, guiding Cat to the vanity. “Nothing too drastic, just enough to enhance your natural beauty.”

With deft hands, Laura applied a light touch of makeup, just enough to bring out Cat’s brown eyes and give her a healthy glow. Then, she gently brushed out Cat’s long brunette locks, letting them fall in soft waves around her shoulders.

“There,” Laura said, stepping back to admire her work. “Leave your hair down. It softens your look and will help you feel more like yourself.”

Cat turned to the mirror, barely recognizing the confident, professional woman staring back at her. “Wow,” she breathed. “I look...”

“Gorgeous and totally capable of acing this interview,” Laura finished for her, squeezing her shoulders encouragingly.

For the first time since receiving Keir’s call, Cat felt a surge of genuine confidence. She straightened her shoulders, a determined smile spreading across her face. “You’re right. I can do this.”

As Cat left the penthouse, she felt transformed. The skirt suit moved with her, reminding her of her own strength and capability. Her loose hair brushed against her shoulders, a comforting sensation that grounded her.

As Cat left the penthouse, dressed in a stylish yet professional ensemble that Laura had put together, she felt a renewed sense of confidence. This was her chance to be part of something groundbreaking, to push the boundaries of what technology could do.

Walking toward the imposing Sharpe Drakon building, Cat ran through key points about her skills and past projects in her head. She was more than qualified for this position. All she had to do was show Keir Sharpe that she was the best person for the job.