Chapter 7

Seven

M aple

Brayden really is an overgrown child. He’s sawing logs with his face pressed against the plane window. Thankfully we have an empty seat between us, and I can stretch out a bit while fielding texts from Hollis.

It’s weird to think he’s got access to everything in my phone, but that’s the least of my problems today.

He’d muttered sporadically all the way to the Birchdale OnPoint office and given me one last pleading look before his driver dropped him off. I’d almost given in. Until I remembered I’d been granted my wish, and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

So now, I’m on the plane, and he’s in my cubicle. Yes. This is immensely satisfying.

A text alert tells me Hollis is already full of comments and questions.

Your desk is very tidy.

Me: Yes.

Like you don’t have any pictures of anybody.

There’s Niall, my dog.

But no people.

I try not to get attached to cubicles. Clint has moved me around seven times in two years.

Attached to cubicles or attached to people?

Ouch. Okay, armchair shrink. Did you need something?

Yeah. My skinsuit back.

Gladly. But you see, I’m on a plane to New York. Have you found anything out yet?

To look busy, I’ve been searching the web for information about demon possession. Bupkis.

Maybe because the real internet doesn’t work like on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Ah. Willow. She was my teenage crush.

Me: Thanks for sharing. But honestly, same. Have you tried Reddit?

Are you serious?

Me: There’s absolutely nothing that has happened in the last 12 hours I could call serious. Other than us being seriously fucked.

Right. I’ll keep digging and keep you posted.

Wait! What do I say to the board of directors? Do you have a speech prepared in your office that I can read?

I don’t give speeches, per se. It’s more like an audio-visual experience.

Me: Oh my god, Steve Jobs, just tell me what to fucking DO.

My assistant, Erin, will have it all set up. All you have to do is press play and bullshit your way through by following the cues in the slides.

So, a PowerPoint? Great.

Slides, 3D movie, holograms.

WAIT WHAT

You’ll figure it out.

HOLLIS NO

You’re the one who refused to delay the meeting. You’re the one who insisted we carry on with your day so you could have your wish. It’s not too late to back out if you’re scared.

Scared? This little shit.

No, it’s okay. I’ll wing it. Maybe I’ll let Brayden do the talking.

Wait, Maple…

Bye!

Sigh. As much as this sucks, making your CEO sweat is a mighty powerful rush.