Game On (Aeon Book 1)

by Wendy Smith

  Nodding, I take her in my arms. “I love you, and I love that you’re thinking of the people who could be hurt by this.”

  “It’ll take most of what I have, but I can do it. Want a roommate if she wants more?” She grins.

  “Are you kidding? I always have room for you.” I laugh. “I know you. You might talk a lot, but you also think a lot. You’ve got plans cooking in that big brain of yours, don’t you?”

  She nods. “Yeah. We could really make this work. I just need to spend a bit of time tonight planning.”

  “Do what you have to do. We can always order room service, and I can watch some movies while you work.”

  “You’re the best.” She pecks me on the lips, and I let her go back to her laptop.

  I’m so proud of her. She’s grown her company this big, and she still has integrity and empathy. Her admission about her panic attacks concerns me. While I’m glad she got help for them, it bugs me that she seems to have isolated herself a lot.

  I’m grateful that she found Miranda, and from what I witnessed of her interactions with the staff who accompanied her to E3, she’s formed close friendships with them too. But I hate that I’ve missed this part of her life for so long. Even just as a friend.

  I only hope I give her a feeling of security.

  She works into the night, but I make sure she eats and has plenty to drink. If I didn’t, she’d ignore her needs and keep going.

  I’m not about to let the woman I love work herself into the ground.

  In the end, I talk her into joining me in bed, wrap my arms around her, and hold her all night. I’m not entirely sure what she’s up to. She’s spent so long living inside her own head. But I know her plans include both Grace and me, and that’s what matters.

  When we wake, we catch a cab to the airport. The whole way, Molly leans on me, and we sit in silence. She’s tired from her late night, and I want her to know I’m here to support her both in spirit and body.

  I watch her sleep on the plane. She’s run around at a million miles an hour the whole time I’ve been here, and she’s both physically and mentally exhausted. She’s probably also coming down from the rush of E3.

  I’m so proud of her.

  And now I just want to take her home and wrap her in cotton wool for a while.

  She doesn’t need the crap that this dickhead Phillips lumped on her. We could walk away from it all and let the chips fall where they may, but she wants to see this through to the end and rescue her competitor’s staff.

  If Darryn gets in trouble for trying to defraud his own grandmother, that company and its people will suffer right alongside him. But Molly’s giving them a chance to get out before the shit hits the fan without them even knowing it.

  There’s a car waiting for us when we land in Santa Fe. I’ve never been here before, and I’m struck by how remote it seems. Is this what life with Molly’s going to be like? She’ll explore the country with Grace and I along for the ride?

  “I love all the Spanish-style buildings,” Molly says as the car stalls in traffic next to a row of multi-colored houses.

  I smile. “Beautiful, aren’t they?”

  We turn down a road, and shortly afterward, go down a long driveway. Apparently, Darryn’s grandmother lives on a ranch. It’s gorgeous out here.

  “Her name is Beth Phillips. She’s eighty-seven years old, and from what Miranda and her friend found out, she was very much not a part of her husband’s business interests. But all that changed when he died about ten years ago, and she inherited everything.”

  I nod. “Sounds about right for her generation. How did he make his money?”

  “Oil and gas. He got into a few other industries, but that seems to be the majority of it.”

  “I guess that’s about right, given where we are.”

  Molly leans back in the seat. “She’s worth billions.” Her brows knit. “Is it weird that I don’t know her, but it upsets me that Darryn’s tried to rip her off?”

  I shake my head. “No. You’re a good person. Clearly he has no other way to get the money, so he’s decided to defraud her.”

  We pull up outside the front of the house. The driver opens the door, and I step out first, taking Molly’s hand and helping her out of the car.

  “I’ll park and wait.”

  Molly nods. “Thank you so much.”

  As we walk up the steps, I take Molly’s arm. “Do you usually get driven everywhere?”

  She laughs. “I don’t go away often. Miranda usually organizes the transport. Most times, I have a rental car. She must have decided to spoil us.”

  The door opens as we approach the large Spanish-style house, and we’re greeted by a man who bows, then silently leads us through the house and out to a conservatory.

  Beth Phillips sits at a table and beams as we approach.

  “You must be Molly.” She looks at me. “And you …?”

  “This is Brad,” Molly says. “He’s my boyfriend.”

  “It’s very nice to meet both of you. I’m Beth. Please, take a seat, and I’ll get some tea brought in.” She raises her hand, and the man who led us in here nods and walks away. “The sun is so harsh out there. It’s nice to sit where it’s a bit cooler, but still get the benefits. Please excuse me for not standing; it’s not as easy to get up and down at my age.”

  “We understand. You have a beautiful home,” Molly says.

  “I love it here. My husband had it built when we were first married, so I’ve been here for over sixty years.” She licks her lips. “You’re here to talk to me about my grandson. Yesterday was quite the revelation.”

  Molly nods. “For me too.” She sighs. “I’m afraid I have to be frank.”

  The older woman nods. “Go ahead. I know Darryn was trying to defraud me and using you to cover it.”

  “That’s basically what I was going to say.” Molly lets out a nervous laugh. “But I’m wondering if I could turn things around. He doesn’t get anything if the deal doesn’t go through, and I think we’ve both decided that’s not going to happen.”

  Beth nods again.

  “I’ve got a counter proposal.”

  I smile. Molly showed me everything she’s been working on while we were on the flight.

  “I’ll make an offer for Psycom. If you sell it to me. I’ll take care of the staff and make sure their jobs are safe.”

  Beth stiffens, but a small smile appears on her face. “I’d like to see the offer first.”

  “Of course. I think you’ll find it more than generous, considering Psycom’s plagiarism of Mollab’s games. I’ve always been encouraged to take things further, but I had my own business to focus on. Selling Psycom to me will keep the reputation of the business intact and then you’ll be able to deal with your grandson how you see fit.”

  Beth’s smile grows, and she shifts her focus to me. “I can see why you love this one so much. She’s smart.”

  I grin. “Yes. Yes, she is.”

  “Maybe we can keep the media distracted so that if you want to involve the authorities, it won’t be as big news,” Molly says.

  Beth moves her gaze back to Molly. “I like you. You’re exactly the way I pictured you. Smart and strong. I wish I was born at a later time. What you do, it’s just incredible. When I learned what you’d built yourself from nothing, I was so envious. You’ve got backbone, Molly Beckham, and a lot of it.” She studies Molly’s expression. “Give me your offer. If I’m happy with it, I’ll sell Psycom to you. Either way, I think I’ll be looking for a new owner. The team there deserves good management, and from what I’ve read about Mollab, that’s you.”

  Molly smiles. “I hope so. Anyway …” She reaches into pocket and pulls out a folded sheet of paper. “Here’s the informal offer. I’ve got my PA, CFO, and lawyer formalizing it into an actual document. I’ll get that sent to your lawyer as soon as it’s ready.”

  Beth reaches for the paper. “If we do this, can you do me a favor?”

  Molly nods
. “Of course.”

  “I’d love to keep up to date with the company’s progress. Will you keep in touch and let me know how well you’re doing?”

  “I will.”

  “Things were so very different in my day. I’d love to have done what you did. When I was your age, my husband was in control of everything, and I didn’t get to spread my wings until it was too late. That’s why Psycom was so very special to me. But I know you’ll take good care of it.”

  Molly places her hand on top of Beth’s. “I promise. I’ll take care of everyone.” She looks at me with so much love, it takes my breath away. “Including myself.”

  Beth chuckles. “Seems to me that you’ve got a good man who’ll make sure that happens too.”

  Molly beams. “I sure do.”

  28

  Molly

  When we reach the airport and get on the plane, I lean against Brad, and he pulls me into his arms. “Thanks for coming with me.”

  He kisses me on the temple. “I’m kinda surprised you let me.”

  “Mollab is a family. You’re part of the family now.”

  Brad smiles.

  “Do you think Grace would mind if you stayed until the end of the week?”

  He shrugs. “I’ll give her a call, but she’s got school to keep her busy. Mom will love the extra time with her.”

  I wrap my arms around his waist. “She’ll love it when we both arrive in Nettle Downs. And then you can help me with my other project.”

  He grins. “If that project is our bed and lots of sex, I’m up for that.”

  I slap his chest. “No, my relocation project. I need you to brainstorm it with me.”

  He laughs, squeezing me against him. “Of course.”

  “I want you to build it for me.”

  His expression turns serious. “Are you sure? We’re small fry compared to some of the other construction companies who might want in.”

  “Do you really think I’d trust anyone else? Besides, I want to do this with you.”

  We spend the whole flight cuddled up with each other. By the time we land, Beth Phillips will have my formal offer, and if she accepts it, I’ll have news for my staff.

  I’m excited, and all kinds of scared. But if I know one thing, I’m damn good at my job, and this is a positive move for both companies.

  And for me.

  When we get back to my place, Brad calls his mother. She’s happy to take Grace for as long as she needs to, although I’m sure she’s grimacing knowing he’s with me. But I’ll deal with that later.

  Brad also calls Becky to update her. He’s like me in that he has good people holding the fort while he’s away. But I know he needs to get back.

  My phone rings. It’s Miranda.

  “Hi.” I smile. “Did you send the offer through?”

  “Molly, she’s already accepted it. Her lawyer was with her when she got the email.”

  I grip Brad’s arm. “Really?”

  “Yeah. Obviously it’s conditional on us getting hold of the accounts and making sure everything’s okay, but it sounded like she loved meeting you and she just wants out. I’m sure she has enough on her plate dealing with Darryn.”

  I swallow. “Do we have enough info to discuss the buyout with the staff tomorrow?”

  “If we were any other company, I’d say no.” She laughs. “But I know you.”

  “Even without Psycom being part of the picture, I still want to go ahead with the other part of my plan.”

  Brad meets my gaze.

  “I’ll order pizza in for lunch and send out a meeting request. I’m so excited, Molly.”

  I laugh. “Me too. Terrified, but excited.”

  “Talk tomorrow.”

  Brad’s face is full of curiosity when I turn to him. “Beth has already said yes. It’s subject to due diligence, so Miranda has our accountants on it, but it’s real, Brad.”

  He grins. “I’m so happy for you.”

  I hang my arms over his shoulders. “So, tomorrow we go to the office, and I’ll tell the staff what’s going on. I know it’s not conventional, but I trust them to keep it quiet, and even if the Psycom thing falls apart, I still have my other plans.”

  Brad kisses me. It’s so full of love and so tender, and I let out a sigh when he’s done.

  “I’m so proud of you, Molly.” His eyes search mine. “For what it’s worth, Lane would be proud of you doing this too.”

  “I hope so. I’ve been thinking. Maybe I could donate a portion of the profits of Devil’s Tribute to breast cancer research? I’d like to do something, and I think that’s going to be our best-selling game to date.”

  He kisses me again, and I lose myself in him. “I love that idea.”

  “I want to do more. I can’t erase time and get her back, but if I can help save another young mother …” Tears well in my eyes.

  He presses his forehead to mine. “You’ve already got so much on your plate, and you’re planning this too. It says so much about you. You’re a good woman, Molly. And I love the shit out of you.”

  I laugh, despite the tears. “I love the shit out of you too.”

  It’s not until I walk into the room and see all the tight expressions on people’s faces that I realize what they must think. They think I’m selling out.

  Miranda’s told Tom about the deal. As project manager, he’ll have a lot on his plate if this goes through. Claire knows too, as she works closely with the company accountant and will be working with him on the due diligence.

  I smile brightly, trying to alleviate the tension. “Good morning, everyone. I know you’re all anxious to get to lunch, so I’ll make this quick. I have some news.”

  There’s a lot of moaning for such a small group, and it brings a smile to my lips. They’re in for a big surprise.

  “I know you’ve been concerned about the stories regarding Psycom and a buyout. The first thing I need to tell you is that Psycom’s not going to buy us.” I take a deep breath. “I’m buying them.”

  More than a few jaws fall open, and my smile grows.

  I hold up my index finger. “There’ll be a period of several weeks as we go through the process to confirm the deal, but I’m confident that we’ll move forward.

  “If it goes ahead, we’re about to enter a time of transition as we take over Psycom. I know we all have our opinions on the quality of their games, but I have faith that together, we’ll work to make sure everything we continue to produce meets our high standards.” I lick my lips.

  “Will there be job losses?” Mark asks.

  I shake my head. “If we continue the gaming lines, albeit with some more originality on their side, there’s no reason for that. A bigger company will need more people, and I’ve already drawn up plans to improve the Aeon platform and incorporate what I do like about the Imperium platform into it.”

  “When did you have time for that?” Mark asks.

  “I’ve spent a bit of time on planes lately.” I laugh. “I have more news too.”

  Miranda nudges my arm, and I catch her gaze. I blow out a breath. “I’m moving back to my hometown. And I’m inviting all of you to join me.”

  “What do you mean?” Belle, from my customer service team, asks.

  “I’m building a new headquarters in Nettle Downs. We’ll be moving the Psycom staff into this building with those who want to stay, and anyone who wants to come to Nettle Downs will have their relocation costs covered.”

  There’s silence for a moment, and a handful of shocked expressions.

  “Even if the Psycom deal falls through, the new headquarters is still happening.”

  My heart’s so full thinking about moving back home and who’s waiting for me there. I hold out my hands. “Look. We’re always talking about the cost of living here, and how expensive it is. There won’t be a drop in wages for anyone, and you don’t have to move if you don’t want to.”

  “What about project meetings?” Karl from programming asks.

  “W
e already use video conferencing and collaboration. And Nettle Downs has an airport, so we can fly between offices if we have to. I want this to continue to be a leading edge company, and not get bogged down in the traditions that have held so many other companies back.”

  I scan the room. There’s still an uncertain look on some people’s faces, but I think in time, we’ll get past that. “You all know I have faith in you. I like the freedom we all have to speak up and contribute, and the products we’ve built are solid. Our customers love us. We have the highest approval rating for support out there. And you guys are the ones who have created that. I can’t do this alone.”

  “What are you doing?” Mark asks Tom.

  Tom grins. “I’ve already been on Google Maps looking at the place. And house prices are cheap. I could afford to buy instead of renting. I’m in.”

  “This whole process is going to take a few months. And there’ll obviously be construction time. There’s a site I have in mind for the new office, and I’ve already started talking to carriers about who can get fiber in and how quickly. In the meantime, I’ll be moving, and we can set up a temporary headquarters.” I lick my lips. “Well? What do you all think?”

  As I scan the room again, I see smiles, and nodding.

  This whole thing isn’t without risk, but it’s minimal. I’ve not invested in anything but Mollab since I started it. The way I see it, the investment will pay for itself in the long run.

  It’s exciting, and soon I’ll get to go home to Brad every night.

  I’m sure he won’t be complaining.

  I smile at the sight of Brad in my office, his feet on the desk.

  “How’d it go?” he asks.

  “Good. I think.”

  “Are you ready for this? Ready to come back to our small town after living the life of luxury?”

  I flop down on the chair on the other side of the desk. “You really have to ask?”

  He drops his feet to the ground and leans forward. “I just want you to be sure.”