“We’re casting a wide net. But most of our users come from the ads we run on Facebook and Instagram. We’ve got someone covering TikTok, but ads don’t perform very well there. And we’re not making headway with organic content on the platform yet.”
“I say focus most efforts on the channels that are yielding a good return. Sometimes we have a tendency to run after the new shiny thing, even though we’re better off doubling our efforts on the places that already work for us,” I said.
Moira looked at Jude. “I like Griffin. Finally, an investor who isn’t obsessed with us trying out every social media platform known to mankind.”
“He’s got a good eye for business,” Jude agreed.
“Well, I think this has been productive.” It was one of the longest meetings I’d had with a potential new investment. “I’ll be in contact with Jude.”
I rose to my feet. So did Jude. I shook hands with Moira, Eve, and Carlos.
“I’ll walk you out,” Jude said. “Actually, I’m leaving too. My wife’s waiting for me with pot roast.” He rubbed his palms together. “It’s one of my favorites.”
We headed out from the meeting room and walked straight toward the exit.
“Send my regards to Phoebe.”
“I will.”
“You know, that girl is the reason I gave you a second chance,” he added as we stepped outside.
Guilt ate at me. I detested lying, even for a good cause. But I couldn’t imagine a scenario where I told Jude the truth and he wouldn’t be pissed off. Even though things were different now,they weren’t exactly as we’d portrayed to them. Regardless, some things were better left unsaid.
As we parted ways, I pushed the matter to the back of my mind. I was meeting my woman, and I intended to focus on her completely.
CHAPTER 26
GRIFFIN
As soon asI got in the car, I checked my messages. Jeremy had sent me a picture of him in his Spider-Man room with the captionI like my room at your house more.
Fuck yes. Mission accomplished.I liked having the little guy over and was hoping to convince him to spend the night at my place again soon. Duncan was probably the one who needed convincing, though. I didn’t really blame my brother. When Jeremy was younger, Duncan couldn’t trust me to be alone with him. Mostly because I didn’t realize kids needed to be watched constantly.
Then I noticed another picture—Phoebe had sent me a selfie with Veronica. They were holding cocktail glasses.
Griffin: I’ll be there in twenty minutes.
I couldn’t believe how much I’d missed her. It felt bizarre. I was going to show that to her in every way possible.
During the drive, I called my CFO to discuss the details of the transaction. It was all standard, but I liked to follow those types of investments closely.
I arrived at the beach club soon enough. Music was blasting from outdoor speakers. I was about to call Phoebe when I entered to ask where exactly she was, but then I saw her andVeronica in one corner in front. They weren’t alone. There was a guy with them, and I instantly disliked him.
I walked straight to them, and when I got closer, I heard the douche ask my woman, “Tell me, Phoebe. You like to come to these places often?”
“No, it’s the first time I’ve been out in ages.”
“You should get out more often. This place could definitely use someone as hot as you.”
What the actual fuck?I’d never heard anyone sound so fucking corny. “Who the hell are you?” I asked without further ado as I joined them.
Phoebe’s mouth opened. Veronica actually started to laugh.
The guy looked at me and sneered. “I’m with the ladies tonight. Fuck off.”
I leveled him with my stare. His bravado faltered, his shoulders drooping. “I don’t know what game you’re playing, but you’re definitely not.” I pointed at Phoebe. “She’s with me.”
The guy glanced from me to Phoebe, stunned.
