I frown, not expecting that response. “Why not?”
“Because we’re not out to exploit the children and families who need this. We’re trying to make a difference, but there’s not a lot of money in altruism, as I’m learning the hard way.”
“Oh,” I say, because this is news to me. I would have thought people would be dying to take part in Prolimbinary, especially since they’re doing such great work. “But there are so many articles written about your company. You’d think people would be jumping at the chance to invest.”
“You would think that, wouldn’t you?”
“I’m sorry, Landon. That’s really shitty.”
“It’s really fucking shitty,” he agrees.
“Why are you trying to get a new investor, anyway?”
Landon just…looks at me. He looks at me long enough that I can see the frustration brewing behind his eyes. There’s more than that, though. There’s a whole complexity of emotions I can’t quite put my finger on.
“Lots of reasons,” is all he says, and I nod like I know what he’s talking about, deciding to leave it at that. If he wanted me to know more, he’d elaborate.
Convinced that’s the end of our conversation, I get to my feet. “Well, I’ll leave you to it, then.”
I’m halfway to the door when his voice stops me. “So, how was it?”
I turn back to face him, frowning in confusion. “How was what?”
“The show.”
“Oh!” My brows shoot up, surprised by his interest. “It was entertaining. It should be an interesting season.”
He nods. I nod. He stares. I stare. Again, I turn to leave the room when he says, “I would have rather been here, you know.”
I didn’t know. I had no idea, actually, and his admission makes my heart do a summersault. A wave of unexpected glee washes over me, but I reel it in. I keep calm, cool, collected, and nod like I expected as much. “Well, would you want to try a repeat? I don’t mind rewatching the premiere.”
It’s clear he’s debating my question in his head, weighing his answer carefully. Finally, he nods. “Fine. Tomorrow.”
“Sure,” I say quickly, doing my best to hide my shock. “That works.”
Stepping out into the hall, I wonder how the hell I went into Landon’s office with a scowl and came out with a smile.
Suddenly, I can’t wait for tomorrow.
TWENTY-NINE
“Jesus, Violet. You’re practically glowing,” notes Jake, leaning against the wall beside me. We’re off to a slow start today, with members rolling in at a leisurely pace, which beats the stressful speed of the weekends.
“Yes, she’s extraordinarilysmiley, isn’t she?” says Ollie, appearing on my other side.
“If it’s pills, can I get some?” asks Jake in a faux whisper. “Just don’t tell Brit.”
“I’m right here, idiot,” she snaps, coming up behind him.
“I’m just in a good mood, is all,” I say with a shrug.
“Well, your enthusiasm is depressing me,” mutters Brit.
I roll my eyes. “Everything depresses you.”
“You’re not wrong.”
“So, what’s the deal?” asks Ollie.
