Lex is quick to rescue me. “We’re still working on it. You’ll understand we’d like the information to remain private until we’re ready to go public.”
I’m used to seeing business-Lex. This version of him is pragmatic, efficient, and cold. He’s concise and doesn’t leave any room for contestation. However, there’s something more going on here. Lex despises the man. Hugh doesn’t insist and just nods, accepting that he won’t get anything.
“There’s a conference about to start, and I’d like my team to be there,” Lex says. We all spring off the couches, ready to follow the will of our fierce leader.
“Of course. I guess I’ll see you around,” Hugh responds haughtily.
Lex doesn’t scold us on our way to the conference, but there’s no need. We can all sense how much he disapproves. The hall is almost full when we arrive, and my colleagues spread out to find empty seats. I’m about to do the same when a firm hand clasps my arm.
“Over there,” Lex says, pointing toward a spot where two seats are available. The room is dark, and the guys are already seated. It doesn’t seem risky, so I follow him.
“So, what happened between you and Hugh?” I ask once we’re settled.
“Nothing in particular.”
“Yeah, right. You wanted to strangle him, but nothing happened.”
“We didn’t get along when we worked together.”
“He worked at Kelex?”
“No. I worked at Avoss.”
Before I can ask more, the lights dim to full darkness, and a few people enter the stage. Out of respect, I shut my mouth and listen to them. I quickly realize I already know their software, and it’s rather unimpressive, so I return to more interesting matters.
“When did you work for them?” I whisper to Lex.
“For who?”
“Avoss.”
“It was my first job. I was twenty, fresh out of college. Hugh started at the same time.”
“Why did you leave?”
“Andrea, I was serious when I said I wanted us to listen to this presentation.”
“It’s bogus. Their app is just a better-looking version ofScratch. It’s as limited as the others, and they ask for a ridiculous price.” For the first time since the presentation started, he looks away from the stage to stare down at me, inquisitive. “I was a beta tester for it,” I explain. “So, why did you leave Avoss?”
“Kevin and I wanted to do our own thing. Also, things were getting out of hand with Hugh.”
“What happened?”
“He’s an arrogant and entitled prick with a ridiculous sense of superiority,” Lex recalls. I don’t say anything, but I almost want to point out that he can pass for all those things. It seems I don’t need to say it. “It’s not the same thing,” he argues. “I’m socially inept, and he is an imbecile. Two entirely different issues. Avoss’ management even offered to fire him if it meant I’d stay.”
“Neat. How long did you stay?”
“Over six years.”
So, he left Avoss when he was about my age and then started Kelex. It makes me wonder, “How old are you?”
“Thirty-four.”
I nod silently. Eight years older than me. I never thought about it before. It isn’t a lot, but it isn’t meaningless either.
“Does it bother you?” he asks, uneasy because of my prolonged silence.
I shake my head and gaze up at him. The room is dark enough to shield us from the others but sufficiently bright for me to admire the details of his face. His age doesn’t matter at all. Actually, it means he’s old enough to make decisions and know what he wants.
