As Ahri and Rafe walked, she took in the familiar artwork on the hallway walls, all of REKD champions. The large pictures brought color and character to what would have been a long, sterile corridor. It finally opened on the left, exposing a large area full of work stations.
“This section has some of the engineers and production crews,” Rafe said.
“It’s reallyopen.” Ahri craned her neck, trying to figure out how many people were in what appeared to be a very congested area.
“That’s the intent. This whole business is based on creativity. If someone has a question, it’s easy to pop up and see if the people they need are at their stations. Others can chime in. It makes for some great synergy. The layout also fosters chance interactions that can lead to important discussions.” Rafegrinned and continued down the hall. “It also cuts down on emails.”
“Do you have a traditional office like Bill?”
“I do, but the guys and I also have stations like these.” He shot her a sidelong glance. “Sometimes we need to be out in the thick of things too. Will that be a problem for you? When my mother came for a tour of the place, she said it’d drive her crazy.”
“I’m used to working in a very traditional office.” Ahri thought that her last job and this one must be on opposite ends of the spectrum. “I liked the quiet, so this will be an adjustment.”
“It was for me too. Iammy mother’s son, after all.”
And what a son he was. Ahri had been impressed with Rafe before, but as they continued, it surprised her how many people waved to him. He knew every one of them by name.
“How do you do it?” she asked softly.
“Do what? Learn to work in the chaos?”
“Know your employees so well. This is such a young company, and you’ve grown so fast. How can you keep track of everyone?”
“Don’t tell anyone,” he said conspiratorially, “but I have HR send me resumés and photos of all the new employees. I spend a little time each night going over files of the new people and refreshing my memory about others I don’t interact with often. I can honestly say that I know everyone who works here.”
“Wow. I’m . . .” Her words trailed off as she searched for the right word.
“Speechless?” He gave a dark chuckle. “My mother would say it’s because I don’t have a life.”
“And you’d say this businessisyour life?” she asked softly.
He stopped and turned, those deep blue eyes piercing through her, like he could see into her mind.
“What?” she asked defensively, worried she’d offended him. “It’s just what Kayn says when I tell him the same thing.”
Rafe gave a soft grunt and strode toward another elevator.
“You aren’t going to tell me?” Ahri hurried after him.
“I guess you can say all the Beta Boys have the same problem.” He pushed the elevator button.
“The Beta Boys.” She laughed, remembering the name of their original company.
“Now they call us the Billionaire Boys,” Rafe said in a disgusted tone. “I liked the old name better.”
The elevator opened to a very pregnant woman.
“Perfect timing.” She stepped out. “Orianna has a list of applicants for you to review.”
“Anyone look good?” He stepped into the elevator.
“A couple.”
“I’ll leave you in Cass’s capable hands. See y’all later.”
The door closed, and the woman turned to Ahri. “Welcome to REKD Gaming.” She indicated a corridor to the right. “I’ll give you a Cook’s tour before we go back to our area. I’m Cass, by the way.”
“Were your parents fans of that 1960s singer?” Ahri asked.
