“Will do.” Lakshmi casually indicated the closed door. “I’m gonna marry that girl, by the way.”
Rhiannon’s eyebrows shot up. “Uh, what?” People got smitten with Lakshmi, not the other way around. “Tina?”
“Mmm. Don’t worry about it. I’m in no rush.” Lakshmi plopped into a chair. “I won’t let that stop me from prioritizing this takeover. Shall I fire up the PowerPoint?”
Rhiannon’s phone buzzed. Samson.
One tip I can give you: Aunt Belle hates computer presentations. You’ll want to talk.
She touched the phone. This was good, valuable inside information.
The distrustful monster in her brain woke up.Or he’s sabotaging you.
To what end? She hesitated. “We’ll make a decision on the PowerPoint later.”
“Got it.” Lakshmi started tapping away on her phone.
“Get Suzie in here. Accounting too. This’ll take all of us.”
Lakshmi stood. “So, like, this eccentric billionaire is inviting a bunch of people to her home to pitch her on taking over her company.”
“Yes.” Rhiannon nodded. “I got the allusion too.”
“She’s Willa-Wonkaing you.” Lakshmi shook her head, admiration stamped on her face. “Imagine being this rich, having the ability to make other rich people dance to your tune. That’s the dream.”
“Indeed.” Rhiannon pushed her phone aside and opened her computer, fresh resolve flooding her. “In the meantime, let’s Charlie Bucket the fuck out of this whole situation.”
Chapter Eighteen
Tuesday 10:52 a.m.
RH:Did you send me something
SL:I did
RH:A junk food basket? Isn’t this for college students studying for finals?
SL:I thought Cheetos might give you the energy you need to power through this week.
RH:Those are radioactive. Just because I dress like a teenage boy doesn’t mean I eat like one.
SL:Nothing about you screams teenage boy
Tuesday 11:37 a.m.
RH:You didn’t have to go to the full-on Vegan/Paleo option, you know.
SL:Do you like it more?
RH:...yeah. I’m eating the carrot sticks right now. Thanks, I don’t have time for lunch.
SL:I thought about sending another glitter-gram to lift your spirits but...
RH:I would never forgive you. I never realized how anti-glitter I was until I had it literally all over my carpet. A stripper might have actually been better.
SL:You might have still had glitter everywhere, even if Aunt Belle had sent a stripper.
Tuesday 4:25 p.m.
