Page 38 of True Colors

I purse my lips and take a deep breath.

It’s not that trivial, Luther, and you know it.

The truth is that the thought of her belonging to someone who isn’t me drives me nuts.

I don’t want her to be unavailable.

CHAPTER 9

Anouk

He thinks I’m not client-ready? Well, I’ll show him.

I practice the presentation with Finn three times until he threatens to confiscate my laptop and tuck me into bed. I rehearse in front of the mirror. I use all the grounding techniques my therapist drilled into me.

I have never prepared like this before.

I should be ready.

I am ready.

But the minute I’m standing at the head of the table in Conference Room 3B—with Erin Wright sitting polished and sharp beside the screen, three analysts at the back, and Vijay giving me an encouraging nod—the room tilts.

Breathing becomes difficult.

My tongue becomes thick as clay.

It’s not fair.

I know this model better than anyone. I built it. I understand every cell of every sheet. But knowledge is useless when your own mouth is a locked door.

“G-Go-Good morning,” I start.

A couple of glances trade across the table.

I click to the first slide.

“The—th—the m-model shows a sig—significant dr—drop in base-base⁠—”

Erin clears her throat dramatically.

“Oh boy,” she mutters under her breath, but loud enough that half the room hears.

Heat rushes to my face, like I’ve been caught doing something I can’t defend.

Vijay shoots Erin a look, sharp and annoyed. She ignores it, crossing her legs with that smooth, predatory grace she has.

At least Luther isn’t here, so that’s a saving grace. Right?

I grip the edges of the podium.

Focus, Anouk.

Breathe.

Say the words.

“S-s-significant dr-drop in base-base li-liability if we⁠—”