JAMES RECLINED IN the plush leather chair. He shuffled through the reports on the table. “Great work, guys. Interest in these new games is huge. Investors love to see this kind of activity.”

“So Jay, speaking of investors, when do you think we’ll hear back from Blue Coat?” His project lead Ron voiced the question on everyone’s minds.

James regarded the hopeful faces staring back at him. He smiled and mustered up as much confidence as he could. “I’m sure the call will come in soon, guys. Chris and I feel really positive about our meetings with Blue Coat. They’re probably just taking some extra time to finalize the details around the offer.” I hope that sounds more convincing to them than it does to me.

“Do we have a Plan B?” Ron cleared his throat. “I mean, just in case they decide to pass?”

Before James could answer, Chris barged into the room, a big smile plastered on his face. “Gentlemen, let’s take a break!”

James furrowed his brow. “What’s going on, Chris? Everything okay?”

“I have some big news to share. I just got a call from Blue Coat offering us two million dollars in funding. They’re in! We did it! Congratulations, everybody!” Chris punched his fists up in victory.

James jumped. “Are you serious? Don’t screw with us, Chris. Is it true?”

“Yes! It’s true! Two mil, baby!”

“Holy shit!” James ran his hands through his hair and sank back into the chair. They were on their way now. Blue Coat wouldn’t have invested if they doubted the future success of LazerShark. It was almost a guarantee that there would be a profitable IPO in the future.

Everyone in the room cheered, clapped, and hooted. The rest of the employees ventured in to join the festivities.

“Guys, we are headed for a fat payday! Come on, let’s get out of here and celebrate! Go round up the troops and we’ll meet downstairs in five.” Chris clasped his hands together and grinned at James. “I told you not to worry.”

“I just can’t believe it. It’s what we wanted, what we worked on for so long. We’re finally here.”

“Things are going to happen, Jay! Do you know how much more growth we’ll see from this?” Chris shook his head. “It’s ridiculous to even think about. Jesus, this is unreal!”

James laughed. “And here I was, fooled into thinking you were so confident about LazerShark’s future.”

“Dude, I had complete faith. Always. Now let’s get the hell out of here! It’s been a long road. We really deserve a break before we crank it into high gear.”

“Okay, okay. I just need a few minutes. Tell me where to meet you.”

“No way, Jay. We are united from here on out. Call Jessica to give her the good news, then we’ll all go together. And move fast, I’m starving!”

James chuckled. “Fine.” He headed back to his office as the rest of the team geared up for the impromptu lunchtime celebration. Collapsing into a chair, he dialed Jessica’s cell phone number. Voicemail. Maybe she’s in a meeting. He shrugged, a little disappointed he had to wait to share the news. Oh well, she’ll see I called and get back to me when she’s free.

Chris appeared in the doorway and let out an impatient sigh. “Come on, man! Did you tell her yet?”

“Nah, she’s probably with a client. I’ll call later.” James packed up his laptop bag. “Everyone’s ready to go?”

“Oh yeah. Myself included. Let’s roll!” Chris clapped his hand on James’s shoulder. “This is our ticket, Jay. The friggin’ golden ticket! You really needed to have more confidence in us. Think of all the sleep you lost worrying. And we won’t talk about sleep you lost due to other factors.” He flashed a wicked smile. “Tonight you can rest easy. Or…maybe you won’t.”

Chris pulled out his phone as the ringtone blared. “Blakely! Long time, how’s it going, man?”

James shot Chris a questioning look. Blakely? Why do I know that name?

“Get the hell outta here! Where are you now?” Chris turned to James with wide eyes. “Yeah, we’re heading out that way. Why don’t we meet up later? I’ve got some news, too.” He paused, waiting for a response. “Okay, yeah, see you then.”

He turned to James. “Holy shit, Jay.”

“What was that all about? Who’s Blakely?”

“Guy I went to college with, remember? You’ve met him a couple of times. The one who built Secure Transact?”

“Oh yeah!” James registered the name, remembering their last run-in with Rich Blakely. Arrogant prick. He never understood why Chris associated with that guy.

“He just told me he got rid of his top two executives. Said Secure Transact is moving ahead under his name only. Something big happened there. I told him we’d meet him later. You okay with that?”

James grinned. “Yeah, so long as Jess doesn’t get back to me first. Then you’re on your own with that asshole.”

Chris chuckled. “Yeah, he’s a piece of work. Whatever. Never hurts to keep a network. I mean, look at Emerson. There’s a world class dickhead and being in his good graces just made us the hottest new company in the Valley!”

“Easy, killer. Don’t get ahead of yourself.”

“Aw, come on Jay, be a little overzealous, would you?”

“I’m just fine.” James laughed. “I’ll feel better once we have the check in hand.”

“Well, we have some time to finalize everything with our lawyers and get back to them with an answer. Should be a no-brainer. They’re messengering over the contracts tomorrow.”

James stopped before they reached Scotty’s Bar. He saw their rowdy group in the window, raising toasts to the future of LazerShark.

“Chris.” His voice turned serious. “Thanks for being my partner. I couldn’t have done this without you.”

“Don’t get all sappy on me, man. Tonight we celebrate, tomorrow we keep kicking ass. Together.” Chris winked. “Think Avery Hunter is still in town? Think I have a shot with her now?”

James laughed, holding the door open to the bar. “No, and most definitely no. But I wouldn’t worry about it. I’m sure you’ll find plenty of others that’ll turn your head.”