Gamer Girl (19 page)

Suddenly she got a text message.

You home?

Sarah didn’t respond.

Sarah, you home?

You alone?

Sarah!

Sarah turned her phone off.
Finally, about four in the morning, she was tired enough to sleep.

Monday morning Sarah went directly to her
mobile command unit
on the sixth floor to start brainstorming ideas for advertising the DLC. They needed a trailer, and some ads in the big video game magazines, along with some kickin’ press releases. As soon as possible, they needed to get the DLC into the hands of the game reviewers. Soon they’d be able to do that with the pc version, but the consoles would have to wait.

“Where the hell were you?”

Sarah whirled around with a gasp.

Ea
mon stood there, arms crossed and eyes flashing. “Friday night. I kept texting.”

“
I was off, and I was minding my own business. Why don’t you do the same, Mr. Byrne?”

His eyes burned like blue fire.
“Did you go home with John?”

Incensed at his temerity,
Sarah flashed him a nasty look. “Did you go home with Rhonda?” Sarah got more than a little satisfaction from the look of total shock on his face. He started to speak, but she interrupted him, “Fair’s fair, Mr. Byrne. If you’re going to ask about my personal life, then I get to ask about yours. So why don’t you tell me what Danielle thinks of Rhonda, and I’ll tell you what John thinks of me?”

Eamon started to speak
. Then he snapped his mouth shut, turned and walked over to the elevator and punched the
up
button viciously. When the door opened, and he stepped inside, Sarah yelled, “Have a nice day, Mr. Byrne.” She turned back to her desk and braced herself with one hand on each side as she shook with anger.

Eamon reac
hed the eighth floor and marched through the reception area to his own office. Nicole, who had been helping Emily, watched him stomp through, and heard the
wham
as the door slammed shut.

“Emily
, I think we’d better hold Mr. Byrne’s calls for about thirty minutes. Tell everyone he’s in a meeting and take a message,” Nicole said.

Eamon stood at his windows overlooking the city and tried to wrap his head around what just occurred. His rational mind told him that Sarah had been entirely correct—it was her own business and she had every right to demand that he keep his nose out of it. That was logic speaking
, but there was another voice inside his head that didn’t know or care about logic. That voice wanted to roar and stomp and command her to tell him where she’d been and what she’d done and if she’d done it with John, damn it!

He tried to set it aside but he couldn’t. Well, if Sarah wouldn’t tell him, maybe John would. He
sent John an email. About ten minutes later Emily was buzzing John into Eamon’s office.

“Hey John, have a seat.”

John sat down in front of Eamon’s desk. “How can I help you, Eamon?”

“Give me a run down on the programmers I sent over to help you with the DLC. How would you evaluate their performance?” Eamon asked.

“Shouldn’t you be asking Sarah that?” John suggested.

Eamon sat down in his own chair. “Sarah will be the first one to tell you that she cannot evaluate a programmer
’s performance when it comes to their programming. You, on the other hand, can. So, give me a run down.”

John told Eamon what he thought of the programmers who had assisted on the DLC. “Anything else?”

“I was going to run this by you Friday night, but you split kind of early, Eamon said.”

“Sarah was ready to leave so I walked her to her car.”
John said to him. “And, no, I am not going to say anything more about that. So, now that you have the information you wanted, I think I’ll go unless there’s anything else.”

He started toward the door, stopped and came back to Eamon’s desk. “Mr. Byrne, I
plan to respect Sarah’s privacy. Perhaps you should too.” With that John left the office.

It occurred to Eamon that he just been given a verbal punch on the nose, and one that he probably deserved.
What the hell is wrong with you, Eamon?
Why can’t you just let it go? She’s only one woman. Let it be.
Taking his own advice, Eamon went down to a meeting of the
Eigenstates
team.

Sarah did her best to have a
s little to do with Eamon as possible over the next few days. Now that Emily seemed to be up and running keeping Eamon happy, it was easy to stay down on the sixth floor and devote herself to the marketing campaign for the DLC.

She avoided him as long as she could, but Thursday, July the third, she needed to pick his brain about the marketing.

She sent an email requesting a sit down. He told her to come on up.

Eamon looked up as Sarah walked in
with a portfolio under her arm. She was wearing a short little pencil skirt in a peachy color with a white silky tee that did nothing to hide her curves. Her hair was growing out and Sarah had adopted a softer hairstyle that really suited her.

“Mr. Byrne, I wanted your opinion on the ideas for the trailers. Can we run through the boards?”

“Sure, Miss Adams. Put them out on the conference table over there.”

As
Sarah laid the boards out, Eamon came over to look at them. He was impressed!

“So you’re going to stress the companions, I see. Are you using game footage or not?”

“Definitely game footage,” Sarah insisted. “First, it’s less expensive and quicker. Second, with this game engine…well we want to show off what this game does and what this DLC will do.” Sarah leaned over and pointed to one of the ideas. “I like this one. I’m thinking a voice over.
You are on a journey of adventure and danger, a journey that will take you to the limits of endurance. Out of the chaos and bloodshed a comrade comes to stand by your side, to fight your enemies, to support your cause…
We use a male protagonist and a female companion and take them through one of the more visual battle scenes.”

“I assume the male protagonist for the trailer is because of demographics?”

“Yes, but if we come in under budget, I’d love to make a trailer that features a female protagonist. I don’t think we’ll have the funds, though.”

“So where do you want to run it?”

“Oh…Sci-fi channel, Gamer channel and the Horror channel for a start. We’ll be on the console marquee and our website.” Sarah pointed to the other story boards. “So, what do you think of my choice?”

Eamon looked them over. “
It’s a fine idea and I think you should go with it. Pick the right in-game scenes and music…it should be good.”

“Okay,”
Sarah said as she gathered up the story boards.

“What time are you going to be out at the farm tomorrow?” Eamon asked.

“I’m not sure I’m coming.” Sarah gathered up the story boards.

“Mom was pretty hopeful. I think s
he wants you to meet my sisters,”

“
I don’t want to intrude,” Sarah told him.

Eamon moved a little closer to Sarah. “You won’t be intruding, Miss Adams.
Come out and enjoy the day. Everyone has a great time.”

“Okay.
”

“Good. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Sarah headed toward the door.

“Sarah?”

She turned around.

Eamon paused, searching for the words. “I just want to say that you are doing a
great job with this DLC project, and I don’t mean a great job for a beginner. I mean a great job, period.”

“Thank you,” Sarah said. “That’s good to know. See you tomorrow.”

“Yeah, tomorrow.”

The next morning Sarah debated a couple of hours before she finally gave in and dressed for the picnic. The weather man had predicted sunny and hot for the Fourth, so she put on khaki shorts, a melon tank top with a built in bra and a pair of white running shoes. Sticking a white gauze cover up, a t-back suit, a very skinny bikini, a stretch knit strapless dress and a t-shirt into her tote, Sarah grabbed up a baseball cap, some flip-flops with flowers on top, deodorant, toothbrush and paste and a tube of very good sunscreen and stuck them in as well.

Sarah pulled up in the driveway t
o the big house at around ten in the morning. The front doors were open, the screen doors keeping out the bugs. Once on the patio she looked out over the grounds and was pleased to see that everything was ready, including large tent with tables and chairs and a bandstand set up in the large meadow visible from the patio’s edge 

Smokers were already lit and the smell of hickory smoke and mesquite filled the air. The ribs were on and slow cooking. Sarah knew that the
steaks and burgers were chilling in a large onsite commercial refrigerator just waiting to be cooked.

Large containers
some of which were filled with pop and some with beer and coolers were iced and ready to go.

The baseball field had been freshly
marked; the tennis court had a supply of clean towels waiting for those who wanted to try their game. Sarah looked around and saw that the speakers were in place, speakers that would provide music and a P.A. system.

Down the hill at the sand volleyball court, Sarah saw a group of people playing.
Sarah walked down to the court where Eamon and three other guys were split up two-on-two playing a hard game of volleyball. Eamon wore only a bathing suit and his running shoes. Skin glistening with perspiration, his muscles rippled as he leapt for the ball and smashed it over the net. Sarah could not breathe; she stood paralyzed, watching him play. Eamon was totally into the game and he seemed young and unguarded, and incredibly sexy. She turned away for a moment to gather her composure.

When she turned back, she studied the other three men and reali
zed that these were the male siblings. There could be no doubt of it. Together, the Byrne brothers were a luscious assemblage of virilia hominum; i.e., hunka, hunka hunka.

Two of the three
women standing on the sidelines were strangely immune to their charms however. Sarah took a closer look and saw the resemblance. They were the sisters.

Sarah walked down the driveway toward them. As she drew near,
a brunette saw her approach and came over.

“You’re Sarah, aren’t
you?” She stuck out her hand. “I’m Siobhan, the eldest daughter.” The woman turned around. “The blonde in the blue shorts is Maura, and the brunette is…well, someone’s date.” Siobhan pointed to the man playing with Eamon. “That’s Liam, with Eamon. Cullen and Aidan are their opponents. Aidan’s the one with the tattoo on his shoulder. He’s the youngest.” Siobhan linked her arm through Sarah’s. “Mom and your co-worker, Emily, are down at the little house finalizing everything. Come on, I’ll walk with you.”

Sarah walked with Siobhan down to the small house. “So when did you get in?” Sarah asked. “Was the car there to meet you?”

“Sure. I don’t think any of us had any problems with planes or limos this time,” Siobhan said. “Eamon said you and Nicole did most of the planning this year.” Siobhan looked about. “So far so good, I’d say.”

They reached the small house and Catherine gave Sarah a warm hug before turning back to the things she was preparing in the kitchen. The main barbeque was scheduled for four in the afternoon, although there would be munchies available all day long.  Sarah suspected that Catherine was fixing
something for the family to eat. “Need any help?” Sarah asked her hostess.

“No, but thanks for asking.
This is just a little brunch to carry us through the afternoon.”

About that time, Emily came up looking a little frantic. “Sarah, I have the security people on the phone. They’re having trouble with one of their vehicles and will be late.”

Sarah shook her head. “That won’t do, Em. Tell them to send out as many as they can in the vehicles that are up and running. Tell them to find backup transport now, because I want the full staff here and in place by 1:00 p.m. That’s when we expect the biggest influx of people.” Sarah looked at the younger girl and added. “Look, get tough with them. Demand that they find a plan B to make this work. Oh, and Emily, make sure that the lifeguards are on their way.”

“Okay,” Emily said.

“Em?”

Emily turned back around.

“I’m here if you need me. You have my cell.”

Emily nodded and went her way.

“Sweet girl. A little green, but smart,” Catherine observed.

Siobhan moved to help her mother take food out onto the patio of her parents’ home. There
were three large round picnic tables with umbrellas. They were already equipped with plates, cups, utensils and napkins in holders. The food stood on an outdoor buffet shelf, ready to go, complete with coffee, tea and other beverages.

Catherine went over to a large, triangle and began banging it loudly. “Come and get it or go hungry!” She shouted.

The crowd at the volleyball court broke up at once and began running down the hill while Nicole and Emily appeared along with others Sarah didn’t know.

Riordan was walking up from the kennels. Sarah noted that the runs had canvas shades over them. It was clear he took excellent care of his doxies.

Eamon saw Sarah standing with his mother. He’d put a Griffons T-shirt on to come to the table. He walked up to Sarah. “I’m glad you came.” He grinned a little and added, “Can I dispense with the
Miss Adams
for the day Sarah?”

Sarah pursed her lips as if she had to consider it and then she let her expression clear. “Just don’t call me late for brunch,’ she teased.

Eamon laughed and threaded his arm through hers. “Listen family. This is Sarah. Sarah, this is my family, or at least the nearest and dearest.” Eamon went around the tables and introduced her to each of his brothers and sisters. “Get your plate,” he told her.

Sarah filled a plate with food, and Eamon made room for her beside him.

“So how long have you known big brother, Sarah?” Aidan asked as he dug into his mom’s cooking.

“
Five months. I’ve worked for him for about four months,” Sarah explained.

“Ah, you’re one of his
geek girls, then.”

Sarah stopped eating and stared at Aidan. “Excuse me?”

“Eamon has a knack for finding pretty girls with high IQs to man his offices,” Aidan said watching his brother’s face, gauging his reaction, “He doesn’t keep them long; they usually move on to other things.”

“Sarah doesn’t man my office anymore bro, she runs one of my smaller divisions,” Eamon explained. He shot Aidan a warning lo
ok which was ignored.

“So give me your curriculum vitae, Sarah,” Aidan said.

“I graduated from Bonita Vista high school at 16 with high honors, graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s of science at nineteen with a major in psychology and a minor in music, earned my master of arts at twenty-one. My thesis title was
The Efficacy of the Forensic Interview in Evaluating Potential Employees in the Marketplace
. I obtained my paralegal certificate at twenty-two. Then I met a guy and my life went to hell, which goes to prove that being smart doesn’t mean you can’t make a stupid mistake.”

Ever
yone stopped eating and just stared at Sarah. Sarah realized that she’d shocked them.

With a straight face, Aiden asked, “
Was this before or after you met Eamon?”

Sarah gave him a blank look at then burst out laughing. When she could speak again she said, “Oh man, before. It was all before.”
Everyone else started laughing too. Sarah sighed and went back to eating her meal.

The banter continued around the table and Sarah watched, listened and enjoyed the camaraderie of Eamon’s family. Sarah knew that the Byrnes must have the
ir dark times, every family did, but she sensed that they all loved one another and were a cohesive unit.

Sarah looked up the driveway and saw the caterer’s truck coming down the lane. She got up
from the table and went inside to find Emily who was still coordinating the last of the incoming food and personnel.

“Your desserts are here, Emily,” Sarah told her.

Emily looked up. “Thanks.”

“You need any help?”  Sarah asked.

“Nope, got it covered,” Emily replied. “Sarah, go have fun. I promise, if I need help, I’ll find you.”

“Okay,” Sarah went back outside. The Byrnes had already cleared the tables, Emily didn’t need her help
. It occurred to her that she should have come later. Right now she was just in the way. Sarah went back up the drive to the big house and went inside. Sarah had gotten a look at the great room and kitchen the last time she was here. She was curious about the rest of the house, but she didn’t feel comfortable going upstairs. That seemed too private, so she wandered down the hallway opposite the kitchen. There was one door to the left and two doors on the right, the patio side of the house. She opened the second door.

Inside was a large library, with big windows looking out on the patio. In addition to a desk, a sofa, and coffee table, a chair and end table, there
was also a Yamaha digital piano.

Sarah sat down and flipped the switch. It had been a long time since she’d actually played, a very long time.

She remembered her first piano. Sarah had no clue as to why her father had purchased the piano. She walked through the door after school one day to find it sitting in the recreation room where the pool table and the video games were kept.

E
ntranced, she’d climbed up onto the bench and began to pick out melodies. After a couple of weeks, she was playing simple songs. Then Sarah ignored a homework assignment in order to have enough time to play. That was when her father decided that piano lessons were a good idea.

At first it had been great. Sarah learned a lot that first year of lessons. She was enthused, she was eager to learn. And then her dad decided that this might be her calling. He got involved. He enforced the hours she had to practice. He hovered, he cajoled. By the end of her second year of lessons, she announced that she was quitting and didn’t play the piano again for five years.

By the time she sat back down at the bench again, it was too late for anything except recreational play. For a long time, she blamed her parents for the fact that she never quite finished what she started, but now Sarah knew better. Cutting her own nose off to spite her face had been her form of rebellion. Telling her folks to
piss off
would have been less destructive. The responsibility for the mess her life became was hers, entirely hers and she knew it.

Sarah
put her fingers to the keys and began to play. She was pretty bad. Her timing was off, her fingering was klutzy, but it was what it was. She backed off playing the complicated recital piece she’d learned so long ago and settled for something simple, tears of self-pity swimming in her eyes.

She didn’t hear him come into the room. One minute, she was alone, the next he was beside her on the bench.

“Hey, I wondered wh—” Eamon stopped mid-sentence. “Sarah, what’s wrong?”

“Sorry, I was having a pity party,” she said, brushing a tear from her cheek.

Eamon brushed away the other tear. “Tell me.”

Sarah tried to laugh but i
t didn’t come out right. “This! This! I had potential, I was on my way to being a good pianist and I walked away…no I ran away. When I see success on the horizon, I bail.” Sarah played another chord on the piano.

“What are you talking about, Sarah?”

Sarah continued the tune. “Some people fear failing, Eamon. Not me. Nope. I fear succeeding because, if you succeed, then how more are they going to ask of you? How much more do you have to give?” Sarah thought about the mess she’d made of her life so far and she shook her head.

“Shall I find a parachute for you, then? You’re pretty damn close to making a success out of
Wickerworld,
” Eamon asked quietly.

Sarah looked at Eamon. “I promise you. I am not going to quit. Not this time. This time I am going to succeed. I don’t care what it costs; I don’t care what I have to give to make it work. For once in my silly stupid life, I am going to do it right! There are too many people depending on me. You’re depending on me, and I won’t let you down.”

Eamon stood up. “Come on, let’s go for a walk.”

Sarah stood up with him. “But the party…”

“You’re not on the clock today, Sarah. You don’t have to worry about the damn party. Come on, let me show you the rest of the place,” He told her.

Sarah followed Eamon out the door and down the hill. She realized that he hadn’t said a word about her assurances. Sarah didn’t know if that mean that he trusted her completely or already had a Plan B in place.