He shifts in his seat. “Well...that’s not all,” he says. “The money would come to you in monthly payments and would be based on a gentleman’s agreement of sorts, since we’ve never formalized our ownership shares,” he says. “And part of that agreement would be that you wouldn’t contact or spend time with the other founders of the company. Either of them.” His gaze bears down on me. “Ever.”

It feels like the floor drops out from under my feet.

“You want me to stop seeing Sara?” I ask breathlessly. “Is that what this is about?” Is he really that mean, that insecure? That he would do all this just to keep someone else from dating his ex?

He doesn’t say anything but instead reaches down for his backpack. He pulls out a manila envelope and sets it on the coffee table before standing up and walking out the door.

I reach for the envelope and pull out a sheet of thick white paper. It shows a law firm’s header at the top, I flip through it. A contract surrendering my equity in Perfect10.

There is still something bulky at the bottom of the envelope. I peek inside and see green. I pull out what seems like $1,000 in cash.

There is also a business card for an immigration lawyer, with a hand-scrawled note on the back that reads: “Here’s a small advance. Think about it.”

Shit.

“Hey!” Sara’s eyes light up as she peeks her head through the door, and my heart warms, despite everything. I still can’t believe I get to be the reason she smiles like that. “Wait—” Her happy face drops. “You can’t see me yet. I’m not ready.” She reaches out and covers my eyes.

I laugh. “You’re being ridiculous.”

She leans forward and gives me a quick peck on the lips, but doesn’t move her hands. I can smell her perfume. It’s different than what she usually wears, new, but still sweet and fresh. Both are like flowers. Maybe one is roses and the other daisies?

Let’s be real, I don’t know anything about flowers or perfume. I like it though.

For a second I smile, standing there in the darkness like an idiot. Not wanting this moment to end.

I raise my hand to move hers.

“Uh-uh, no way,” she says. “Here, I’ll lead you.” She pulls me forward.

I shake my head but take a step forward.

“Sara, you realize I’ve seen you up coding at 4:00 a.m. with no makeup, right?”

“Yeah, but—”

“And you looked gorgeous then and I’m sure you look beautiful now. Will you please just let me—ow—” I bang my knee into something.

“Watch out for the chair,” her quiet voice says.

“Let me see,” I say through gritted teeth.