Bell stares at his notepad for a moment, pen still in hand, although he’s not writing anything, just tapping the desk so that little pen marks appear on the paper, like tiny blue sprinkles. “I worked in the television business for years, always worrying about ratings. About how many eyes we could get to the show, so they would also see the ads. And I see my kids, with their iPhones, constantly on social media—you can barely tear them away. I’ve always thought that would be a hell of a business to be in.”

Braden’s eyes light up. “So you’re saying...”

Bell smiles but holds up his hand. “I’m just saying you’ve got me interested, and that I would like to take your idea to the rest of my team, see what the board thinks first. But yes.” He stands, and we follow suit. “I’m saying you’ve made it farther than ninety percent of the people who have sat in that chair.” He smiles, and I swear to god, his teeth sparkle. Like a cartoon prince. “I guess we sell exclusivity too.”

He shakes our hands as we thank him, nodding vigorously at every word he says, even though the adrenaline roaring through my brain is too loud for me to really process what he is saying.

Chapter Twenty

Sara

Oh my god. Oh. My. God.

I cannot believe what I just heard. He wants to take our idea to his board. To his board!

I don’t know much about this venture capital stuff, but I’ve seen enough movies to know that going to the board has got to be a good thing.

I shake Mr. Bell’s hand and smile so widely that my face would hurt if I weren’t high off pure happiness.

It’s all I can do to keep my composure as I wave goodbye to the receptionist and wait for the elevator.

“I’m going to run to the bathroom,” Robbie says as the doors ding open. “I’ll meet you guys downstairs.”

I nod and step into the elevator, Braden following close behind.

“Oh my god!” I finally let out the words that have been ricocheting around my head. “I cannot believe that just happened. I mean, did you see his face? I was worried at first because, well, you know, that was a bit risky. And after what happened last time—sorry if you don’t want me to mention that, but oh my god, who cares now, because that went so well and we really only need one firm to like us and oh my gosh. Whoa.” I stop to catch my breath for a second, putting my hand on my chest.

Braden has just been smiling and nodding along as I’ve chattered on.