Cover

Title Page

Dedication

In memory of my big sister and best friend,
Tamara Denise Roybiskie.

You remain forever in my heart.

Explore book giveaways, sneak peeks, deals, and more.

Tap here to learn more.

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER ONE

A strident clink pierced the crisp, late October evening as Taylor Powell tapped her fork against her champagne flute.

“All right, ladies. Get those glasses in the air!”

She topped off her friends’ drinks, then emptied the last of the prosecco into her glass before holding it aloft. Turning to Samiah Brooks, she said, “To you, my kickass friend. May this genius phone app you created set the tech world on fire!”

“Hear! Hear!” the third member of their trio, London Kelley, hailed as their champagne flutes met high above the fragrant Tex-Mex feast on the table.

The light of the setting sun shimmered through the pale yellow wine as Taylor brought the glass to her lips. Its rays, reflecting off the tranquil aquamarine waters of Lake Travis, provided just enough warmth to make their decision to dine on an outside deck commendable instead of foolish. Tonight’s celebration warranted a full-fledged dinner at one of Austin’s most renowned restaurants.

Its menu prices reflected its prestige, which accounted for the cement block that had settled in the pit of Taylor’s stomach.

She shouldn’t even be here. After having to choose between making the minimum payment on her Mastercard or having her Internet disconnected—the Internet won out—Taylor had decided to skip this week’s girls’ night out. She’d had her excuse primed and ready, but then Samiah texted the news that her new phone app would be featured at some swanky tech conference. She’d asked Taylor and London to help her celebrate. What kind of friend would say no?

A friend who knows she can’t afford this shit! That’s what kind!

Taylor swallowed another gulp of the pricey wine.

“So I have a question.” London gestured to Samiah with the shrimp she’d just plucked from the platter of fajitas. “I don’t want to sound like a complete Luddite, but now that your app has been chosen for this fancy-schmancy conference, what does it mean in the real world?”

“It means she’s about to make money money.” Taylor rubbed her thumb over her fingertips.

“It will take some time before I see any real money money,” Samiah said. “But this is a big deal, ladies. Big. Huge.”

“Are you purposely quoting Pretty Woman?” Taylor asked.

Samiah stuck her tongue out at her. “Always with the jokes,” she said. “Seriously, this could be life-changing. The conference chooses only ten candidates from thousands of submissions to present during the Budding Stars Showcase.” She directed her attention at London. “It’s like a surgical intern being invited to present a paper at the American Heart Association’s annual conference.”