Page 92 of Mind Games
“You should’ve told me you were working. I’d have helped.”
“I enlisted this one, and nearly done now. You girls hungry?”
“I could be,” Maddy said. “But first Thea’s going to show me her five acres. It’s one of my favorite things, Miss Lucy, the way your house always smells of something good. My soap and candles were the envy of my dorm.”
“That’s good to hear. If y’all wait till we’re finished, we’ll go along. I’ve got some balm for Miss Leona’s arthritis I can take her.”
“When I’m a doctor in town, you’re going be my main competition.”
The phone in Thea’s pocket signaled. After taking it out, she stared at the readout.
“Oh God, it’s Milken.”
“Jumping Jesus, Thea!” Maddy punched Thea’s shoulder. “Answer it.”
“I will. I am. Ah, hello?”
“Thea Fox?”
“Yes, this is Thea.”
“This is Bradley Case. I’m general manager of development at Milken. Is this a good time for you?”
“Yes. Thank you for calling.”
“Mr. Cheng passed Endon on to me. Your professor sent it to him—with your permission?”
“Yes.” Because everyone stood staring at her, she turned away. “I appreciate you taking the time to review the game.”
“You designed and developed Endon yourself?”
“Yes.”
“For a college project?”
“Yes.”
Maddy hissed, “Say something besides yes!”
“Can I call you Thea?”
She started to say yes, switched it up. “Of course.”
“It’s impressive, Thea. The game play, the graphics, the narrative. I’ve had a team play it at its varying levels, and shared their conclusions and mine with Ms. Kendall, CEO. We’re interested in buying your game.”
“You’re…” She spoke each word slowly. “You’re interested in buying my game?”
Immediately, Rem surged forward, shook his head, his finger at her.
“Yes, we are. We’d like to set up a meeting with you to discuss it. I realize you don’t have an agent or representative, so—”
“Actually, I have … He’s right here.”
She shoved the phone at Rem. Name, Rem mouthed, and pointed at the phone.
“Bradley Case.”
“Mr. Case, this is Remington Fox, Thea’s business manager. I’m also her brother,” he said cheerfully, and wandered away as he spoke. “Yes, that’s right. It does.”