The Right Swipe (Modern Love, #1)(62)

Rhiannon’s phone buzzed. Samson.

One tip I can give you: Aunt Belle hates computer presentations. You’ll want to talk.

She touched the phone. This was good, valuable inside information.

The distrustful monster in her brain woke up. Or he’s sabotaging you.

To what end? She hesitated. “We’ll make a decision on the PowerPoint later.”

“Got it.” Lakshmi started tapping away on her phone.

“Get Suzie in here. Accounting too. This’ll take all of us.”

Lakshmi stood. “So, like, this eccentric billionaire is inviting a bunch of people to her home to pitch her on taking over her company.”

“Yes.” Rhiannon nodded. “I got the allusion too.”

“She’s Willa-Wonkaing you.” Lakshmi shook her head, admiration stamped on her face. “Imagine being this rich, having the ability to make other rich people dance to your tune. That’s the dream.”

“Indeed.” Rhiannon pushed her phone aside and opened her computer, fresh resolve flooding her. “In the meantime, let’s Charlie Bucket the fuck out of this whole situation.”





Chapter Eighteen


Tuesday 10:52 a.m.

RH: Did you send me something SL: I did

RH: A junk food basket? Isn’t this for college students studying for finals?

SL: I thought Cheetos might give you the energy you need to power through this week.

RH: Those are radioactive. Just because I dress like a teenage boy doesn’t mean I eat like one.

SL: Nothing about you screams teenage boy Tuesday 11:37 a.m.

RH: You didn’t have to go to the full-on Vegan/Paleo option, you know.

SL: Do you like it more?

RH: . . . yeah. I’m eating the carrot sticks right now. Thanks, I don’t have time for lunch.

SL: I thought about sending another glitter-gram to lift your spirits but . . .

RH: I would never forgive you. I never realized how anti-glitter I was until I had it literally all over my carpet. A stripper might have actually been better.

SL: You might have still had glitter everywhere, even if Aunt Belle had sent a stripper.

Tuesday 4:25 p.m.

RH: Are you sure no powerpoint SL: Positive. 100%. William might like a ppt but he’s not the one making the decision.

RH: William’s gonna be there?

SL: Yeah, most likely. Is that a problem?

RH: No.

What kind of presentation should I do?

SL: How do you feel about interpretive dance?

RH: I can’t tell if you’re kidding or not.

SL: Kinda kidding.

Aunt Belle responds best to feelings and people, not computers and numbers.

RH: She built this business during the dot-com boom. She doesn’t like technology?

SL: Not that kind. Talk to her. Tell her why you want her business and what you’ll do with it.

RH: No numbers?

SL: Some numbers. Mostly you.

Tuesday 8:20 p.m.

SL: You still making the powerpoint?

RH: I’ll keep it in my back pocket.

SL: I wouldn’t lie to you.

RH: I didn’t say you would. I like to be prepared for anything.

Wednesday 12:40 p.m.

RH: Thanks for the pizzas. My office is delighted.

SL: How’d you know I sent them?

RH: No one else would.

Wednesday 9 p.m.

SL: Want to get a drink?

RH: Still working.

SL: I miss your face.

RH: Well, you’ll see me in two days.

SL: You’re not even going to send me a photo of yourself?

RH: You asking me for nudes? I’m in the office.

SL: Photos of your face. Here’s mine.



RH: Boo, you gotta work your angles better. Selfies from above, not below.

SL: You’ll have to teach me how to selfie too I guess About those nudes . . .

RH: I thought you said you wanted my face.

SL: I’ll take anything.

Wednesday 9:22 p.m.

SL: why did you send me a pic of a brown shoe RH: They’re nudes.

SL: Unbelievable.

RH:

Thursday 12:25 p.m.

RH: Mexican today, I see.

SL: I thought your employees might like a taco truck.

RH: Tomorrow I expect you to show up and cook for everyone, FYI.

SL: I’m not that fancy a cook, but I can make a mean chili. Unfortunately, I have to work tomorrow.

RH: This is kind of extravagant. Do you have money to throw around like this?

SL: Uh, yeah. Don’t worry. I have savings.

You and your staff need to eat.

Consider it a courtesy from a colleague.

What do you want tomorrow? What’s your favorite food?

Thursday 3:27 p.m.

RH: Thai.

SL: Got it.

Thursday 11 p.m.

RH: I’m so tired.

SL: You want me to come over?

RH: No. You’ll make me more tired.

SL: We could cuddle. Watch tv.

RH: Netflix and chill huh SL: I will never live that down!!! I continue to mean it literally.

RH: I’m good, thanks.

SL: I learned how to take a selfie. Look!



RH: Oh. Uh. Normally I am a hater of shirtless mirror selfies, since you do have a perfectly good front-facing camera, but this one is nice. Ctrl save.