This is bullshit. Who the hell thinks a water purifier is worth anything? “How are you making ends meet?” I ask.
“Well, I do some contract work in Python and Java development, and when that dries up, I’ve had short-term gigs at Starbucks and a bakery in my neighborhood,” Tomas says. “Gotta pay the bills, right?”
He seems a little too smooth. I don’t trust this guy. Tinsley recently earned ten million dollars, and I would bet her alumni network has shared that tidbit. He’s probably the first of many sharks she’ll encounter. Claire and I will have to sit down with her and talk about being more suspicious of old friends who come out of the woodwork.
“I think it’s great that you do whatever it takes to get it done.” Tinsley smiles and squeezes my leg as a suggestion to drop it.
“How about you, Tinsley? Before you sold, how did you make money?”
Tomas knows. I knew he knew she sold her company. I don’t trust this bastard.
“I worked coding jobs for various people during the day and developed on my own at night. When I got close, I had an angel investor who covered me while I worked on the software. I was the only one working full time. I hired a small team, but they had other jobs, some part-time and some full-time. We had enough to be able to do this a little while longer, but not forever.”
“It also helps that you have wealthy parents,” Tomas reminds her, and my dislike for him continues to grow.
Tinsley smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. She shrugs. “My father has not been in the picture since I was young, and my mother has worked her ass off for everything she’s earned. I don’t expect anything from her—ever.”
I’m impressed. I knew her mother was her angel investor, but Tomas has the nerve to think Tinsley wasn’t smart enough to have a good idea? His idea is shit. That’s why he doesn’t have any investors interested in what he’s doing.
“I’m getting hungry, and I can’t have anything else without food.” Tinsley looks around the table. “Anyone interested in dinner?”
“I could use something to eat,” I say.
“Claire and Tomas, are you guys hungry? We can probably get a table for four in the restaurant.”
Tomas looks down at her, and if he goes in for a kiss, I won’t be able to restrain myself. I’ll kick his ass and not even feel an ounce of remorse.
“I can’t stay. I’ve got a few hours of coding to do tonight. While I was at the Y swimming this morning, I think I had a breakthrough.”
“I totally understand. You need to harness it when it comes.” Tinsley gives him a hug goodbye.
I glare at him with a tight smile. He knows I didn’t fall for his bullshit.
Claire seems disappointed he’s leaving. “We hope to see you again.”
How is it that I’m the only one who sees through his crap?
We work our way over to the hostess. She looks me up and down, but I couldn’t care less. When she places the menus in front of us, she leans down and gives me a strategic view of her breasts. I’m not interested.
As we look over the menu, Claire blossoms. “I think Tomas is great.”
“I was hoping you’d like him.” Tinsley beams. She takes a sip of water and eyes the breadbasket on the table.
“You two make such a great couple.” Claire has a giant grin.
I almost choke, and Tinsley sprays water out of her nose and mouth. She coughs, and I pat her on her back.
Finally, she shakes her head. “No way. Tomas and I dated for a half minute in college. We figured out quickly we weren’t suited for each other.”
Claire has a puzzled look.
“I ran into him this morning. It was a total accident. I told him I was seeing someone. I wanted to hear what he was up to, but I thought he might be a good fit for you.”
“Me? But I’m dating Nick.”
Tinsley shrugs. “I understand. But you didn’t seem in love with Nick, so I thought I’d offer you another option.”
Claire bites her lip and looks away. “He is kind of cute, but I’m not giving up on Nick, yet.”
I’m relieved to hear that.
Tinsley nods agreeably. “No worries. I’ve worked out at the Y for years and never run into him. I may never again. And anyway, he knows nothing has changed for us since college.”
Claire eyes me skeptically. “Why are you so grumpy?”
“I’m not grumpy,” I reply.
She looks at Tinsley. “He’s grumpy.”
Tinsley gives me the side-eye. “I agree.”
Claire turns her attention to Tinsley, as if I’m not even sitting at the same table. “Tell us more about this guy you’ve started seeing. You told me less than a week ago you were footloose and fancy-free.”
Tinsley gives a nervous laugh.
“Yes, I want to hear about this guy,” I prod.
“We’ve spent some time together, but it’s still new. We’ve decided to give it a try.” She shrugs. “We’ll see. I don’t have a great track record with keeping men around. My dad was not a good example.”
“Hopefully he figures out what we know, and that’s that you’re a prize.”
Claire declares this with such authority that I know she believes it. If I do anything to hurt Tinsley, Claire will kick me to the curb. No family loyalty.
Tinsley cracks a grin. “You’ve officially become the co-president of my fan club. Chrissy is probably ready to share the title, but you can ask her.”
We spend the rest of our dinner laughing over silly things, and the girls
