“That isn’t news.” Trisha rolled her eyes. “Explain… More detail.”
Tommy hooked his thumb, pointing to Ken with the digit. “He doesn’t even know what he has done. If this program works like he says it does, it’s valuable. I can sell it to all my dad’s doctor pals. We can distribute the software to clinics and hospitals all over the place for a lot of cash.”
Ken’s eyes glazed over and he hissed through his teeth. “All that sounds like dealing with people. That’s all you.” He returned his attention to his food, picking up his bacon, and taking a bite.
“Yeah, of course, you will just need to be able to support the program if there are any tech-related client issues.” Tommy rambled to himself, tapping his fingers on the table. “If we can come up with some money for marketing and travel, I could sell this all over Texas and further... Shit.”
“Why are you acting so surprised?” Ken threw Tommy a sideways glance. “Wasn’t opening up our own business always the plan? Graduation is almost here. Why did you think I’d been so stressed?”
Tommy rubbed his temples; his face awash with a mixture of pride and awe. “That was the dream, but I never thought... I mean, I thought...eventually. I assumed it would take a while.”
His dark hair flopping to the side, Ken jerked his head back. “We graduate in a few months. Just when exactly did you think we were going to do it? Were we going to deliver pizza and fill out job applications like a couple of shmucks?”
Tommy shrugged. “Well, yeah, I kind of figured we would have to start off working for someone else first.”
“Fuck that!” Ken shook his head. “Sitting on my ass, getting a degree, and going to work at some entry-level, ass-kissing, people-pleasing job? Hell no. I hate interviews and dealing with bullshit meetings and collaborative projects. I’d rather shovel shit for a living.”
Trisha pursed her lips, trying not to look too disappointed. She’d be happy if the two found success in Texas, but she didn’t want them to go without her. “I’m going to miss you guys while you’re starting up your business. I still have another year of school to go.”
“Pfft,” Tommy snorted. “We won’t be leaving without you even if we have to spend a year here shoveling shit to come up with start-up capital.”
The corners of Trisha’s mouth turned up and her eyes watered. How ridiculous. He says something that crude, and I’m so happy I’m about to cry! “Seriously? You guys are going to stay until I graduate?”
“Only if you promise to go with us when we head back home.” Tommy smiled after delivering the offer of a lifetime to her. Ken looked up and nodded.
Trisha’s heart skipped a beat. This is almost like a proposal. “You know, my grandmother left me a tidy sum when she passed on... Want a silent partner?” Both men laughed heartily. Insulted, Trisha frowned. “How is that funny?”
“Since when have you ever been silent?” Tommy laughed again, a huge grin pushing his cheeks up like apples.
Trisha snickered. “You got me there.”
“We will be glad to take your money.” The big, tall blond winked at her.
“I’ll need a business plan to show my accountant but I believe in you guys.”
“Got it.” Tommy squeezed her hand again before taking another sip of coffee. “While we’re partnering up, how about you ditch the dorm and move in with us?”
“Really?” Trisha’s tummy fluttered as if hundreds of butterflies had suddenly broken free from cocoons inside.
“Tommy’s room is twelve square-feet larger than mine. We can buy a king-sized bed to replace his single. Then we can turn my room into an office until we get commercial space.”
Tommy grinned, nodding. Trisha could practically see the wheels turning inside his head. “During summer break, the three of us will go back to Texas to start the groundwork with Dad and his contacts. Our parents need to meet Trish before we get married anyway.”
“Married?” Trisha gasped.
Ken argued, “Who says you get to marry Trisha?”
Tommy reached into his pocket and pulled out a coin. “Heads or tails?”
“Heads,” Ken called as Tommy tossed the coin, catching it in mid-air and smacking it down on the table.
“Ha! Tails! In your face! Who’s the man?” Tommy hooted, raising his arms in victory as Ken scowled sullenly. Trisha sat with her mouth agape, still too aghast to speak, but Tommy noticed Ken’s expression and said, “You can father the first child.”
Horrorstruck, she snapped out of the haze to protest. “Excuse me!” How dare they plan her life for her like she wasn’t even there! “I don’t remember anyone asking me to get married! And kids? Are you fucking kidding me? That conversation is quite a way off!”
Ken eyed her as if she had grown cat ears and a tail. “Um...we agreed; hell or high water. It can be assumed that means forever with a family... No?”
“No! Not unless it’s discussed and agreed upon!” Trisha pushed away from the table and began to gather up the dishes.
“Hey, I was still eating that.” Tommy sounded annoyed.
“Sucks when other people decide stuff for you, doesn’t it!” She took his coffee cup too.
Tommy flashed puppy dog eyes she couldn’t resist, and she returned his meal to him. “Come on. Don’t be like that. I’ll come up with a romantic way to propose but give me time to save up for a ring. I’ll introduce you to my parents as Ken and my business partner and my future fiancée.”
Good grief! He barely took a breath as he spat all that out.Aren’t girls supposed to be the ones into all this marriage and family stuff?
“What?” Tommy finally seemed to
