3. Astrid
three
Astrid
Three Days Later
T his should be…interesting.
Weird. But interesting. I still can’t believe I got roped into planning this stupid event.
Ordinarily, Wednesday is my sacred day. My weekend. The one day I’m able to drop the polished, professional version of myself, and I’m not about to make an exception. Not for a guy from high school.
Not even if the guy’s Seattle’s next “Jeff Bezos,” the person every tech magazine compares Brennan to. Truth is, I’ve had it up to my eyeballs with the entitled, rich tech executives I sell houses to.
Today’s lunch is one stop in my day of errands so I’m dressed down in black leggings, a loose, flowing tank top, and wedge sandals. Far cry from the tailored suits and six-inch heels I usually wear for showings. My hair is pulled back in a ponytail and I’ve dabbed on enough makeup to feel human. The Metropolitan Grill isn’t normally a spot for a casual lunch, but Brennan suggested it and I wasn’t about to say no.
The dim lighting and dark-wood panels create an old-school, sophisticated atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where people with real power and wealth seal deals over a lunchtime steak. When I started my career, the Met was intimidating. I didn’t ever feel like I fit in. Now, I’m used to it. In fact, I’ll probably run into at least one client when I’m here.
The hostess leads me to the two-seater booth. As we approach, Brennan stands up. The chivalrous gesture surprises me. It’s a bit old-fashioned, but sweetly considerate. From what I’ve read, he claims to be painfully shy so I wouldn’t have thought he’d be overtly polite.
Then again, he’s the one who invited me to lunch without knowing my angle, so who knows. Looks like his mama raised him right, so thumbs up.
I’ve learned as much about Brennan as I can, of course. Per my usual M.O., I’ve done a fair bit of research. In fact, I’m up to speed on the entire McGloughlin clan at this point. Close families intrigue me and this group of brothers is fascinating. Each of them is successful in their own right, and seem to be thick as thieves.
In person, Brennan is taller than I remember, at just over six feet. He’s stocky with broad shoulders, and while he definitely doesn’t give off athletic vibes, he’s not overweight. His thick, brown hair flops around his face like he’s made a half-hearted attempt at styling it. Like me, he’s also dressed casually in a simple black T-shirt and jeans.
Generally, Brennan McGloughlin is not the kind of guy I’d pick out in a crowd. Maybe I should reconsider, considering how shitty my track record is with men. Hmm . We’ll see how this goes. Perhaps I’ll expand my horizons.
“Hi, Brennan.” I hold out my hand and he takes it awkwardly.
We manage some sort of weird handshake. It goes on far too long until, thankfully, he steps aside to let me slide into my side of the green, leather booth.
Up close, he’s boyishly handsome with kind, brown eyes and dimples that deepen when his lips curve into a tentative smile. Hmmm. Yeah. He’s handsome. With a nice jaw line—definitely resembles his more-famous brothers.
The slight awkwardness in the way he flicks his eyes to mine and back to his hands, which are clasped tightly on top of the table, is somewhat endearing. Almost like he’s not entirely comfortable in his own skin. Seattle’s full of these guys—book-smart dudes with brains buzzing on overdrive. Full of brilliant ideas—but, when it comes to women, they have no game.
Like putty in my hands.
I reach into my purse to retrieve Brennan’s belongings, only to find I’ve left it sitting on my kitchen counter.
Whoops .
“So, Astrid.” Brennan’s demeanor abruptly shifts and I’m shocked when he leans forward and cuts to the chase. “What exactly do you need from me?”
Well, then. I stand corrected. I’ve underestimated him.
“Well, sure, let’s get into it.” Effortlessly, I plaster on my work smile. “As you might have realized, our class completely missed the ten-year reunion and, because I was class president, the administration roped me into planning our fifteen-year. I’d like to pick your brain for some ideas on how to make it more…engaging. More inclusive.”
“Huh.” He looks back down at his hands. His brow furrows and he nods slightly. Could I be watching said genius shift into problem-solving mode? I hope so. Because I’m fresh out of ideas.
A server interrupts us. We order lunch and I study Brennan, still waiting for his reply.
“How do you see AI fitting into this?” He cocks his head and looks directly into my eyes. Like he’s trying to figure out if I’ve summoned him here for a bunch of nonsense.
I take a sip of water before I answer, because he’s spot-on. The reunion is stupid. As I told the committee, this is my one and done. “I was thinking we could create something interactive, like a virtual yearbook or an AI-driven experience to match people with classmates they’ve lost touch with.”
Brennan watches me intently when I speak, triggering a long-forgotten memory from classes we had together. It’s his eyes. Soulful. Gentle. I remember him intensely staring at me in class, almost like he knew me. Maybe he’s always been focused in this way. Giving his full attention to people. Making them feel like they matter.
Sitting across from him, he certainly seems interested. What a rare gift in this day and age when most conversations are carried on as an afterthought while being distracted by a screen.
“I remember you from high school, you know.” I find myself abruptly shifting topic when another vivid memory resurfaces. “You were such a nice guy. One time I overheard you talking to your friends in computer lab sticking up for me.”
His face pinkens and he blinks rapidly as he tries to piece together what the hell I’m talking about. “Computer lab?”
“Yeah.” I rest my cheek in my palm as I recall the event. “Some of the kids were going off. Making fun of cheerleaders. One of them said something mean about me—how I was all looks and no brains. You defended me. Told them, ‘Just because Astrid is popular doesn’t mean she’s shallow.’”
He’s silent for a moment, clearly taken aback. “You heard me? I didn’t know you were there.”
“I did and I was, I reply softly. “It meant a lot to me. The day had been rough. Afterward, I noticed you had such a cool way of paying attention to everyone. It didn’t matter if they were jocks or academics, you didn’t seem to hold on to stupid stereotypes.”
Brennan’s expression changes from skepticism to relief. “I’ve never understood why people can’t be more accepting, you know? High school is hard enough without dealing with such harsh judgments.”
”I do know.” I nod with unexpected enthusiasm. “At least we survived, right?”
He chuckles and the tension between us eases a bit. “Yeah, we did.”
I try to process this side of Brennan. Personality is impossible to discern through news articles. I already know he’s a genius who’s singularly focused on his company. This man is also thoughtful and kind. Motivated by something deeper than money and power.
I’m the one who clings to preconceived judgements about people. Maybe I should take a page out of his book.
“We could use AI to create personalized experiences.” Brennan drums his fingers on the table. “Maybe I could build an app or something to highlight key moments with an augmented reality twist. Depending on what you’re thinking, we could find a way to ‘revisit’ prom, graduation, or even old classrooms with a modern, interactive element.”
I feel a spark of excitement. He’s brilliant. “Wait, you created this concept out of the blue? What a cool idea. Our classmates would feel connected to the past but they’ll also see how far they’ve come. Having access to something like this would definitely draw a crowd.”
We bounce ideas back and forth, finding an easy rhythm as we talk through the technical and creative possibilities. In minutes I realize Brennan is the smartest person I’ve ever spoken with. No doubt about it. There’s also a genuine passion in the way he’s able to conjure up innovative features and functionality from thin air.
I mean, wow. It’s not hard to figure out why Brennan’s such an enigma. He cares. Not only about the technology, but about how it impacts people’s lives. Another rare characteristic, especially in his AI world.
“You know,” a boyish smile plays on his lips, “it’s kind of funny. No one would ever expect us to work together on something like this. The popular high-school goddess and the nerdy tech geek.”
“Goddess?” I laugh as though it’s a compliment, though his endearment makes me feel a bit foolish. “As if . Anyway, we’re still the same people, aren’t we? Maybe a bit more evolved.”
Brennan tilts his head slightly as he considers my words. “Evolved, yeah. Social ostracization doesn’t affect us the same way now, does it?”
“No, it doesn’t. Hopefully, we’ve all learned to let go of high-school baggage.” I meet his gaze. “It’s nice, though, to see how far we’ve both come.”
Vulnerability permeates Brennan’s expression for a fleeting moment. “You remind me a lot of my older brothers. They thrive in the spotlight. I’ve always been prone to keep my head down and fade into the background.”
”I don’t feel comfortable in the spotlight, though.” Impulsively, I place my hand over the top of his. “It’s a front I put on because I have to. I used to make myself sick trying to prove I belonged.”
He nods thoughtfully, almost like he already knows this about me. “Huh. I guess, in our own ways, we’ve found ways to navigate through our own perceived shortcomings. You felt pressure to keep up a certain image and I was trying not to get bullied on a day-to-day basis. Different experiences, sure, but the same powder keg of emotions underneath it all.”
“Ohmygod. Brennan. You’ve nailed it.” I can barely contain my awe. “If we create something to go beyond the surface, to show how much we’ve all grown as people, it could be a chance for everyone to see past who we once were and get to know each other without old, tired barriers.”
For the next twenty minutes, our conversation flows easily as we map out the possibilities. It’s the most refreshing exchange of ideas I’ve ever had.
He runs a billion-dollar company yet never makes me feel rushed or like he has something better to do. Plus, Brennan’s laugh is surprisingly warm and genuine. I’m actually enjoying hanging out with him and wish we could spend the entire afternoon together.
By the time we finish eating, I’m exceedingly intrigued by Brennan McGloughlin. He’s not at all what I expected. Plus, he never once asked about his belongings, though that’s the reason he showed up today.
Maybe he enjoyed himself as much as I did.
There’s something about the way he looks at me with those thoughtful brown eyes. He makes me feel seen and heard in a way I don’t think I’ve ever experienced.
As we leave the restaurant, I can’t help but think this might be the start of an unexpected friendship.
Maybe it’s exactly what I need.