Chapter 2
Tyson
I’m exhausted. I stayed up all night testing the game, and I’ve been up even longer the past few months specifically.
My chair creaks under my weight as I press my back into it.
The office is kind of chilly. I don’t know what the big deal is with turning up the heat in these buildings.
Especially seeing how fucking cold it is today.
“Sup, Carter.” I nod.
“How’s the game going?”
“Pretty good, I think it runs smoothly. I can’t see what’s the holdup for the launch.”
“Really? When I was testing it, it wasn’t going that great. It was glitchy as fuck.” He frowns.
“I don’t know, maybe it’s your computer specs?” I chuckle.
“Maybe,” he laughs.
“Tyson!”
“Morning, sir,” I get up to greet my head manager as he approaches me, his smile warm and friendly as always.
“Let’s have a chat, wanna hear about this game.”
“Sure,” I respond, following him to his office.
The door clicks behind me, and I walk further into the room, taking a seat in front of the desk, his gold nameplate that reads ‘Noel’ catching the morning light. My manager reclines in his chair with his hands behind his head. Waiting for me to start talking, I guess.
“So? How’s the game?” Noel says, giving me a lazy smile.
“I mean … I don’t personally see the issue everyone else is having. It seems perfectly fine on my end. But I do think we should probably look into why it’s working for some and not others.”
“I see. What about the beta players? Have you played with anyone?”
“Oh, um, yeah, I did a couple maps with some players the QA team sent it out to.”
Some players, as in one.
The same one for months now.
“Sounds like it’s going great then.”
“Yeah,” I say, nodding.
“Well, keep up the good work!” He grins. “That’s all!”
“Oh, uh, okay, sure. I’ll head out.”
“Yup! Let me know if anything changes, though. Or if you notice anything.” He smiles.
“I will,” I say before heading out and letting the door shut behind me.
I hate to say this, but I find my boss to be a little strange.
I know he’s just as new as I am, but I wonder sometimes where the fuck they found him.
And how the hell did he even get such a highly sought-after job?
My uncle doesn’t hire just anyone at Riserr.
It’s a rather coveted company to work for.
Sometimes I feel annoyed knowing people probably think I used my connections to get here.
Not saying that wasn’t a huge factor, but I’d like to believe my talent in engineering made a difference.
I make it back to my cubicle, where Carter is waiting to hear the gossip, probably. His brows are at his hairline. “Sooo, what did he say?”
“Just asked about the game.”
“Dude, what does he even do?” Carter laughs.
“I don’t fucking know. I’m gonna head out really quick. I didn’t have the chance to grab coffee. Want anything?” I ask.
“Yeah, caramel latte?”
“You and this fucking sugary shit.” I head towards the door, shaking my head.
“Hey, it’s good! You should try it sometimes!” He shouts after me.
* * *
The coffee shop I frequent is buzzing with customers; it used to be my secret spot before some fucker spread it all over social media.
And that’s great for them that they’re getting business, but that means I have to stand in long-ass lines every morning now just for an americano.
It’s fine. They’re making their money, and I’m happy for them.
I make it to the register and patiently wait for my usual barista to finish up the other drinks on the bar. I check my phone to see if my dad has sent his daily barrage of texts about how I’m wasting time working for his brother instead of our family business. And thank God there’s nothing.
“Hey, Ty! Sorry for the wait, getting your usual?” The barista beams.
“Nah, you’re good, no rush. I know you guys are busy. But yeah, my usual.”
“Yeah, it’s been a little crazy lately. I’ll get right on it.” She says and rings my order up. I tap my phone against the screen and tip before I walk over to the handoff station.
“How’s work going?” she asks.
“It’s going okay. My boss is useless as ever.”
“Ha! Tell me about it. Ours has yet to adjust the schedule to accommodate the uptick in business.”
“Yeah, I see that.” I chuckle, grabbing the iced drink from her as she passes it my way.
“Wait, why is yours useless?”
“Because the game we’re testing apparently only works here and there according to my co-workers. I mean it’s working fine for me, but we need it to be working for everyone, all the time. Not sometimes. And he’s not sounding super concerned about it.”
“Hmnn, he does sound kind of useless.” She chuckles.
“Yeah, and he should probably look into it, but whatever. It’s his job, and he’s the boss.” I shrug, taking a sip of the bitter liquid.
“Well, as long as you’re getting paid.” She laughs as she hands me Carter’s sugary-ass latte, if you can even call it that. Looks like syrupy milk with a side of espresso. I roll my eyes.
“Yeah, exactly. But alright, gotta head back. Thanks for the coffee.”
“Of course, see you tomorrow!” She smiles, and I give her a little nod.
Just as I’m making my way back to the path that leads to our office, my phone pings from my pocket. I sigh, knowing exactly what I might find; it’s always been the same bullshit with my family. I balance the drink tray in one hand, fishing my phone out to check the new messages.
Little One
ty! dad froze my fucking cards again :(
Me
shit ok, I’ll talk to him, don’t say anything.
Little One
ok thanks,, sorry for bothering you i know you’re busy at work :(
Me
it’s ok, you’re not bothering me, get to class
Little One
I’m going! let’s hang out! miss you!
Me
yeah miss you too, i’ll set something up
Little One
okiee! tell Carter i said hey :)
Me
get to class!
Little One
alright alright jeez can’t a man say hi to his future husband?
I tilt my head back to the sky and let my eyes fall shut. Here I thought I was finally going to have a stress-free day. Now I’ll be wondering what exactly my father wants from me this time.