Chapter 48
Luca
Big monsters are best slain with companions by your side.
Over the course of the last few minutes, I’ve seen every single emotion cross Sophia’s face.
Disbelief, anger, shame, grief, helplessness.
But now that I’m finished, there’s a thoughtful expression there.
I was hoping for a little more determination, because I’ve just handed her the ultimate weapon.
I’ve given her the one thing that could destroy Hank Bayford.
“You realize if I go public with this, that would probably end your career?” Sophia stares at me, eyes narrowed.
“You wouldn’t just be harming him. Your game is on the line too.
Years of your work. Once word gets out that you’ve told me all of this, Hank won’t hesitate for a second to destroy your prospects.
And I don’t mean at Bytes I mean in the video game industry in general.
You’ve seen what he’s capable of. Do you realize the scope of what you’re saying? ”
I inhale so deeply that the air stretches my lungs painfully, and then I let it out with a whuff. And I nod. “I know.” It hurts to hear it point-blank from Sophia’s mouth, but she’s right. Maleek knows, and he agrees: We’re going down, but at least we’re going down with dignity.
I suck in air again, this time in surprise as Sophia puts her arms around me, squeezing me tight. “Thank you.”
There’s so much warmth and sincerity in those words that they take away some of the weight on my chest that has been there since my call with Maleek and Amanda. I’m doing the right thing. I recall Hank’s words: The industry is tough. So be tougher.
Words we live by every day. We do our best, what with crunch time and overtime, putting ourselves and our health last. The streamers advertising our games sit in front of their cameras with big smiles, making it look like they’re living the good life, entertaining thousands, but cracking under the pressure once the ring lights and cameras come off.
We don’t make friends; we make business partners, and we’re constantly, enviously eyeing one another’s work.
From day one of our studies, our industry tries to drill into our minds that diamonds are formed under pressure, that we have to give it our all, that we must be better than the competition, and that all we’ve got to do is make it through to make it big.
But is it worth it? Maybe I’m too soft, but I don’t want to build walls of steel around my heart just to persist in this world.
“I can’t thank you enough,” Sophia says as she lets go of me. Her voice sounds rough, and there are tears glittering in her eyes. “I’ll always remember this, Luca. No matter what comes next. My door is always open to you.”
I smile. “I don’t know; I think my monsters and all the blood might clash with the coziness of Novel Haven a little bit.”
“Ah, who knows. We might do a Halloween special at some point.” We both burst out laughing, but the sound is heavy with my decision and the one Sophia has to make now. “Will you be OK?”
I shrug, because in all honesty, I don’t know.
“Fair question. But one thing’s for sure: If I hadn’t told you, I definitely wouldn’t have been OK.
I’ve already stood by silently once in my life, and it still haunts me.
Hank told me earlier that he hired me because he knows I’ll fight tooth and nail for my cause—just like him.
I don’t suppose he was expecting my cause to be more than just my game. ”
“Hank isn’t one for empathy or sentimental feelings.”
“Still, he could’ve avoided all of this if he had a better grip on his emotions,” I reply, and Sophia laughs.
“Oh, I can’t with men. Excluding those present.”
“All right then . . . go and wipe the floor with him. Maleek should have forwarded you everything by now.”
Sophia gives me another smile, and then she straightens her shoulders and runs a hand through her hair.
I watch her disappear through the big doors, probably to go get her laptop.
I was expecting to feel pain, or some wistfulness, at least. I’m sad, of course, but most of all, I’m proud.
I lean back against the wall of the ballroom and pull out my phone.
Luca: I did it.
Maleek: So proud of you, bruv.
Maleek: You’d better start sending out applications.
Luca: Where to?
Maleek: Waitrose, maybe. They have a nice onion chutney, but it’s a bit pricey for me. I want that employee discount.
Luca: Solid plan, that.
Maleek: But seriously, you did the right thing. We’ll find something new.
Luca: Sophia didn’t sound too confident that another studio would take us on.
Maleek: We’ll find something. Just trust. We’ve collected so much good karma; that’s bound to come back to us.
I’m not sure whether Maleek is acting confident for my sake or if he’s really feeling it, but regardless, I’m grateful.
Not just for his attempt to cheer me up but also for doing the right thing instead of saving his own skin.
For always being there for me. Over the last two years, there were so many moments when I would have lost my marbles if it hadn’t been for him.
Right before my screen shuts off, I type and send another message.
Luca: Thank you. For everything.
Maleek: Don’t you go all sappy on me. You’ve got Lara for that.
Luca: You do realize you could’ve just said nothing?
Maleek:
I grin, and then I lock my phone, putting it back in my jeans pocket. When I look up, I see Lara rounding the corner. Her hair bounces a little with each step, and as usual when I see her, my heartbeat picks up a notch.
“What was that all about?” she asks the moment she reaches me. “And where has Sophia gotten to? I need her for . . .”
She gasps as I pull her close, silencing her questions with a kiss.