Page 11 of Daring Destiny
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. “Asif. 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.”
”Idon’tfeel 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.
four
Brennan
Six Months later
Mylifeisfuckingout of control.
Time slips away like sand through my fingers—no matter how tightly I try to hold on, it escapes, leaving me with nothing but the unsettling sense my life is unfolding faster than I can live it.
Days blur into nights. Weeks into months. The quiet existence I used to have is a distant memory.
CognifyAI is at a tipping point. My Board of Directors are pushing hard for us to expand into new markets. They see untapped potential and dollar signs. They’re also spooked by how fast AI is being adapted for everyday use.
They want results
Yesterday.
The problem is, the milestones they expect change with the weather. It’s no way to run a business—but it’s not all up to me. I may be the CEO, but I report to the board, which is made up of our investors who seem to think they know more about the values of my company than I do. So I fight them. They fight back. We compromise.
It's a vicious fucking cycle that has me reeling. Makes me rue the day I ever took VC money.
They’re not happy with me these days because I’ve been increasingly vocal at the stupid things they want me to do. All I see are irreparable cracks forming by trying to expand too fast. Rushing innovation has the potential to backfire spectacularly, which I can’t allow. My entire life has been dedicated to building my company and I’m not about to fail.