The Anti Social Network (9 page)

As she chewed on the flaky, honey-soaked pastry, the memory of last Wednesday flashed in her mind.

ZOSTRA
. That’s why she didn’t want to leave. She had finally found a group of people with whom she felt comfortable, and she wasn’t sure she was ready to give that up. But how could she tell Tom she wouldn’t commit to Doreye full time because she wanted to play video games with a bunch of computer science nerds?

“Well, look who it is,” Tom said, waving at the door behind Amelia.

Amelia turned around to see who had just entered the restaurant.

Her heart sank.

Sundeep was walking toward their table, his hand around the waist of a gorgeous, perfectly dressed and coiffed blond girl. Amelia felt her cheeks burning with envy. Of course that was the kind of girl he went for. Why had she ever, ever thought he’d like her?

She forced a smile as the couple approached their table. Tom stood to shake Sundeep’s hand.

“What a coincidence,” Tom said. “We were just celebrating Doreye’s most recent expansion. We hired two engineers this morning.”

“That’s great! Congratulations,” Sundeep said, smiling.

Amelia felt the pride of her accomplishment wash away, replaced by embarrassment.

“We’re celebrating, too. It’s our six month anniversary.” Sundeep squeezed the blond girl’s waist and looked affectionately at her. “Tom, Amelia, this is my girlfriend, Lisa Bristol.”

S
adie Hayes
holds several degrees from Stanford University. She has spent years working in the tech industry, both as an entrepreneur and as an investor.
The Anti-Social Network
is the second episode in her new series:
The Start-Up
. If you work in Silicon Valley, you might not know Sadie Hayes. But she knows you.

Follow Sadie:
www.twitter.com/DigitalSadie
www.Doreye.com

Want more of
The Start-Up?

For a sneak preview of Episode 3:
Beautiful Code
Just go to:
www.facebook.com/doreye