Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23378 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 117(@200wpm)___ 94(@250wpm)___ 78(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23378 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 117(@200wpm)___ 94(@250wpm)___ 78(@300wpm)
“And you donate to us now, so that’s four,” I add quickly. “But what business are you in?”
Caleb leans forward, obviously excited about his next words.
“Have you ever heard of the company BikeWorks? I founded that baby, and I have to say that my heart and soul are fully pledged to it.”
I stop and stare as our food is served, and then turn back to Caleb once the waitress has left.
“Wait, you can’t be serious! You own BikeWorks?”
“So you have heard of it,” he says in a smug tone before picking up a rib.
I nod quickly. “Literally everyone on the planet has heard of BikeWorks because your company is the next big thing. I’ve seen news articles comparing it to Peloton and saying it’s going to become bigger than Peloton within a year, although with Peloton going the way of Tae Bo, I’m not how great that is. But yeah, that’s pretty amazing because BikeWorks is basically everywhere. Even my mom bought one of your stationary bikes and she’s always raving about an instructor named Gary.”
Caleb laughs. “Yeah, Gary’s a trip. Girls love his tats and infectious attitude. Plus, I think they like that he’s gay too. It’s less threatening that way.”
I nod.
“My mom goes on about his tattoos all the time and that’s saying something because my mom’s generally so opposed to any kind of permanent change to human bodies. But I saw on the news the other day that your company’s worth something like seven billion dollars.”
Caleb grins and takes another sip of his water. “Well, I don’t want to brag, but actually eight billion is more accurate.”
I giggle. “Throw in a million or two, it doesn’t matter,” I quip.
He grins too.
“Yeah, it just depends on the day.” But then he pauses. “To be honest, I didn’t earn this. I’m just a guy who got into the market at the right time, that’s all, so it was luck more than anything. I had an idea and I rolled with it.”
I nod.
“Yes, but I think you’re being modest. A lot of folks have ideas, but they’re never able to execute, so you’ve definitely taken things to the next level. But is BikeWorks part of the reason why you’re getting a degree in kinesiology?”
Caleb nods.
“Yep, exactly. It’s perfect because my degree helps me understand human anatomy and movement so that we develop the best bike-based workouts.”
I nod, impressed.
“This is all crazy to me because again, lots of people talk about their big ideas, but never deliver. But BikeWorks is real! Of course, I’ve never ridden a BikeWorks bike myself because it costs thousands of dollars to purchase, but everyone talks about how amazing they are. It’s not just my mom who adores you guys,” I add quickly.
“I could get you a good deal,” Caleb winks. “If you want a stationary bike, that is.”
I giggle.
“Maybe, but I’ll think about it because my apartment’s pretty small and I don’t know where it would go.” Suddenly, confusion strikes. “I know this is a little intrusive, but if you have BikeWorks, and your TA job, and you’re getting a Ph.D., then why are you donating your swimmers to us? You definitely don’t need the money, and you’re super-busy, right?”
Caleb nods, taking a swig of his beer as his eyes go faraway for a moment. Then he leans forward and speaks, his voice low.
“This might sound weird, but would altruism make sense? I know it’s something very private but there are people out there who can’t have kids themselves and I’d like to help.”
I nod.
“Yes, definitely. Lots of our donors want to help others. But it just seems like you’re in a position where you don’t have to if you don’t want to.”
Caleb grins.
“I don’t think most guys have to. They just see it as something they do for free anyways.”
I giggle before going serious again.
“Yes, but aren’t you concerned about the repercussions? I mean, we pledge anonymity to our donors, but with DNA testing so advanced and services like 23andMe, it’s not hard to figure who’s who.”
Caleb shrugs.
“I know, and I’ve already considered the possibility of a future child finding me through some genealogical website. But the fact is that it doesn’t bother me. I love kids and only hope that my biological descendants turn out to be great people.”
My heart flutters.
“That’s very giving,” I murmur. But then, I look up. “But you could have something like five or six genetic children. You know that, right? Lots of couples could be buying your donations.”
He smiles.
“Like thirty or so kids?”
I giggle before shaking my head.
“No, not that many! Valley Cryo would never sell that much of your stuff. But five or six children is a distinct possibility.”
Caleb nods seriously.
“I guess we’ll see what happens. But, like I said, all of this is moot until I manage to make a donation because actually, all my potential kids went into your body last week, right? Either straight down your throat or deep into your bottom.”