Page 6 of Lesbian CEO

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Jessica

I’m standing in my office staring out at the city. The lights are shining, reflecting into the office, and I find myself suddenly feeling wistful. I know that Ashley was more than happy to pass the baton to me, but it still feels like a dream. I went from being her right-hand lady to being the lady, and somehow, it all feels mystical.

As often happens in transitions like these, a few key players of Ashley’s team left. That’s okay. Having someone new take over the business often provides a good opportunity for those who want to transition to new jobs to do just that, while others are happy to settle back into their roles.

I hear a knock at the door and turn to see Patrick standing there.

“Is this a bad time?”

“You’re fine,” I tell him. He was my executive assistant as VP, and he’s chosen to stay on as my assistant now that I’m running the place. “You’re working late tonight.”

“I’m aware.”

“You don’t get overtime.” I don’t want him to work too much. I believe in paying my people what they’re worth, and while I’m happy to give Patrick bonuses and incentives as frequently as possible, I don’t want him to feel like he has to stay late. “I pay you for forty hours, Patrick. That’s all I expect.”

“You’re weird, you know that?”

“Am I?”

“When I worked for the Stout family, they ran their people into the ground.”

“I’ve heard their company tends to do that.”

“They’re rough to be around,” he continues. “When I found the job working for you, I snatched it up. You were an escape.”

I’m quiet for a moment. I’m not sure if this is supposed to be a compliment or not, and I don’t want to interrupt while he’s speaking. I’ve found that people will keep right on talking if you let them, so right now, I’m going to let him.

“After I got to know you, I realized that what I see really is what I get with you.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean you aren’t fake.”

“Thanks.”

“I mean that, Jess.”

I look up at him. For just a moment, I wonder if Patrick is about to start hitting on me, but I know he isn’t interested in me that way. I’m definitely not interested in him that way. All of these years later, and the only person I want is the one who is the absolute worst for me. No matter how deeply she hurt me, I can’t get Toni Ventris out of my damn mind.

What the hell is wrong with me?

“Why are you here, Patrick?”

“I think you’re making a mistake.”

“I’m not.”

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