Page 7 of Lesbian CEO

“I know what you’re doing.”

“I doubt it.”

“You’re trying to get back at her for hurting you.”

“That’s not it, Pat. I’m just playing the game.” The business game. It’s one my dad taught me, and it’s one that I’m going to use to my advantage. Nothing good comes to those who wait. I’ve learned this now. Life is all about tactics and making the right moves at the right time. When it comes down to it, it’s important that I make the right moves that will protect me.

“I’m pretty sure you just want your dog back.” Patrick cocks his head, looking at me like he can see right through me, and I kind of hate it. Tonight was supposed to be a peaceful, quiet night where I could just be for a little while. I wasn’t expecting to have to defend myself to the one person who was supposed to always have my back.

“You’re being a bit aggressive,” I tell him.

“I just call it like I see it.”

Then he’s gone, and I’m alone. The worst thing is that I know he’s right. I’m not shocked, but he’s right. I don’t like knowing that he can read me so easily or that I still show my true feelings so easily. Reluctantly, I head back to my penthouse apartment. It’s only a few blocks from the office and it’s got a gorgeous view of the city, but what I really want is to just get away.

I need a vacation, maybe. Or maybe I just need someone new.

Reaching for my phone, I open a dating app and start swiping. It’s useless. I know this when I get started, but I try anyway. I swipe and I swipe, but each time I see someone’s pretty, smiling face, I just wish they were Toni.

I wish they were her.

Like a total creeper, I jump over to social media: first Facebook, then Instagram. I scroll through pictures of Toni from the past week. It looks like she’s been having fun. She’s always been a hard worker, but she’s also always believed that hard work should be rewarded with lots of play. She’s not afraid to take a day off. She’s not afraid to just relax.

Am I?

Is that my problem?

I’ve always been intense. In some ways, this makes me a great businesswoman. I’m strong. I’m determined. I don’t mind working late or taking on hard projects. I’m a leader, through and through. Is that enough, though? Is that what I want from my life?

I’m officially the owner of my own company. I’ve purchased Ashley’s business and completely taken over. My life is no longer my own because the foreseeable future, I’m going to be doing whatever it takes to keep the company running smoothly. Oh, Ashley was honestly great at what she did, so it won’t be hard for me to step up and lead in the areas where she was working.

It’s just that things are different now.

Harder.

I feel more alone than I have in a very long time, and sometimes, I wonder if I should just call her.

Maybe trying to buy her company is too far. Maybe trying to run her into the ground is unfair. My mom would say it’s a cruel way to treat someone you used to love, but then I see a picture of Toni and Max, my dog, and I realize that no, it’s not too far.

It’s not far enough.

Only, I don’t know if anything is ever going to feel like it’s far enough. I decide to call Ashley. She picks up on the first ring. Just like she supported me when I was in the process of trying to propose to Toni, I have a feeling she’ll support me now.

“Tell me I’m crazy,” I say.

“Probably. What is it this time?”

“I need you to know that I bought your company to give myself power,” I say. It’s weird explaining this over the phone. I really shouldn’t be. At no point is it a good idea to lay the truth out bare. Not when money is involved.

“I’m aware.”

“What?”

She laughs. “Come on, Jessica. Buying a business? I was ready to get out of the corporate world, so I obviously jumped at the chance, but it’s obvious to everyone that you need something to leverage against your ex. A huge business with a board to back you is a great place to start.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah,” she says. I can practically hear her smile. “Is that why you called? You felt like confessing?”

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