Page 16 of Lesbian CEO

“It’s been quite a day.”

“I know you probably don’t believe me,” she says, “but I didn’t write those things.”

“I shouldn’t believe you, but I do.” I don’t want to. It’s much easier for the two of us to navigate this situation if there’s a clear villain.

“What changed?”

“I suppose it doesn’t make a lot of sense for you to attack my brand and then come to the business equivalent of couple’s counseling.”

She laughs. “It did feel like that, didn’t it?”

“Order up!” We turn as the bartender yells and places a hot plate of fries next to us. A curvy woman who looks to be in her late 40s scurries up to the bar and grabs the plate.

“Thanks, Hank.” She turns to us and smiles, holding out the plate. “Want one? I can’t possibly eat them all myself.”

I laugh and accept a fry. I love hanging out in bars because you never know what’s going to happen. People are friendlier here. They can be mean, of course, and they can be emotional, but in general, it’s in these places where people let their guard down just a little. It’s the alcohol, of course, but I’m still a fan. Toni accepts a fry, as well, and thanks our new friend before she makes her way back through the crowded bar to a table of ladies who seem to be having a girl’s night out.

“Think any of them will climb the wall?” Toni asks.

“Maybe.”

We turn to the rock wall at the back of the bar. Sure enough, a few brave souls have set their beers down and are trying to get their footing.

“The most I’ve ever seen people do is the third row of footholds,” Toni says. “And that person was petite, but even at that level, her head was almost hitting the ceiling.”

“That’s how they get away with having this place here,” I point out. It feels obvious, like we should all know this, but Toni just nods. When she turns back to me, she’s all business again.

“So, do you want to come to the volunteer day at the park on Saturday?”

“I think it sounds like that would be best. What is it?”

“We’re partnering with an animal shelter to try to get some animals adopted,” she tells me. “There are four cats and three dogs who have been struggling to find their forever homes. We’re hoping to get those seven pets, at minimum, adopted. They’re the ones who have been in the shelter the longest, though.”

My heart swells even though I don’t want it to. I’ve always had a passion for animals. Ever since I was a kid and my parents did the thing where they brought me a dog for Christmas, I’ve loved working with animals. For a hot minute, I actually considered going to vet school. I loved the idea of working with animals on such a personal level and being able to help those in need. Of course, the pressure from my parents was that I’d go into business. They had money and wanted me to follow in their footsteps.

Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I’d walked away from it all. What if I hadn’t gone to college? What if I hadn’t pursued business roles? What if I’d never met Ashley and never become her VP? There are so many questions bouncing around in my head, but they’re mixed with this: what if Toni and I had never broken up?

This is a dangerous thing to think about, so I shove the question from my mind and instead focus on the present.

“Yes,” I nod. “I’d love to participate.”

“I’ll do what Piper suggested. I’ll reach out to a few reporters I know.”

“I have some media contacts, as well,” I share. “I’ll let them know about the event, too.”

“And the thing your company is doing? The networking thing?”

“That’s Saturday night. It’s at The Peak.” One of the most exclusive hotels in the area, The Peak is a place even I can barely afford to stay. Still, my marketing and events people suggested it would be the perfect location to hold a networking event. We’ve got three different presidents from three different companies coming to speak on leadership and making a difference within our own organizations. It’s going to be a total snoozefest, but maybe having Toni there will be okay.

“Okay,” she nods. “My thing ends around three, so we’ll have plenty of time to shower, change, and get over to the hotel.”

I cock my head as I look at her. She really doesn’t realize how big of a deal this is, I realize.

“Shower and change? And then have our hair and makeup done,” I point out.

“Hair and makeup?”

“Yes.”