Page 43 of Lesbian CEO
14
Jessica
Sometimes it still doesn’t make sense to me that people care who I date or what my company does. Being the head of Northington Tech is a big deal, though, and people truly are always watching. Even when I think they’re not, I always have eyes on me. Because of this, I’m careful about how I act in public, where I go, and what I’m seen doing.
I’m not even trying to be overly sneaky. I’m not being followed by the paparazzi or anything like that. It’s just that if the face of Northington Tech is seen doing something shady – or something that could make my shareholders feel like I’m unbalanced or unhinged in any way – it could impact our bottom line.
So, I’m careful.
When Toni comes up to the apartment, I’m pacing back and forth because tonight doesn’t feel very careful. I realize that Piper recommended we do this thing we’re about to do, but it still feels awkward.
No, it doesn’t feel awkward.
It feels dangerous.
Only, it doesn’t feel dangerous because of my company. It feels dangerous because the last few days of talking to Toni and being around her have made me realize that maybe I’m not as “over” her as I wanted to pretend I was. Maybe I’m still in love with her and I don’t actually hate her.
I tell myself to be strong as she knocks on the door. I stride over and pull the door open. She’s here. I breathe out a sigh of relief. Was I worried she wasn’t going to come? No. Maybe. I didn’t allow myself to consider the fact that she might chicken out at the last second. Still, I’m thrilled that she is here and that it’s just us now.
“Hey,” she says, looking up at me. She’s still wearing her shorts and tank top from the event. “Can I come in?”
“Please.” I take a step back.
“So, do I stink?”
“What?”
“Should I shower?” She laughs. “I’m not sure if having dirty hair is going to affect the way it’s styled.”
“You know how it goes with styling hair. Most of the time, the dirtier, the better.”
“I remember. Just not sure for today.”
“You’re welcome to rinse off,” I tell her. “You remember where my bathroom is.”
“Of course,” she says. Toni kicks off her shoes and starts heading down the narrow hallway that leads to the bathroom. Although I was the VP of a company and am now the president and CEO, I still have a modest apartment. I don’t know why except for the fact that it’s all I need. I could easily afford to spend more on a nicer, better place, but I like this one. I have a nice view of the city, I have a pool and workout center here, and I have everything I need to be happy.
And now Toni is about to shower in my bathroom.
I wait until I hear the water turn on. I didn’t tell her where the towels are, but their location hasn’t changed. Not much has changed in the last couple of years, actually.
Quietly, I move to the kitchen. I promised to order food, but I think I’m just going to cook instead. I like cooking for Toni. I used to make this incredible egg and cheese wrap she really liked. I’d cook bacon, too, and sprinkle that in. Toni isn’t the kind of girl who worries about her body – and she shouldn’t – so she’s not going to say anything like, “I can’t eat before I wear a dress.”
She’ll want to eat, so I start cooking.
I’m almost finished with the wrap and am, in fact, sliding it onto the plate when I bump my elbow against the gallon of milk I left on the countertop. Somehow, it’s just a perfect enough hit that the milk goes flying all over the floor. Three hand towels aren’t enough for the mess, so I step into my bedroom to have Toni toss me a towel from the bathroom. I didn’t knock because I figured she was still in the bathroom, but she’s not.
Instead, Toni is completely, totally naked.
And she’s staring right at me.