GEMMA
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“You guys, this is amazing.”I grin at the faces on the video conferencing screen.
Each first Monday of the month, we have a store manager meeting and do a quick round table sharing our wins from the past four weeks.I let go of the four regional managers who ran these, which was hard, but soon found myself enjoying being so hands on with the teams.
They knew me as the former marketing manager and Anthony’s wife, so it was an easy transition when I became CEO.
For them, not me.
I love how they enquire about Zoe, thesmallest Ford family memberas they call her, so today I tell them about her zoo adventures and make-believe robots.
Seeing her with Drew yesterday was strange, and yet I can’t get it out of my head.Zoe asked me questions about him after he left, wanted to know if he could come over for dinner and if we should take him to the zoo.
He made quite an impression on her.
I’m not sure how I feel about that.
Mom, of course, sent me a text message saying she liked mynew friendwith a wink emoji.There is little that gets past her, but I denied everything.
The standout moment for me was watching Zoe pat the stool and invite Drew to sit next to her.She didn’t hesitate to accept him into her world, while he sat there eating the silly diced grapes and little crackers, answering her questions.
It affected me.
He’s so powerful and gruff, and yet, when he crouched down to talk to her, my chest tightened as this big, supposedly cold and calculated businessman gave his undivided attention to my daughter.
Then had afternoon tea with her.
How do you feel about me buying you out?
I thought about his proposal all night.
I can’t do what is needed when I’m wanting my cock deep inside your wet pussy.
Do what?
He never answered my question, which is why I am here today, intending to get answers before I leave.While the money is tempting—very—as I watch the people on the screen, I know I have a level of care for them that needs to be fulfilled.
On behalf of Anthony and his father, and grandfather.
I have some key moves to make.Some information you need to know.
Goddamn him.
What information?
“We’re doing TikTok displays with the trending books and also adding anif you liked this book, now try this one,” Mary-Ellen shares.“It’s worked a treat.After all, once you’ve read all the trending books, which seem to be limited to a few dozen, then readers look for more.”
“Genius, Mary-Ellen.How do the rest of you feel about creating similar promotions?”I ask.
Many of them nod.
“We might need some help.I don’t even have a Ticker-Tok account,” Donna from Albuquerque says.
“It’s TikTok.”Mark shakes his head, all judgy.
“Look, I’m on the Gram, but I don’t like all the dancing videos.”
