Page 2 of Hard to Get

Troy and I met in university when we were taking many of the same classes. We got to be friends and went our separate ways for a couple of years after we graduated, but when I wanted to expand the business I’d started, he was the only one I wanted to come on board. Now we’re equal partners.

Much as I’d like to be in total control, I recognize that I need him and his skills. And his money. Well, not anymore. We’ve grown my little stats business into something really exceptional. And it’s nice to have someone else to lean on and bounce ideas off.

And yes, the competitor inside me, the desire to achieve, wants to keep growing. We can be bigger. Better. But not only am I clashing with Troy, I’m battling internally with myself. How far am I willing to go to be successful?

I sigh. “Well. We’ll see what Adam comes back with. Maybe there isn’t an appropriate target.”

Troy shrugs and pushes his chair back. “That’s entirely possible.” But he gives me an astute look. “And you have time to come to terms with the idea.”

He knows me too well.

I have other issues that need my attention for the rest of the day. It’s nearly six when I leave the office and hustle to the bar where I’m meeting my friends.

They’re sitting on the sidewalk patio at Nightowl, a cocktail bar in Gastown. Every table is full since it’s happy hour and a beautiful autumn day.

After I’ve greeted them and ordered a cocktail, I tell them about my day. “Troy says we have to do this if we want to continue to scale our business.” I sigh. “I don’t want to.”

“I know you don’t,” Gracie says with sympathy.

“But you do want to grow your business,” Alexis adds.

“I do.” I pick up the daiquiri the server places in front of me. There are complicated reasons for my ambition. Yes, I’m competitive. But also, I live with a lowkey dread inside me that one day, I’ll lose everything and be broke like my family was when I was younger. “But not like that.”

“You and Troy have always seen eye to eye,” Lauren says. “That’s probably why you’ve been so successful.”

“We have been on the same page, mostly,” I agree. “And we have different talents. He’s a good salesperson. I’m the one who makes things happen.”

“True.” Gracie sips her negroni. “You have the head, he has the heart. Which is why it’s so unusual for you to be taking a position that’s based on emotions.”

My chin jerks back. “I have a heart!”

“Of course you do.” Gracie smiles. “But you’re the one who always says business decisions should be based on data and evidence.”

She’s not wrong. “You make me sound cold and ruthless.”

“I know you’re not.” Her blonde curls bounce as she shakes her head. “You care about the people who work for you.”

“Is it wrong to care about society as a whole?” I ask. “Businesses need to make ethical decisions, too.”

“I agree.” Alexis nods.

“Absolutely,” says Lauren.

“I think you’re being influenced by your past, though,” Alexis adds.

Ugh. Also not wrong. “Well. I told Troy I’ll think more about it. Consult my advisors. That means you.”

They laugh.

“I need another daiquiri. Who else wants another drink?” I open my phone to scan the QR code on the table.

They all do, so I order another round on my credit card.

“So are you going out with that guy tomorrow night?” Gracie asks me.

I have to think about that. “You mean the guy I met at the Pilates studio?”

“Yeah. You said he was hot.”