The CEO's Secret

Chapter Six - Betrayal

I left Colt's house that morning and was excited to get to work. I had a meeting with Shane that day to discuss some feedback I'd gotten from my team and get the ball rolling on the first steps of the incentive program. I'd also narrowed it down to three candidates for the assistant manager position so we could finally schedule interviews.

I walked into work and went to my office. I confirmed the meeting time with Shane, gathered my notes around and started coming up with some interview questions. We had a lot to discuss in our meeting today and I wanted to be ready.

I walked out to get a coffee about an hour before the meeting and was ambushed by Megan and Ashley. They pulled me to the corner of the break room before I could even get a word in.

“We need to tell you something. I know we've all been a little short with each other the last few months, and we all have our reasons, but we would be s**t friends if we didn't tell you this.” Ashley said. Megan agreed with her.

“What's going on?” I asked.

“Alexandra works in my department.” Megan said. “I'm her boss but she's pretty cool so we talk a lot as we work throughout the day. She's pretty much my right hand in the department and we get a lot into personal stuff too. She has been on Tinder for a few weeks, and tells me she found this really cute boy that she's going on a date with tonight.”

“Guys, I have a meeting with Shane in an hour and as fascinating as I find Alexandra's dating life, did you guys really pull me aside like this at work for gossip?” I asked.

“Wait. Let her finish.” Ashley said.

“She starts telling me he's cute, he works at an engineering place, went to our college. I get curious because I might know him and ask to see his profile. I do know him. It's Colt. She matched with Colt on Tinder and they're going on a date tonight. I'm so sorry, Taylor. I know how perfect things seemed to be for you and I just feel so bad.” Megan said. I felt all the blood drain from my face and a pit formed in my stomach.

“You're serious?” I finally said. They both nodded in a sympathetic 'Yes'.

“I told her the situation and Alexandra said she can text you the place they're going so you can catch them there.” Megan said. I thanked her and went back to my office.

I started crying. This whole time, I thought Colt and I were perfect. I knew it was too good to be true but everything seemed to be working out in my favor. There was never any indication he was on dating sites or anything that would have made me suspect he was cheating. He introduced me to his parents... why would he cheat? I was upset beyond belief and felt like my heart was being ripped out of my chest.

I decided to be a little petty, with the advice of the girls, and text him. Drinks tonight? I messaged him.

Can't tonight, babe. Really sorry. Stuck at work. Colt text back. Nice excuse.

Ok. Might go out with Megan and Ashley then. I text.

Sounds good my love, have a good time. Miss you. Colt said. I was furious with him. How dare he keep up his act? Why wouldn't he have just admitted he wanted to see other people?

I got through my meeting with Shane. I put everything going on aside and connected with him on a lot of the topics we needed. I explained that my reps noticed it's easier to sell when there's some reason, like the holidays. We decided summer was a good time to start reminding our customers that the holidays were often when people were struggling the most, and it may be good to have extras on hand. New Years was another big one, when people made resolutions. As with everyone else, my team was best motivated by monetary reward and we decided to give them commissions of sorts for any item they sold. Shane was laid back and fun, so the meeting was actually refreshing. It made it much easier to focus on work when his constant jokes and easy going demeanor distracted me from the current disaster that was my relationship.

As planned, Alexandra went out with Colt. They got to the bar and settled in. She was texting our group chat the whole time to keep us updated. She said he made no mention of having a girlfriend or any type of commitment. He told her the same thing he had told me, he was looking for something long term.

Megan, Ashley and I went there fifteen minutes after Colt and Alexandra. We got a table, and then I looked over. Sure enough, it was Colt across from the table with Alexandra. I wanted to cry, but instead, I went over to their table like we'd all planned.

“Hi, babe. When you said you got caught up with work, I didn't realize you were coming here with your coworker. I could've met you, I wouldn't have minded listening to you work.” I said sweetly. I saw Alexandra's mouth twitch into the tiniest of smiles.

“Who's this?” She demanded of Colt.

“I'm his girlfriend.” I stated.

“Why would you ask me on a date if you had a girlfriend? Why are you on Tinder if you have a girlfriend?” Alexandra asked. She was genuine and I liked the way she'd played everything out. I'd have to remember to thank her again later.

 “I guess I'm wondering the same thing.” I said coldly.