DLD.

Chapter Fifteen.

Ace was now my opp. I had to say it repeatedly so it could sink in. I hated that we were at this point, I wanted us to be able to part ways amicably but that motherfucker had other ideas. I guess I was only fooling myself hoping that I could get away with having my cake and eating it too, but now it's game time bitches. Ace really thought he got the drop on me, and from the outside looking in anyone would think that too. However, I took joy in being underestimated so if he thought I was going down without a fight, he ain't seen nothing yet. Fuck him.

I partook in many dumb bitch activities when it came to dealing with Ace, yet I still had my head on straight. While I did have an odd infatuation with his profession, I also knew how easily all of this shit could go left. I was determined to protect myself by any means necessary, even if that meant taking a page out of Ace's book by being grimy as fuck.

Many vindictive schemes and underhanded thoughts swirled my brain as I continued to ponder this Ace situation. I hated that this whole ordeal had me consumed like this, it just goes to show how much it was truly bothering me despite me being on defense. Even though my relationship with Ace has now gone to shit, I actually viewed him as a friend surprisingly and I guess that was the most hurtful part of it all. Grieving the fact that we will never be where we once were was tiresome, as I battled back and forth with the idea of if I could really do him how he planned to do me.

"Hello, earth to Dana." Johnathan harshly whispered, poking me with a pen discreetly. "Did you even hear what I just said?"

Blinking rapidly, I cleared my throat. I was so busy in my head about this Ace shit that I completely zoned out from this very important meeting Amaya organized. Johnathan and Amaya were always thinking of new and creative ways to feature black activity in the magazine and their latest attempt was highlighting self-help authors who were really making a significant impact within the community. My friends were more than pulling their own weight in the company and I couldn't be more grateful. I on the other hand was slipping in more ways than one, and reeling myself back in all aspects was absolutely necessary.

Johnathan sucked his teeth softly, and he scribbled his last point on a sticky note so I could catch up. Closing my eyes briefly, I breathed in and out trying to calm myself. This Ace situation had me down bad, as I was starting to look incompetent in my own workspace. I had to pull myself together immediately for I couldn't afford to be going out sad like this, especially not behind this motherfucker Ace.

"We are so incredibly grateful that you've decided to join us this morning." I chimed in, trying to save face. "It's truly been a pleasure having all of you here with us to discuss your contributions and I'm so excited to have you all featured in the magazine."

Our specially invited guests took turns looking at each other and I cleared my throat nervously, slightly confused at their reactions. I felt Johnathan's harsh gaze via my peripheral vision, and within seconds I had another sticky note in front of me stating that I needed to shut the hell up because I was repeating exactly what I said when this meeting first commenced. Shit, shit, shit.

Hot with embarrassment, I swallowed and eventually grabbed one of the bottled waters that was reserved for our esteemed visitors. Sipping the refreshment like my life depended on it, I tried my hardest to conjure up something else to overlook my blatant hiccup. Unfortunately for me though, my brain was on airplane mode and any ounce of confidence I had to turn this situation around has long left me.

"Please excuse Mrs. Benjamin and give her grace at this time." Amaya firmly spoke. "With the magazine attracting additional business and popularity, I can't imagine how overwhelming it must be for our superintendent Dana. It's just like chapter seven in your 'Managing New Levels of Elevation', Mrs. Burquess. You should definitely leave a copy with Dana. In the meantime, D would you like to take a moment?"