Chapter 1 - Michael
I stare at the doctor's lips as they move, but I can't focus on the words coming out of his mouth.
Something about stress levels. Blood pressure. Taking time off. My mind refuses to process it all because I don't have time for this. I have three mergers in progress, a board meeting next week, and quarterly projections due.
"Mr. Morrison? Are you listening?" The doctor’s voice cuts through my thoughts.
"Of course," I lie, straightening in the uncomfortable examination chair. The paper beneath me crinkles. "Something about taking it easy."
The doctor sighs, removing his glasses and pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Mr. Morrison, this isn't a suggestion. Your blood pressure is dangerously high. You're showing early warning signs of heart issues that could become permanent if you don't address them now."
I check my watch. I've already been here forty-five minutes longer than scheduled. Elena has had to reschedule two conference calls.
"Just give me some medication," I say, reaching for my suit jacket. "I'll take whatever pills you prescribe."
"Medicine is only part of the solution." The doctor’s voice hardens. "Your body is telling you something, and you're refusing to listen. You need rest. Actual rest. Not working from home instead of the office." He scribbles something on his prescription pad. "I'm ordering one week of complete disconnection. No phone calls, no emails, no work of any kind."
I laugh. Actually laugh out loud. "That's impossible."
"It's necessary." He tears off the prescription and hands it to me. "One week, Mr. Morrison. Somewhere relaxing. The Caribbean, perhaps. Beautiful this time of year."
"Doctor, with all due respect, I run a multi-billion-dollar corporation. I can't just disappear for a week."
"With all due respect, Mr. Morrison," he counters, "if you don't, you might not have a functioning heart to run that corporation much longer."
The bluntness of his statement silences me. I'm not used to people talking to me this way. Most people tiptoe around me, afraid of my reputation or my wealth or both. Even my brothers know better than to push me when I use this tone.
"One week," he repeats. "Starting immediately. Or I'll be forced to contact the board about your medical unfitness to serve as CEO."
My jaw tightens. "You wouldn't."
"Try me." His eyes tell me he's not bluffing. "Doctor-patient confidentiality has limits when someone's life might be at risk."
I take the prescription, folding it and sliding it into my pocket. "Fine."
Twenty minutes later, I storm into my office, the glass door nearly shattering as it slams against the wall. Elena looks up from her desk, her blue eyes widening behind those wire-rimmed glasses I find unreasonably attractive.
"I take it the appointment didn't go well?" she asks, rising from her chair.
"Clear my schedule," I growl, marching past her into my private office. "Apparently, I'm going on vacation."
She follows me, tablet in hand. "Vacation? You? Are you feeling alright?"
"Doctor's orders. One week, complete rest, no work." I loosen my tie, feeling suddenly constricted. "It's ridiculous."
Elena leans against the doorframe, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "I think it sounds wonderful. When was the last time you took a vacation?"
I glare at her. "Never."
"Exactly." She taps something on her tablet. "Where are you going?"
"He suggested the Caribbean."
"Perfect. I'll make arrangements." She turns to leave.
"Wait." I hesitate, an idea forming. "You're coming with me."
