“Maya, hello…” Holly’s voice rips me from my thoughts. I’m her ride since she’s currently car-less, thanks to engine problems. “Are you in the car with me, or on love island with Eddie-the-hot-tennis-player Evans?”
I bite my lip. “I was just thinking about what I need to prepare for the next couple of days.”
“You mean your last days with your one true love?” Holly emphasizes each word in dramatic fashion.
I pull into a parking space at Mynt Peak. “Holly, no one can know that Eddie and I…” I trail off, trying to find a professional way to say that we have a crush on each other.
“Gotcha, no one can know you’ve been K-I-S-S-I-N-G in the igloo.”
“Holly,” I plead. “Help me keep this under wraps.”
“I’ll do my part, but girl, you’re glowing. You need to tone down that smile.”
I clamp my mouth shut. “No smiling, got it.”
“Act normal. Pretend Eddie’s just another guest for two more days.”
I exhale. “Okay, I can do that.” I zip up my coat a little more to prepare for the freezing weather outside the car.
Once inside the staff locker room, I immediately get a text. “It’s Lauren, she says she wants to meet with me ASAP.” I feel panic rising in my chest. “You don’t think she knows…”
Holly plants her hands on my shoulders. “Don’t freak out. I’m sure it’s just business.”
“Okay, you’re right,” I breathe. Why does acting normal feel so impossible right now? “I better go.”
“Good luck! You got this!” Holly gives me a thumbs-up.
I’ve done nothing wrong, I tell myself on my way to Lauren’s office. Eddie told me he was leaving today, and when we were in the igloo last night, I was off the clock.
I might be trying to rationalize this too much.
When I arrive at Lauren’s office, I give a quick knock on the door.
“Come in,” I hear.
Lauren is sitting at her desk, typing on her computer. Her office is modern chic. A large black and white geometric paintinghangs behind her desk, and a vase filled with red roses and white lilies sits on top.
She looks up momentarily from her screen and says, “Hi, Maya, have a seat.”
I’m a little thrown off by her official tone. I take a seat in one of two gray chairs facing her.
She clicks one last key and then shuts her laptop. Folding her hands together, she makes eye contact with me. “Maya, thanks for meeting with me.”
I nod like,you’re welcome(not that I had a choice).
“As you know, your job this week was to accompany Mr. Evans to his required events. However, it seems he’s missed quite a few.”
I start to feel shaky. Am I about to be fired?
Lauren opens her mouth to continue when I hear a male voice ask, “Is now a good time?”
Looking behind me, I see Mr. Mynt in the doorway.
“Hello Mr. Mynt, come on in. I was just discussing the Evans situation.”
Mr. Mynt nods and takes the seat next to me. “And what is the update?” Mr. Mynt asks.
I’m trying not to freak out. I’ve seen Mr. Mynt in passing, attended meetings with him, but I have never been this close to him in such small quarters.
