“Technically, polar bears are only found near the North Pole,” said Parker, but Victoria wasn’t listening.
Marcus was actually nodding now. “That could get them off our backs until their contract runs out.” I didn’t know “them” and I had no idea what contract he was talking about, but I was too focused on getting my own contract at that moment to give it another thought.
“Two birds with one stone.” Victoria smiled, then turned back toward me. “We need to fly you out thereas soon as possible.
“Does that mean I got the job?” When I glanced at Parker, he was holding his breath.
“If you can make this luxury authenticity thing happen, then yes. How’s tomorrow work?”
“Tomorrow?”
“Bookings are under forecast and we’re over budget. I need a quick win to justify the renovation costs for our investors.”
Marcus punched out a message on his phone. “I’ll have my assistant work out the logistics and text you first thing in the morning.”
When Victoria smiled, it almost looked genuine. “I like you, Samantha. If you pull this off, you’ll have a bright future with us. You know we just acquired a new property right next to the Seine. You can see the Eiffel Tower from the penthouse. And we’re looking at an expansion at our chateau collection in Zurich.”
Mentally, I started strategizing an accessory plan for lederhosen. It was the opportunity of a lifetime. I’d always dreamed of traveling the world, but I’d never even been out of the country before, unless you count that disastrous spring break in Tijuana, which most of my brain cells had opted to forget. At least the ones not murdered by the tequila shots.
“Here are the contract terms we’re offering.” Marcus slid a stack of papers across the table, roughly the page count of the United States tax code, the bible, andMoby Dickcombined. “I’ll just need you to initial the addendum for ‘authentic adventures’ once our legal team finishes writing it up.”
He made quote fingers when he said “authentic adventures,” which should have worried me, but I was too busy trying not to hyperventilate when I saw the figure at the bottom of the page. The Aster Park sponsorship was worth more than I made in an entire year. My entire career, actually.
“Oh, and of course, the ethics clause.” Marcus handed me another stack of papers. “Can’t forget that.”
“Ethics clause?”
“Just the standard terms.” Marcus flashed his warmest smile. About the temperature of an iceberg. “Nothing that should present any complications, I’m sure.”
“We’ll also comp all expenses and incidentals.” Victoria added. “So make sure to take full advantage of the amenities.”
I saluted her. “I absolutely will.” In my mind’s eye, I saw myself getting a hot stone massage by a lumberjack masseuse while being hand-fed mountain trout caviar by the resort’s Michelin-starred chef.
Once we were alone in the elevator, on our way back down to the lobby, Parker asked, “She wasn’t really serious about the polar bear, was she?”
“For what they’re paying us, I’ll take selfies with whatever kind of bear they want me too.”
Chapter Three
WEE-ERR-WEE-ERR-WEE-ERR!
I bolted awake to a sharp-pitched, earsplitting sound, my phone flashing like it was in a mosh-pit at a rave. At first, I wasn’t sure if I was still in bed or trapped in a deep-water submarine dodging torpedoes.
It was a text notification from my phone. “Goddamn it.”
My hand fumbled around my nightstand like a drunk octopus, eyes still glued shut.
THUD
Something hit the floor.
THUMP
Probably the jade facial roller one of my sponsors gifted me.
CRASH
Definitely my lucky bergamot orange scent diffuser, which, as it turns out, wasn’t so lucky after all.
