Kat turns and watches the sunset behind us.
“It’s so peaceful,” she says wistfully.
“It is,” I agree. “A lot more peaceful than central London or New York.”
Kat chuckles. “Anywhere is more peaceful than central London.”
She slides her arm back through mine, stepping into my side as we make our way to the outside restaurant.
The head waiter shows us to our table before taking our drink order.
“Penny for your thoughts,” I say after a while.
Kat looks up and smiles.
“I was just thinking how different it is here. The hotels in London and the other major cities are full of sightseers and business people. This is somewhere to come and relax, chill out. FHG has so many branches. Corporate and holiday, they cater to very different clientele, but can attract the same. Business guests should be encouraged to take their vacations where they can relax or partake in a sport, we need to give them options.”
Kat’s eyebrows furrow.
“Why are you laughing?”
“Do you ever stop, slow down or switch off?”
She drops back in her chair and crosses her arms over her chest.
I hold up a hand.
“It’s not a criticism, I mean… Don’t you ever simply let go and relax?”
She inclines her head.
“I’m not sure I know how to anymore,” she admits. “Do you?”
Our eyes lock, and I see sadness in their depth.
“A question with a question,” I say. “But that’s okay. And to answer your question. No, I didn’t know how to.” I lean forward. “Until recently, I was exactly like you, all about work, I never delegated, I was involved in every project, no matter how big or small.”
“What changed?”
“Dillon got sick, and it forced me to re-evaluate. I realised I was heading for burnout. I was getting less and less sleep, answering calls at all times of the day and night. Flying to the next emergency or meeting.”
Kat inclines her head. “I’m guessing there’s more.”
“I got the flu. Simple as that. It knocked me on my ass. I mean, I was completely bedridden for two weeks, and then needed another week to recover.”
Kat’s eyes raise.
I smile.
“When I finally came back, three weeks later. I realised the company hadn’t crumbled in my absence. The men and women I employ had kept the cogs turning beautifully. All my clients were happy. They even sang the praises of the teams in my absence.”
“You just stepped back?” Her tone is incredulous.
I grin. “It wasn’t quite that easy.”
Kat laughs, the sound warming me from the inside. “I can imagine.”
“But I have begun delegating. While I was working on Caleb and April’s plans for Lofton House, I handed over the reins.”
