Rosy leans forward. “What if we move Nora into an office space in Building C? That way she can help steer things in the right direction.”
Carolina nods. “That’s a great idea. She should probably be there anyway, so she’s more accessible for the guests she’s serving.” Pausing, she adds, “But I do think we should revisit the expectations and consequences for your staff.”
Theo cuts in. “It’s fine, Carolina. What we’ve come up with should suffice, thank you. My situation is not Harrison and Libby’s responsibility.” His tone is light, but I stupidly lean forward to look at him, and I can see he’s worried. And embarrassed.
He may be human after all.
Vincent clears his throat. “While I’ve got you here, I’m having trouble pinning Nora down on whether we can get access to that private island or not. Any progress there?”
Harrison nods. “Yes, I managed to free up the dates this morning, so the island will be all yours on Wednesday, and if you decide to film there, you can have it Thursday and Friday the week after.”
“How soon can we go on a scouting mission?” Vincent asks, stylus poised over his iPad.
“It’ll be vacant Wednesday, so you can have it from noon until Thursday at three p.m., when the next guests arrive.”
“Perfect!” Vincent yells.
We spend the next few minutes going over a timeline of events, during which I sound like an obnoxious teacher’s pet in an effort to prove how very professional I am. I find myself saying things like “I’m on it,” “already done,” and my personal favourite, “all over that one, don’t you worry,” with a confident smile. By the time we wrap up, I pretty much hate myself.
When it’s finally over, I stay behind to tidy up the room and put the chairs back, the entire time cursing myself for how I acted. After a few minutes, the door opens and Theo Rojas walks back in.
“Did you forget something?” I ask with a bright smile I don’t mean.
“No, I just wanted to ask how I can help.”
“What?” I ask, gawking at his stupid gorgeous face.
“You said you were busy.”
“No, I didn’t.”
“Yes, you did,” he says, looking confused. “Before the meeting, when Rosy was commenting on your new wardrobe. You mentioned you have no time to think about such things. My brother and I both have some time on our hands tomorrow. How can we help?”
“You can’t, really,” I tell him in a condescending tone. “Thank you for the offer though. You’re off the hook.”
“Seriously, put me to work. Maybe I can assist with setting up for the mixer?”
“I have staff for that.”
“I see.” He offers me a slight nod. “Listen, Nora, I’d like to apologize for what I said the other day.”
My stomach tightens at the memory of it. “Do you mean that thing about me being dowdy in my cheap suit? Or the thing about me being unprofessional and wanting someone else who can solve problems to take over for me?” I shouldn’t be this bold with someone in his position—especially someone who can have me fired—but I can’t seem to help it. He was an ass, and he needs to wear it.
“Both, actually. It was unforgivably rude of me.”
“Yes, it was,” I tell him, my face hot for reasons I can’t explain. “If you’ll excuse me, I really am rather busy.”
With that, I gather up my things and hurry out of the room on legs that feel like overcooked spaghetti, my heart pounding. I shouldn’t have said that, but it sure felt good. Besides, he needed to hear it. He can’t just waltz around insulting people and expect them to pretend he didn’t. He’s a very rude man. Someone has to let him know. Even if that someone is me.
* * *
Mike the Moose TikTok Video
“Hey, Moose Heads! It’s me, Mike the MOOOSE! I have just touched down at the airport in beautiful San Felipe, on Santa Valentina Island. Check out these views!” He flips the camera around to show palm trees swaying in the breeze and the ocean in the distance. “When I lifted off in Montreal this morning, it was minus a million degrees, so arriving here feels amazing.”
Mike reappears. “I’ll be live-streaming tonight from the resort. There’s going to be a meet and greet poolside cocktail event for the competitors and film crew, so stay tuned, because it should get pretty wild.”
* * *
