“I’ll be at the lodge for just a few days and then I’ll head back for ourtrip!” I exclaim with as much quiet enthusiasm that’s allowed this early. “Yesssss. Spooky sisters unite!”
I quietly laugh as we say our goodbyes. Viv and I are going to Salem, Massachusetts to live out our spooky dreams. It’s only a few days, shorter than we originally imagined, but we’ll take it. This trip has been planned for months and I could jump out of my skin with excitement.
We’ve wanted to go for years and the split from Jack finally gave me room to make it happen. Viv and I were supposed to go last year, but a high-profile client request came up. Our leadership team, including Jack, encouraged me to cancel. Jack was pleased; he always treated me like a child for liking all things witchy. I think I put it off for so long because I didn’t want to hear the argument he’d mask as a joke. Deep down, he meant every scathing word he said.
This trip is the start of a challenging few weeks. I’m headed out west, followed by Salem, followed by another event out west. It’s not ideal putting vacation between two high-profile client events, but it was the only way to make it work.
Going to Salem will be the first honest vacation I’ve taken in three years. I’m a little sick about how much PTO I’ve lost by not using it.
My boss has never denied any of my vacation requests. When she approved this time-off, I could see her relax knowing I’d still be able to make both on-site client events; she’s slightly calculating in the sense of knowing exactly how to get what she wants. It doesn’t bother me. Maybe I’ll learn some of her ways. When it comes to running a team, Stella is efficient, transparent, and cuts right to the chase without people calling her a manipulative shrew.
I pull up my email a final time and find the shipping confirmation for a few boxes we’d sent to the lodge. The boxes were marked “delivered” as of yesterday. They’re full of about $10,000 in promised items for the client, aligning with their strategic launch of a sustainability-focused wellnesschallenge, as well as giveaway items for my table. It works best to have something people can come and take—it makes it easier for people to start a conversation.
Our flight is being held up by a few passengers who’ve decided their assigned seats weren’t where they were going to sit. It’s a whole thing and makes me anxious. And whenever I feel a bit overwhelmed, I make a pros and cons list.
Pro: The trip is quick—I’ll be back in my cozy apartment in a few days.
Con: A mom, flying solo, has a baby who sounds like what I bet the flight attendants feel internally—screaming.
Pro: Packing was easy because of said quick trip.
Con: These people may get put on the no-fly list before they relinquish their seats.
Pro: I’m heading to the Pacific Northwest for the first time.
Con: The pilot is now joining the flight attendants in the seat debacle happening at the back of the plane.
Pro: My blazer and skirt combination is exactly what I’d hoped for.
Con: No coffee until after I land. See above.
Pro: I’ll be free of dickbag Jack for the next few days.
Con: My seatmate is snoring.
Finally, the seats have been situated and we’re about to take off. Gone is the slam of overhead compartments and clicks of seatbelts being fastened. I lean my head against the seat and smirk. It feels good to go somewhere new.
And leave Jack behind.
Chapter Two
I’M THANKFUL FOR the uneventful flight and the opportunity to get some broken sleep. I roll my eyes, thinking about thelodge. It’s not a hotel. Jack loved to make that distinction. He pushed the client to host their annual meeting at this very woodsy location, tying it in to their intense sustainability and “all things planet” initiative. To be honest, it’s not a bad idea; it would’ve been better if someone else came up with it.
The amount of luggage I have surprises the driver. Most of it—part of a tabletop display—is for the client event; while I want to scream about how small of a bag I brought for myself. Look at me, I didn’t over pack! Where’s the confetti?
The lodge is almost two hours away from the airport. My first reaction to the Pacific Northwest is there are a lot of trees. Many trees on many mountains. After that, it’s pure surprise to see people hiking. Like trekking on the side of the road. I could never. Their packs are much bigger than what I’ve brought for a cross-country event. Again, I’m proud of myself.
After a long commute, with spotty cell service and more curves than I like in my roads, we pull up to an entrance. If you didn’t know what you were looking for, you’d miss it.
“This is as far as I go,” the driver says, putting the car in park, andglancing up at the sign.
Welcome toThe Emerald Canopy Lodgedrop-off area
For assistance, call the front desk.
“What do you mean this is as far as you go? I don’t see an entrance,” I lightly press the driver.
“That hill is too steep for this car. This is the drop-off area. You call the lobby and someone will come pick you up in an off-road vehicle,” he replies while getting out of the car and popping the trunk. He struggles to get the awkward bags out.
