I feel my cell phone buzzing with a text message. Jack’s name stares at me:
JACK
Did you make it to TECL?
He can’t even spell out the lodge name? A wave of mild rage and severe annoyance rolls through my body. How is it that the smallest of gestures can make my stomach turn—not in the this is a fun rollercoaster way but more so there’s probably a serial killer in your backseat way? I make yet another vow promising myself I’ll never date someone from work ever again. Ever.
It’s not worth it.
Unfortunately, I have to respond.
Yes.
Bubbles pop up, indicating Jack is typing.
See anyone from Bliss4ul yet?
I'll brief the entire team when I'm back.
And that’s a wrap on this conversation and something I knew would happen. It’s obvious that Jack still wanted to come to the event and he did his best to do so.
Turns out, it wasn’t good enough.
Chapter Three
I’M IN MY OFFICE when clacking on the floor—clearly from someone’s high heels—interrupts my thoughts. Soon, it mixes in with Bea’s chatter. Not unusual, as of late, with the influx of guests here for the week. The smell of fresh coffee fills the room as I push down on the French press. My second carafe of the morning but the caffeine is a habit I can’t kick. I’m not sure if it’s the promise of fresh coffee or the fairly quiet lobby, but I pause and recognize the lull.
Before I know it, this place will be crawling with people.
The lodge is home to client events year-round, but no one is quite as demanding as Bliss4ul. Not complaining, especially because some hot-shot CEO is all about supporting local businesses and sustainability efforts. We’ve worked together on bringing in even more goods from small businesses in the area which always puts me in a better mood.
While I like the boost for our local businesses, I’ll be relieved when this is over. The best part of my office is how it keeps me away from everyone. I can see a sliver of the lobby and that’s it. Exactly how I like it.
I’m reviewing conference room layouts, shipping information, as well as our general staffing for the event. I’m off the next two days and I’d like to spend it with a clear mind. Best to get everything squared away now.
We’re almost at guest capacity this week on top of being responsible for a packed event schedule. The team has been through each day’s itinerary multiple times, discussing everything from logistics, to staff, and possible concerns.
Said list is more than a typical client event. Damn. I’m lucky to have the people I do. I’m grateful I’m not needed to work at any of the events.
Iwould’vedone it. Obviously.
These fucking events. Leave it to companies like this to jam-pack everyone’s itinerary, like they do back home. Why can’t it ever just be the event? When did we accept the networking, welcome breakfasts, scheduled breaks, and whatever else they think of ? We wouldn’t want people to have an actual moment to themselves or their thoughts, right?
I hate to say it, but this event is more proof that I’m not as necessary to keep this place running. It’s bittersweet. I don’t let myself dwell on it for too long. There’s no point. I’m here and not leaving. That’s how it is.
I read through the materials list and double-check everything is where it’s supposed to be. I’m on my third call to the storage floor, checking to make sure we indeed were asked for and are ready to provide a ridiculous amount of dairy milk alternatives. They laugh and let me know it’s not a typo and we’re ready to rock.
Great news. Don’t have to like what they ask for but give them what they want. Make fun of them later is my motto.
Bea’s laughter breaks my concentration. No matter who comes in through those doors, that woman has a way with everyone. She’s been a pillar to this place and I’m glad she’s chosen to work for as long as she has. It’s no secret she doesn’t need the money, but I joke she needs the words.
She speaks enough for the both of us. That’s for sure.
The phone rings. Our order of local coffee beans is ready for me to pick up. The final errand to cross off on my to-do list.
I head out to the front desk to let Bea know I’m driving into town andthat’s when I see—and hear—her walking away. Her dark hair sways back and forth with each step. The shoes crack the air around her. Her body moves with a purpose, like she’s on the way to one of the most important meetings to be held in corporate America.
She turns back and grins at Bea. Not just any old smile but one that reaches her eyes, all the way to the corners. I stop what I’m doing and take her in. Her lips are dark red, making her look even more bold. Confident. Bright. She looks like she has everything figured out.
