“You know better, Edward. The rich don’t want to be reminded of the poor—especially when they’re on vacation.” She pulls out a tube of lipstick and a compact and begins to reapply lipstick. “Where is this coming from? You were on board with our plans before this visit.” Of course I was. I stood to get an enormous bonus and a promotion. I’ve always pushed back against the future my grandpa and mom had road mapped for me as a business tycoon, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want some degree of success.
“You need to see the place,” I say, my voice steady. “It’s authentic. It’s original. I think we may be underestimating the value of preserving what already works. Destroying it would be a massive mistake.”
There, I did it. I stood up to my boss. I feel a little light-headed and sick to my stomach. Her bright red lips form a shockedO. After a moment she snaps her compact shut.
“What’s her name?” she asks.
“Excuse me?”
“I can always tell when there’s another woman. Some savvy hussy has manipulated your sweet young heart—I’m guessing it’s this resort manager.”
“No—” I sputter. “That’s not—I... I have a girlfriend.”
I had planned on ending things with Caroline on our date last Saturday, but the moment was never right. I felt like a total coward when the night was over.Next time,I told myself. For now, though, it’s convenient to claim a girlfriend.
“That never stops a man,” she picks up her phone and begins a search. “I can’t seem to find a photo of her. But her sister is a looker.” I do my best to maintain a blank face. “I bet this Elinor gave you athoroughtour.” My boss has a talent for adding unnecessary innuendo to an innocent word.
“It was nothing like that,” I snap, not sure why I feel so angry.
“Calm down, Edward. It’s not a big deal. You’re hardly the first man to be swayed by a woman. But I wonder if I should take you off this project.”
“With all due respect, it’smyfamily’s property. My mom and I could always pull out of the deal.”
“Youmight. But I doubt your mother would.”
That hurts because it’s true. Despite what I hinted to Elinor, I have limited pull with my mother.
“I don’t want to walk away from this project. Lucinda. I just have a couple small adjustments that I’d like to pursue. Keep the campground and add treehouses. I know my grandpa would like that.”
“Treehouses?”
“Yes—they would make Norland Park more than just another luxury resort. Guests would book it for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
I had planned to do more research and prepare a proposal to sell my boss on this idea. I hadn’t expected her to be at my desk first thing Monday morning. But I need to make the most of the current situation. I send her a few of the luxury treehouse photos Elinor shared with me.
“Now this...” she says, swiping through the photos on her phone, “has possibilities.”
“Let me draw up a proposal for you with more details about cost and infrastructure needed.”
“Do that! This idea has potential.”
“I’m glad you agree. I’ll get right on it.”
“For the record, I’m still disappointed in you, Ed.” She shakes her head at me like I’m a naughty schoolboy.Take a number,I think. Just one more person I’ve let down. Next up: my mom.
***
I’m watching Netflix with Mrs. Peacock when my mom calls. I’m in no mood to talk to her, so I let the call go through. She immediately sends a text.
Mom
Should I send the police for a wellness check?
Edward
I’m alive
For good measure, I send her a selfie.
