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No pressure, then. Georgie nodded, her mouth going dry.
“In January, we’ll have a trial run and invite Haruki to see our new presentation in action firsthand,” said Amalia. “If all goes to plan, we will finalize the guides’ training and implement the new format as of February 1st to coincide with the first slate of school bookings for the new semester. Until then, we’ll carry on as we are. Oliver, I fully encourage you to continue with the rewrites for the presentation we have now.”
He glanced Georgie’s way. “Will do.”
“And I want regular updates on your progress as well as any expenditures you must make,” Amalia pressed. “Keep in mind that spending should be minimal and within reason. Small amounts, up to a grand total of $500, can be reimbursed from this year’s miscellaneous budget. Anything larger won’t be. Any questions?”
Georgie turned toward Oliver, but when he shook his head, she spoke up. “Should we prepare educational materials for visiting teachers to take with them? Perhaps suggestions for further participatory lessons they could do themselves in their own classrooms?”
“That’s a wonderful idea.” Amalia cracked a smile, her first of the meeting. “I have to say this is great work. Forward thinking.” She removed her glasses. “Oliver, I appreciate your initiative, bringing Georgina on board.”
Georgie swallowed down a squeal of joy.
“I think we’ll benefit greatly from this collaboration.” Amalia stood, and Oliver and Georgie followed her lead. “A fresh perspective is always welcome.” She extended her hand. “I look forward to working together.”
Georgie shook on it. “So do I.” She smiled. More than you’ll ever know.
* * *
Leaving behind the afternoon shadows shrouding the museum’s east steps, Georgie did an elated skip along Queens Park and gave in to the widest, most cheek-pinching grin.
“Oh. My. GOD!” she squealed, her pulse frenzied as they passed a red cart selling popcorn, whirling pinwheels, and chestnuts. “That went better than I expected!” She grabbed Oliver’s upper arm. “And I’m getting PAID!”
He leaned in conspiratorially. “As you should be!” His buoyant expression tempered slightly as he broke eye contact. “I’m sorry I couldn’t offer compensation. I wanted to, but Amalia watches the budgets like a hawk and doesn’t always sign off on expenditures.”
“Hey!” She shook his arm. “Don’t worry! I’d be afraid to use a paperclip without her permission.” Releasing him, Georgie held up her quivering hand. “See? Still terrified.”
A grin tugged the corners of his mouth.
“I’d hate to be on her bad side.” Georgie sidestepped a trio of skittish pigeons. “But at the same time, I admire her drive and confidence. I’m always in awe of women leaders. In many ways, it’s still a man’s world and she’s probably had to work twice as hard to get where she is.”
Oliver nodded. “I heard she hasn’t taken a holiday in five years.”
“Bet it’s been worth it. Corner office, head of the most beloved exhibit in the museum. Travel around the world, designer handbags—so inspiring.” Georgie grinned as excitement fizzed inside her. She curled her fingers around the shoulder straps of her tote and purse and glanced at Oliver. “Are you off to collect your free donut? I hate to break it to you, but you’re headed the wrong way.”
“I thought I’d walk you to the subway, give us a chance to review how everything went.” He looked over his shoulder, back toward Bloor Street as a TTC bus thundered past through a succession of potholes. “Isn’t Bloor station a more direct route back to your school?”
“It is, but this period is my planning period, so I’m taking my time to savour the excitement for as long as possible.”
“Wish I could. I have another meeting in thirty minutes.” He pulled his unbuttoned coat closed against the chill. “I guess we’ll have to do a raincheck on BeaverTails.”
“Something to look forward to.” Georgie grinned. “Ollie, I can’t thank you enough for your support in there. You made me sound incredible.”
“That’s because you are.”
A blush bloomed hot across her cheeks. She knew he meant it professionally, but damn, if only he meant it personally, too. Unrequited or not, her feelings refused to simmer down, and Oliver’s commanding display in Amalia’s office wasn’t helping in the slightest. If he was like that in the boardroom, what would he be like in the bedroom? Burning up beneath her heavy scarf, Georgie loosened the woolly knot and unfastened her coat’s top button.
“I’m not the only one who thinks so. Amalia was captivated, too,” Oliver raved.
Georgie did a double take. “She didn’t look it.”
“Ignore how she looked. It’s what she said—or didn’t. Every time I’ve spoken to her, on the phone, in person, she talks over me. Asks a million questions. Demands answers.”
“She did that with me, too, though.” Georgie glanced toward the oncoming steps leading down into the Museum subway station.
“But she listened and let you finish what you were saying,” said Oliver. “If that’s not a vote of confidence…”
Georgie waved him off as they sauntered down the steps side by side. “Or maybe she was tired from travelling? Wanted to sit back and have a stress-free day for a change?”
