Page 1 of Beauden & Yelena

ChapterOne

“When I suggested a winter location for this year’s leadership retreat, I was envisioning snow and being snuggled up with a stiff drink, lounging around a roaring fireplace,” I say.

“First, please turn down ‘Let it Snow’. I can’t hear that song again,” my executive assistant Eddie says.

“It’s the week before Christmas. You know I have to play my Boyz II Men Christmas cd.”

“We are Black, ma’am. Our official Christmas song is ‘In My Mind’,” he snaps.

“It’s ‘Silent Night’. Please get it right.” I adjust the volume of my speakers.

“Thank you,” he hisses. “Now, stop complaining about this trip. That’s what an executive has to do. I’m just glad we get the five-hundred-dollar gift card for Christmas. The retreats can remain with you execs. There’s no way I could be away from my boo on Christmas. No ma’am,” he sasses with his normal extra flare.

“Well, I don’t have a boo this year so that’s not my issue. Plus, we fly back Christmas morning. I just don’t want to spend six days on a ranch.”

Eddie has been my assistant since the first day I started working at SP & Jones five and a half years ago. He has stayed with me through two promotions and we have developed a tight bond. Our relationship extends beyond these work walls but inside of them, it’s professional with a side of friendly.

Each December the executive team attends a leadership retreat. The five of us, along with our significant others, spend six days together to regroup, bond, strategize, and decompress. As a Fortune 500 accounting firm, the downtime and refocus is needed. Tax season starts as soon as the new year begins and the retreat gets our minds prepared for it.

Last year, we spent the week in Negril, Jamaica. The weather was perfect; the lowest temperature was seventy-two degrees. My issue was the vibe. I was missing Christmas. Even with the trees and decorations at the resort, it didn’t feel like the season. Also, at the time me and my now ex, Leo, were at a weird place in our relationship and that didn’t help. We actually broke up a month after the retreat. Needless to say, I wanted something different this year so I suggested a winter location.

“This place looks amazing though,” Eddie comments as he looks through my folder. It has a brochure of the place, pictures of my lodging, and my itinerary. “The Phoxes Den Ranch Leadership Retreat: an immersive alternative to big-city hotel distractions,” he reads while I’m looking at the ranch online.

“I’ve never even heard of Miller’s Pointe,” I admit. “And it’s a ranch. Did you see some of those activities? Can you picture me milking a damn cow? Because I can’t.”

Laughing, he says, “Neither can I. You need boots and not no red bottoms either.”

“I may be a city girl but I’m not stupid. I think I packed sensibly. I think.” I’m questioning myself as I speak.

Orlando, Florida, isn’t New York but it’s still a city. The temperature gets cold here but no snow. I picked up coats, boots, gloves, and scarves from The Mall at Millenia and online. I think I’m as prepared as I can be.

“I can stop by tonight to double check.”

“That’ll be too late. I leave in the morning, remember? If I’m missing something or got the wrong thing, then what?” Looking at the massive ranch on my screen isn’t helping; it’s actually planting doubt. I’m really starting to question my purchases.Are my boots suitable for twenty-two thousand acres of snow-filled farmland?

“I can reschedule your last two appointments and we can leave in an hour.”

“Maybe.”

“Maybe? The itinerary says cow milking and a hayride. Miss Ferragamo belt and pumps and Prada suit, are you sure?” he asks sarcastically, mocking my current attire.

“I’m one of two senior account managers and the only Black woman exec in this firm; I have to dress the part every day.”

He smirks. “And do! And you kill it. But this will not do on this ranch. Aht ah, honey.”

He’s right.“Okay,” I concede. “Schedule a quick stand up with the senior accountants for one. It will be a short huddle in the main conference room. Give my three o’clock to Sam; she’s familiar with the account. And my four to Richard. Then, you and I can leave around two.”

“Got it, Ms. Stone. If we need to go shopping, I hope we can add a belt or two for me. I love this one,” he says with a smile, nodding at my reversible Gancini belt. It’s his favorite.

“Wait and see what Santa brings you.” I wink at him.

Eddie is the best assistant in the building. He can be animated and somewhat obtrusive but he knows his business and keeps me on track. I appreciate his hard work and I’ve already purchased his Christmas gift. Aside from the company gift card, I’m giving him another one plus two Ferragamo belts and their new mini drawstring bag for men. He’s going to be in heaven.

“Ohh. Santa is always good to me so I can’t wait!” He saunters out of my office.

After running my quarter four reports and year end projections for my huddle, I concentrate back on The Phoxes Den. According to the website, it’s an equine facility and cattle ranch. I’m fascinated with horses but that’s about it. Besides the bed and breakfast where we will be housed, there are a number of barns, one with a twelve-horse stall, a covered arena, a shop, a foreman's home, cross-fenced pastures, and two lakes.

What the hell am I going to do there?

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