Page 19 of No Such Thing as Serendipity
I scowled. How did she know I’d reach out? On principle, I wanted to concoct another reason for calling, but I’d just have to call her later.
“A vacation with my sister might be fun,” I answered.
She gasped. “Did you just mention fun and vacation in the same sentence?”
“Very funny. Don’t be a smartass, or I might change my mind.”
She laughed. “So you’re really ready to do it.”
“Yep. A week on a beach might do me good.” I figured dropping a hint about my preferred destination wasn’t a bad idea.
“Um, that’s not the deal. It’s four weeks, and I pick.”
“No way! Four weeks?”
“That’s how long Andrew and the kids will be gone. I’m not spending my summer alone.”
“But I can fly you out to meet them once we return.”
“Nope.”
I waited for her to say more. When she didn’t, I said, “Nope. That’s it?”
“Yup.”
I bit down on my lip. She was testing me, but I wouldn’t take her bait.
Following a long silence, she said, “Deal or not?”
While small, it was a tiny victory that she spoke first. “I suppose I can swing four weeks.”
“All right.” If I didn’t know her better, I’d swear the delight in her voice was mocking. “And you’re agreeing to the rest of the terms?”
“There’s more?”
“I makeallthe decisions. You makenone.”
“Define all.”
“Google it.”
“Fine.” I pounded on my keys, hoping she’d hear. “Whole. Entire. Including everything or everyone, without exception.”
“That sums it up. Note, without exception.”
“So you’re gonna tell me when I can poop?”
“I’ll waive bodily functions.”
“I don’t know. It says without exception.”
“Well, if you insist.”
I chuckled. “Sheesh, when did you become such a tough negotiator?”
“You think you’re the only one that knows how to close a deal?”
“You mean I have room to negotiate?”
