Page 38 of Nine Week Nanny
“This is a problem,” I say evenly. “I leased this space specifically for uninterrupted meetings and work. I don’t have the option of working from home right now.”
“I understand, and hopefully I’m overstating the issue. We’ll work as quickly as possible to get you back in. I can offer a different property if you need meeting room space.”
I take a deep breath and try to calm myself because all I want to do is blow a gasket. “Thank you. I’ll make due.”
I end the call, blood pounding in my ears. The universe is conspiring against me in increasingly creative ways. First, a kid drops into my life, then his nanny turns out to be my one-night stand, and now my only refuge is being yanked out from under me.
Perfect. Just fucking perfect.
I exhale sharply through my nose, willing the tension in my shoulders to ease. It doesn't.
Fixing this requires triage. I pull up Lenoir’s contact. She’s still managing my work life and calendar from Denver.
“Lenoir, I need immediate rescheduling." I don't waste time with greetings. "My Palm Beach office is out of commission due to water damage. I need the board meeting moved to a conference room at Good Samaritan, all investor calls pushed to video, and the presentation team rerouted."
"I can shift all your calls to virtual through the end of the week," Lenoir’s crisp voice comes through the speaker.
"Okay."
"The investor presentation might actually work better as a Zoom. That will be less travel time for all parties involved. I'll cancel anything non-essential. Do you know how long you'll be out of the office?"
I rub the bridge of my nose, feeling the pressure building behind my eyes, and ignore her question, because no, I don't.
"Fine. I don’t know anything beyond what I just told you. What about the board meeting?"
"Already on it. I just shot an email to my liaison for the executive suite at Good Samaritan. She said she's pretty sure they can accommodate you tomorrow afternoon instead, but will confirm and get back to me."
There's a knock on my door. I ignore it.
"Good." I begin gathering papers, already calculating how many hours this setback will cost me.
"In the meantime," Lenoir continues, "will you be working at home when you're not at the hospital until the repairs are complete? I have a ticket in with IT to set you up on the server, but I don't think that is set up yet."
“I spoke with Dennis this morning. He is working on that today.”
“Oh, good. So you will be working from home?”
I freeze, a file midway to my briefcase. "That's not ideal, but, yes, I'll have to make that work until I either can get back in here or we find an alternative."
“I’ll follow up with Dennis and make sure he has a sense of urgency. I know it’s not ideal, but we will make sure it’s as seamless as possible.”
“Also, start a search for temporary office space as well. I cannot wait for repairs if this will drag out more than a day.”
“When I checked last time, nothing matched your requirements,” she says. I hear papers shuffle. “The Weston Building has executive suites, but they jump from ten thousand square feet to one hundred fifty. Nothing in between. The Breakers business center is an option, but it is peak season and they are booked most days.”
“Keep looking,” I say. “I need something that works this week. Reach out to the landlord before the end of the day to see if we’re looking at a day or two, or more.”
“Will do and I will revisit everything so we know our options in the event this does drag out.”
I end the call and step into the hall. Two men in hard hats are pulling ceiling tiles. There is a wet plaster smell and the soft roar of industrial fans somewhere behind the elevators. The superintendent calls as I reach the stairwell.
“Mr. Carrigan, quick update,” he says. “As you know, we had a significant leak from the floor above you. We are bringing in a remediation team to assess the moisture and potential material damage.”
“How long until my floor reopens?”
“It is too early to say,” he answers. “We have to dry the cavities and check the subfloor and drywall. I will know more once the team finishes the readings.”
I keep my tone even. “Give me a realistic range when you have one. I need to plan. My assistant, Lenoir, will be reaching out. You can communicate with her.”
