Page 4 of The Flirtation
“Sylvia can handle anything that comes up with the other clients while you’regone.”
“Uh huh, sure, of course, if it comes tothat.”
“Avery. You need to be focused on Bucket while you’re there. You can’t be servicing other clients in front ofhim.”
“Yes, of course, I’m—yes.”
“Have some fun while you’re there, for crying out loud. It’ll be aworkation.”
“Awhat?”
“A work vacation. The villa he’s renting is outstanding, by the way. I stayed there two years ago. You’ll have full enjoyment of the guest rooms, pool, beach, sailing and water sports, local ceremonies and entertainment, the private chef, the on-site massagetherapist.”
I took notes as he said all of this. “Uh huh uh huh. And are all of the above-mentioned activities mandatory? Or will I be able to work when Bucket’s off surfing orwhatever?”
“It’smandatory.”
“Really?”
“No, but it’sthe Bahamas. I strongly encourage work and relaxation in equal measure at the villa. And inlife.”
I laughed. “Right!”
“I’m notkidding.”
I stopped laughing. “Right.”
“Avery…” Howard had that concerned uncle tone in his voice now. “You’ve been with us for five years now and you’ve never taken time off for avacation.”
I sat up straight, like a teacher’s pet. “Thank you, and you’rewelcome.”
He suppressed a laugh. “When was the last time you took avacation?”
I pretended that I had to think about this, but I knew exactly how long it had been. Prior to this conversation I would have been proud to tell him, but I got the feeling he actually thought vacations were a good thing. Who knew?! “Oh who can remember!” I said. “Working for you always feels like a vacation, Howard!” There was a brief pause, and I wondered if he thought I was flirting with him.Oh dear God no, that was notflirtation!
“You workwithme, Avery. And I’m glad you do, don’t get me wrong, but take it from someone who’s been working for a couple of decades longer than you have…I guess what I’m saying is…if you want to take on more responsibility at the firm, it’d be a good idea for you to…” He was talking about a promotion.Oh shit, am I not getting the promotion?“We all need to findbalance.”
“You mean like balancing budgets? Are you not happy with the job I’ve been doing on the clients’budgets?”
I heard him sigh. “No. That’s not what I meant. Of course I’m happy with the job you’ve been doing—look I have to jump to the next call—have fun this week. That’s an order!” He hungup.
I had giant prehistoric butterflies in my stomach, it was like the time I was understudy for Helena in my high school production ofA Midsummer Night’s Dreamand found out that the lead actress came down with the flu the day before opening night. That girl was so determined to be a star, I didn’t think there was any chance I’d have to go on for her, so I’d spent a few weeks studying for exams instead of memorizing my lines. I blanked out twice on stage the next night, but still managed to get a standing ovation. I will remember every single word of that play until the day I die—which would be later that day, if I waslucky.
I was holding my head in my hands and groaning when Natalie knocked on mydoor.
“Are youokay?”
I shook my head. “Sure.”
“You are so lucky! I’d kill to go to theBahamas.”
“Oh my God. What am I gonna do? How long is that flight, like aweek?”
“Around five hours, with a connecting flight from Miami. You fly to Freeport instead of Nassau. I looked it up while you were on thecall.”
“Ugh. What’s the timedifference?”
“Same timezone.”
