Page 68 of Dr. CEO (The Doctors)

TWENTY-SEVEN

Vincent

Despite the collection of voices on the video call, the flick-flack of helicopter blades cuts through the room and I’m eager to bring this meeting to a close. Everyone’s on a high. Planning permission was officially granted a couple of days ago and it’s our first meeting to set out the operational plan.

Kate was right about the hotel manager, as she is about most things—not that I’m about to tell her that. Olga hasn’t relocated to Crompton yet, but she’s been able to join this call. She’s taking us through her workstreams on the project plan.

“I have a number of contacts at various five-star hotels in London and I’ll be arranging for each of the department heads to shadow their counterparts during training.”

It’s a great idea. Some of the department heads will have never worked in a five-star hotel. They need to understand how things work in practice, not just theory. That doesn’t stop me wondering how Kate, as head of the guest relations team, will deal with a trip to London. Despite Cambridge being so close to London, she’s never mentioned having been there. Maybe our trip to Norfolk will be the start of something. I’d love to take her to Sicily. And Paris. Even New York.

God, what’s happening to me? We’ve only been dating a couple of weeks and I’m already imagining vacations with her.

“Great idea, Olga. I think it makes sense if Michael sits in on your workstream meetings. I don’t need to be in on those.”

Michael shoots me a look. I haven’t discussed it with him yet, but he’s ready to move on from being my assistant. I need his brain in the depth of operations.

I check my watch. It’s nearly six and I need to get going. “I’m going to leave Michael to chair the rest of this meeting. Enjoy your weekends.”

As I knew he would, Michael competently steers the focus of the meeting back on Olga’s update and I slip out the door.

Kate is waiting at the bottom of the stairs. “I left my suitcase here. You said leave it by the door and I did and now it’s gone.” There’s a look of panic in her eyes.

“It’s fine. I had Molly take it up to the hotel earlier today so she can unpack for us and get us situated.”

“We’re going for two nights. It will take me less than ten minutes to unpack.”

I shrug. “You need a quick shot of tequila?”

“No, I think I’d like to be sober when I meet your family.”

I wince. “Not sure that’s a great idea, but let’s go with it.”

The door to the house opens and the pilot appears to lead us out to the chopper.

As soon as the doors are closed, silence envelops us. I lean across and fasten Kate’s seat belt.

“It’s quiet,” she says. “I thought we’d have to put—” She gestures to her ears. “Thingies on our heads.”

“No thingies,” I say, trying not to smile too hard at how sexy she looks in navy shorts and a white t-shirt.

I interlace our hands as we take off. I probably should have asked her if the helicopter is okay, but knowing Kate, she would have spoken up immediately if the prospect frightened her. This way, at least she’s not stuck in a car for hours, worrying about what lies ahead and what she’s leaving behind. “Ever joined the mile high club?”

“A couple of times actually,” she says, giving a brief shrug like she’s uber relaxed. She can’t fool me, though—her free hand is gripping the armrest like she’s on a roller coaster. “Only when I fly private though. Obviously.”

“Obviously,” I say, stroking her hand, trying to help her relax. “It’s a lot easier this way. Turns a two-and-a-half-hour journey into thirty minutes.”

“Is this how you live?” she asks. “Helicopters and people helping you with your luggage? People unpacking for you—that’s the craziest thing I’ve ever heard.”

I laugh. “Compared to most people who have a lot, I live quite modestly.”

She glances around the cabin of the helicopter and it’s clear she’s not awed or impressed. She’s just observing. “Well, not by my standards.”

“You’ve lived most of your life on the estate of a home that looks more like a castle than a private residence. I don’t believe displays of wealth are really that surprising to you.”

“It’s different. Partly because I don’t live like that and it’s not like the earl used to invite me up to the house for dinner. And partly because I don’t think the earl had much…cash. Although he did have people in helicopters visit him.”

“You’re right. It is different. How are you feeling?” I ask.

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