Page 10 of The Flirt Alert

7:00 am: Optional Morning Yoga & Meditation (Shay)

9:00 am: Breakfast (Diner Style Omelets, Hash Browns, Coffee Bar)

10:00 am: Work on Big Picture Strategic Plan (Led by Miles, Austin)

12:00 pm: Lunch (Deli Sandwich Bar)

1:00 pm: Strategic Plan Break Out Sessions (By Department)

3:00 pm: Break

3:15 pm: Present Strategic Plan to Entire Team (All Departments – 15 minute increments)

5:30 pm: Break

6:30 pm: 8-Course Northwest Farm-to-Table Dinner on the Summit. (Dressy Casual, Last Gondola departs 11 pm)

Day 3:

7:00 am Optional Morning Yoga & Meditation (Shay)

8:00 am: Breakfast (Continental Buffet and Coffee Bar)

9:00 am: Wrap-up and Feedback Session (All Departments)

11:30 am: Appreciation Awards (Miles, Austin)

12:30 pm: Farewell Lunch (Sushi, Poke Bar)

2:00 pm: Checkout & 1st Bus Departure or Recreational Activities (Options: Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing)

7:00 pm: Last Bus Departure.

He looks up at me quizzically, but doesn’t say anything.

“Usually these things take months to plan out and I didn’t have a bundle of time so…” I shift the weight between my aching feet and lament my decision to wear five-inch Louboutin’s to work.

He flicks his eyes up and down the schedule. “It looks comprehensive. My concern is the dinner on the summit. It sounds a little bougie. An eight-course meal for thirty people?”

“It’s regional farm-to-table. The cost is approximately twenty thousand dollars including wine and beer.” I brace myself for Austin’s reaction and find myself word-vomiting. “The thing is, Hungry Llama is extraordinarily profitable due to the hard work of your executive team, who have been with you for years now. Some of them are traveling from overseas to be here. I think giving them a unique experience will be well worth the cost. The company can afford it and it will create lasting memories and loyalty.”

He nods, though his face remains impassive. “Agreed. So why aren’t we doing this for the entire company?”

“Uh…” It’s all I can do not to roll my eyes all the way back in my head. “I started a few days ago, if you want an entire company retreat or even a holiday party, I can make it happen, but I’ll need longer than a week.”

Austin hesitates and his gaze lingers on me before he answers, “Look, Shay, I may not be thrilled about working with you for obvious reasons, but I want this event to succeed and I always take care of my staff. Never question that.”

My mind ratholes on the “obvious reasons” comment for, well, obvious reasons.

“May I ask why you have a problem with me?” I cross my arms in front of my chest. “Until last week, I haven’t seen you in, what…nearly a decade? Did I miss something?”

His eyes narrow and he shoos me with his hand. “Ten minutes are over. Budget approved. Time for you to go.”

I’m so shocked by Austin’s abrupt dismissal, I can’t think up a decent retort.

Which pisses me off to no end.

Hot or not, I retract my assessment. The guy hasn’t leveled up. Not one bit. He’s a condescending asshole.

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