“We’ve been using Daytrip as a proof of concept, and you’ve been on an interview for the last few months, so to speak.”
I blink at her. “I’m sorry?”
“We’re looking to create a more accessible line of smaller Daydream resorts—The Daytrip line.” Annette pulls a folder out of the bag she came in with, then slides it onto my desk. “And we want you to head it.” My eyes are wide as I reach for it, and Rowan looks at me with a shit-eating grin.
“You know, Annette told me one day, I’d have some asshole in my office telling me he didn’t want to worry about anything but work, and I’d understand why she was so worried about me. But she didn’t tell me just how entertaining it would be to watch him fall in love and find a purpose,” Rowan says, contemplatively.
“Told you,” Annette beams. “It’s fun, isn’t it?”
“I’m sorry, what is happening?” I ask as I open the folder and see"Daytrip by Daydream"on the cover page.There’s a business card pinned to the packet of papers that reads,Graham Hawthorn, Managing Director of Daytrip by Daydream.
“I hired you because I saw myself in you, Graham. Then I gave you this place because I knew you could handle it, this challenge you clearly needed. I knew you’d be pissed that you didn’t have a traditional location, but I thought you could use something different. Something bigger and smaller at the same time.”
I lift an eyebrow as pieces start to fall into place.
“So…you gave me a rundown business in a small shore town?”
“So I gave you an entire new branch of a business and hoped you’d rise to the challenge. Then Sutton told me there was a girl, and I knew the universe had pushed me in the right direction.”
There’s the damned universe again. It’s a theme that seems to be following me around—fate and luck, and meant to be. My lady luck making everything fall into place.
“So if you want it, Graham, it’s yours. You’ll be the head of all Daytrip locations. We’re scouting out a handful now, but I’d like your input before we secure any. Your headquarters could be here, since you already have an office here.” My heart pounds. “Though you’d have to come to Hudson City a couple of times a month. All of the information is in that packet, so you can read it through before you give me an answer?—”
“I’m in,” I say, closing the folder. “I’m in.”
Why wouldn’t I be? It’s everything I’ve always strived for and everything I didn’t even know I wanted.
I can have it all now—the job, the constant challenge, the prestige. Seaside Point and the friends I've found here.
June.
Roots.
Rowan lets out a laugh, shaking his head. “As much as I am happy to hear that, I have to suggest looking at all that’s involved, including expectations and the salary, before accepting.” He and Annette are grinning widely, and I know I am, too. I open my mouth to tell him I don’t care about the money or responsibilities, that I trust him, but the door creaks open, a distracted brunette popping in, her eyes on the ice coffee cup in her hands that she must have spotted in the fridge.
“Hey, is this for me— Oh! I’m so sorry,” June says, her face going beet red. “I didn’t even think, I?—”
“This is her, isn’t it?” Annette says as I stand, looking at me with a big smile. I step forward, pulling June into my side for a quick hug, unable to contain my joy and needing even the smallest outlet for it.
“Yeah. Rowan, Annette? This is June, my lucky charm for this entire project.” Her blush deepens, but Annette’s smile grows wider as she stands, stepping to June and pulling her in for a huge hug. June hesitates before returning it, giving me a confused look over the CEO’s shoulders.
“Always an honor to meet a woman who can pull a grumpy asshole’s head out of his ass,” Annette says, and Rowan lets out a loud laugh.
“Don’t let her become friendly with Annette,” Rowan warns. “I made that mistake with Sutton, and now the two conspire against me. Add in Josie, and I have no hope at all.”
He also stands, stepping over to June as Annette releases her. He doesn’t hug June, though, instead shaking her hand.
“Don’t tell him my secrets, Rowan,” Annette stage whispers.
“Oh, don’t worry, I already drive Graham crazy. There’s no hope for him,” June says.
Annette looks from me to June and back, a softer smile on her lips now.
“I can see that. Now, who is going to show me around this fabulous place?”
“The photo backdrop—whose idea was that?” Rowan asks as we show him around the resort. I look over at June, who is suddenly incredibly interested in her shoes.
“June,” I say. “We saw something similar at a festival, and she said it might be a good idea here. She painted it herself.” Rowan nods appreciatively.
