I throw myself back into work, shutting down the image of Blake.
I don’t need to see him to remember what he looks like.
His face is burned into my retinas.
Throughout the day, I liaise with the internet team before heading over to a conference call with the regional retail managers.
I deliver my news about the internet customers driving more business through their doors but prepare myself for their protests.
Retail and the internet are two very different entities; despite being in the same company. Retail unites like a family, ferocious and ready to fight to the bitter end. They’re the ones that face the customers daily and take a majority of the shit, truth be told.
Date changes, hotel closures, building works, a floating turd in the pool: you name it, these guys deliver the news.
With a smile.
They’re screamed at, sobbed at, and even in one retail store, a target of a flying telephone.
It’s not easy being an agent, but even more so a travel agent.
Later, I have to prove my negotiating skills on a conference call.
“I understand your concerns,” I say, aware of Alec watching me.
Silence.
Fuck.
“But just think of the opportunities available to you.” I switch the phone to speakerphone, leaning back in my chair.
Alec sits opposite me, nodding encouragingly.
My mouth takes over, and I’m gushing about what this could mean in revenue for the stores.
If I’m honest, the stores will die with the golden oldies, and only the real anxious amongst us will book our holidays in stores anymore. Until they see how easy it is and how everyone they know has booked online and managed to secure a deal.
This is a way of letting retail bow out gracefully.
The conference call runs without hiccups, and when I end it, Alec claps.
I look up at him in awe until he shakes a finger at me.
“You’reawesome. You could convince a bear to hand over its cub.”
I blush, biting my lip to prevent myself from squealing.
Alec thinks I’m awesome?!
I’m a little dazed, but I’m buzzing.Thisis what I needed to do: become successful, learn what works and what doesn’t, and start at the bottom to bring my own company to fruition.
Alec and I discuss the call some more, then he rises to his feet.
“I’m seriously impressed. You handled that very well indeed. Don’t forget the party is tonight. Eight o'clock sharp in the Downtown Hotel.”
I manage to hold a smile in place while I frantically rack my brain.
Party?
“It’s just a get-together for the visitors. It would be good for you to mingle, though, and meet new people.”
