Page 28 of Spring Break Fling

I beamed. “Thank you, Mr. Mitchell.”

“I think you’re the right person for this account,” he said.

My heart just about burst. My ears got hot. There was a sense of elation that was so overwhelming I nearly whooped with excitement.

“Really?” I asked.

“You’re not sure you can handle it?”

“No. Yes! Yes! I mean, thank you, sir. I promise you won’t regret this.”

“This is a big opportunity,” he continued. “The client is expecting a groundbreaking campaign. Are you prepared to make the sacrifices necessary to ensure this is a success?”

I nodded so fast I probably looked unhinged. “Absolutely. I’m ready for anything.”

Clarke smiled. “That’s what I like to hear. And I’m glad you’re flexible because there is one condition.”

“Anything,” I said, practically vibrating with excitement.

“The client will need you to fly out to Miami to present our campaign strategy,” he said. “They like to meet in person for these things. They’ll only be there for the next two weeks, and after that, assuming they’re on board, you’ll be back here to carry out the campaign.”

I froze. Miami? Of all the places in the world, why Miami?

Clarke’s brow furrowed. “Is that a problem?”

“No, no problem!” I said quickly, schooling my expression into something that hopefully didn’t scream Oh God, not Miami.

He smiled. “Good. They’re a high-profile client. Divorced, two teenage sons, and they’re staying in Miami for Spring Break. I think this could be a great opportunity for you to show them what you’re capable of. He’s all about getting to know the people who work with him. Pitch him like you pitched us and I’m sure we’ll land this account.”

I plastered on a confident smile. “I’m on it.”

“We’re going to need you to get down there right away,” he said.

I nodded, my thoughts a jumbled mess. “Um, okay, like tomorrow?”

“If you can swing it, yes,” he said.

I wasn’t going to panic. I could do this. My toiletry bag was still packed. I was running through a packing list in my head. I only had one plant—a cactus. It would be okay for two weeks. I would need to hold my mail and pay bills before I left.

“Hannah?”

I blinked and looked at my boss. I had gotten caught up in the million things I needed to get done.

“I’ll make the arrangements and head out as soon as possible,” I said with what I hoped was a confident smile.

Clarke shook my hand. “I admire your grit, Hannah. I think you’re going to do great things with this account.”

As soon as I stepped out of the conference room, I closed the door behind me and took a deep breath.

Miami. The word buzzed in my head like a warning siren.

The itch on my arm flared up again. I pulled up my sleeve and peeked at the tattoo as soon as I was in the privacy of my own office. It looked fine.

I rolled my sleeve back down with renewed determination. This wasn’t just about a career-defining opportunity anymore.

It was like fate was pushing me to exact my revenge. Karma was a bitch with a capital K. He thought it was funny to brand me? I was about to show him just how funny it was.

I sat down at my desk and started Googling flights. I found one leaving tomorrow morning.