Page 19 of Lying to the Boss

I follow alongside Lane as he walks quickly through the space, talking out loud about his vision. The woman we’re meeting with, Seline, is listening intently, staring out at the areas he points to as if she can envision what he’s saying.

I can. It’s something about the way he speaks. He’s passionate when it comes to this, and you don’t need much to notice it. There’s something in his voice that makes you feel what he’s feeling.

“And here,” he says, pausing and taking a deep breath. His eyes graze over the large area of… nothing. Literally, it’s just a large space that he’s transforming into an indoor spa. You don’t realize how big spaces in hotels are until they’re empty. This feels almost creepy. “Here is where we put the waterfall with the sky tunnel.”

“Sky tunnel?” The words fall from my mouth before I even think about them. This isn’t about impressing me, but I’m still impressed.

Lane looks at me with a proud but cocky smirk. “The sky tunnel,” he confirms with a nod. “Pass through the gentle waterfall, and you’ll enter the tunnel. The curved ceiling will be lined with waterproof LED panels, creating a night sky with stars that actually move and twinkle above you. Along the sides will be chairs for people to lounge, cuddle, drink, whatever they want. Or you can keep swimming and make your way through the other waterfall and outside to the fresh air.”

He stops, winking at me before bringing his attention to Seline.

“It’s a wonderful vision, Mr. Monroe, and we’re confident that you will deliver,” she says happily.

“We always do,” he adds.

“Well, I think we’re done here for the day. I have to meet with the team to update them and go over a few more things. Did you email the concepts to me?”

“Yes,” I say. “I emailed everything first thing this morning.”

“Wonderful. We will be in touch with any change requests and future meetings.” She holds out her hand to Lane. “It was wonderful meeting with you again, and I can’t wait to get this project going.”

“Likewise,” he says with a bright smile.

She leads us out to the lobby—well, future lobby. The building is nothing but bare bones right now; an old hotel bought, gutted, and rebuilt for the space they want.

“I won’t lie,” I say as we step outside into the bright sun. “This is the kind of place I’d go.”

“Well, it’s a good thing I get a lifetime membership then.”

“Seriously?” I ask.

“Of course. All the resorts I work with offer it. It’s like part of the deal.”

I’ve seen Lane in plenty of meetings before, and I always find it just a little bit funny and slightly jarring how quickly he can change from the serious man he is in meetings to this more laid-back version.

“Do you ever go?”

“No,” he says simply.

“Why not?”

Shrugging, he says, “Don’t really do the vacation thing.”

“Now that’s sad. All that money and no fun?”

We reach the car and I tug on the handle, but it’s still locked. I turn to see Lane staring at me, watching me with open curiosity.

“What?” I say, squinting to shield my eyes from the light.

“You’re being nice.”

I roll my eyes, feeling my cheeks burn. “I told you I would try.”

He steps closer just as a breeze blows, rustling my hair. He brushes it back into place, his fingers warmer than the sun’s rays.

“You’re doing a wonderful job,” he says, his voice almost a whisper.

“You said that already.”