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Pricilla moves aside as I open the bag to the light. Inside in the center is the bronze button. I twist it and the top part opens like a door. Pointing to the small hollow space I say with a smile.
“A place to put a tracker. So that the handbag can always be traced.”
Ethan Knight nods at this innovation. “Pricilla, what is your assessment of this handbag prototype?”
“It firmly belongs in the house of Elysium,” she says smiling at me.
I am a little giddy. This is a high compliment coming from a veteran and someone I respect. Someone Ethan Knight respects.
From the corner of my eye, I can see Jessica beaming with victory and Jake still anxious for the final verdict. But Ethan Knight is clenching his jaw as if being forced to admit defeat.
“Well then,” says the grumpiest CEO on earth, “we have our approval from the expert.”
What about your approval, you ungrateful snob? How can someone be so selfish, so clinical in their demands so stingy when it comes to showing appreciation?
“I want you all to get some rest this weekend. On Monday we’ll fly to Portugal.”
“Portugal, as in the country?” I blurt out.
“Lisbon, and then the region of Alentejo. Have any of you been there?”
Jessica, Jake shake their heads, but their faces barely hide the excitement of incoming international travel. I offer more information than was needed.
“I have never left the country. The furthest I have ever traveled is Hawaii. I went there to get pleasure,”
What the hell am I saying?
“I mean it was a pleasure trip, not business.” I feel the heat and blush rising from my stomach to my neck.
He decides to move on, thank God.
“This is good. Now a request that some of you might find strange.”
Everything about you is strange, you handsome freak.
“Of course, you will be taking all your work files, designs, and prototypes with you. But here is what I ask. You should not search or read about Portugal. Let the place speak for itself when you get there. Elysian design team must have true immersion.”
“So do nothing,” says Jake, who is very happy confirming the easy assignment.
“For now, yes,” he commands like some gorgeous captain of a ship. “When you are in Portugal, you will have things to do.”
PACKING FOR PORTUGAL
BROOKE
“Mom, dad, I am going to Portugal!”
“Why?” says mom, her defensive instincts in full play. “What did you do?”
“Mom, it’s not a punishment! Our company teams are going.”
Dad sounds delighted.
“I have read about Portugal Brooke. It has been inhabited for 8000 years now…did you know that the Romans…”
“Lalalalalalala.”
“Have you gone mad Brooke,” my mother shouts with genuine concern.
