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“Lily, sit down,”Chelseasaid, her voice filled with urgency and frustration.
Lilysank into the plush chair, her eyes wide with concern as she observed her boss’s disheveled state.
I’mabout to get canned.
Lilypushed away the negative thought.Shewas terrific at her job, had brought in many new clients during the five years she’d been with the company.IfGaylewas right, she was on the short list for the next round of promotions.IfChelseawas planning to fire her, she’d go down fighting.
Lilywatched asChelsea, the epitome of a high-powered, no-nonsense businesswoman, paced back and forth in her pristine office.Paperswere neatly piled on her desk.TheMidtownskyline loomed behind her.
“Isthere something you wanted to tell me?”Lilyasked, gearing herself up for whatever was coming.
Chelseastopped in place, her typically composed demeanor replaced with visible signs of stress.Herusually impeccable hairstyle had come undone from its elegant bun.Therewas a chink in the armor.
“I’vebeen handed a monumental task,Lily,”Chelseabegan, her words laced with a hint of desperation. “Awealthy client recently purchased two hundred acres of untouched wilderness inBreckenridge,Coloradofor a new, deluxe shopping development.Itwill have the top-of-the-line retailers.Sortof aFifthAvenueof theWest.They’vehired us to manage it.It’sa secretive deal that needs to be executed quickly and professionally.Thatmeans breaking ground well before the first frost.Ourcompany’s reputation, not to mention millions in revenue, is at stake.”
Maybethis isn’t about me.
Lilyallowed herself a mental sigh of relief. “Soundslike a huge opportunity for the firm.”
Chelseanodded, solemnly. “Iwas planning to handle this important . . . and delicate transaction myself.Thedeal requires a great amount of finesse.Iwas supposed to rally the support of the locals, convince them of the economic opportunities it would bring . . .”
Lilycould hear the ‘but’ coming.
“Butmy mother needs last-minute surgery, andIcan’t leave her side.”
“Oh,Isee.I’msorry to hear that.”
“Thankyou.It’sa crucial time andIcan’t jeopardize the company’s future.”
“Can’tyou get someone to take your place?”
“It’stoo last minute.Iwas supposed to leave onFriday.WhereamIgoing to find someone capable enough to fly out toColoradoon a moment’s notice for the entire summer?”Chelseapinched the bridge of her nose above her glasses. “I’mscrewed.”
Lilyunderstood whatChelseawas hoping for.Itwas a poorly veiled overture.Still, she sensed a rare opportunity.Whoevertook the job would win major points withChelseaand the wealthy client.Aspark of daring flickered within her.Withoutthinking further, she blurted out, “I’lldo it,Chelsea.I’llgo toColoradoand manage the project.I’llmake sure everything goes smoothly.Youcan trust me.”
Chelsea’seyes filled with relief.ShestudiedLilyfor a moment, contemplating her proposition.Finally, she nodded, a glimmer of gratitude shining through her fatigue. “Lily, that’s an exceptional offer.AndoneI’dbe a fool to pass up on.You’vealways been resourceful and driven.”Chelsea’sdemeanor switched to something akin to a suave politician. “Thefate of this deal and the company’s reputation rest in your hands.Itwon’t be easy, butIbelieve in you.”
Lilyfelt her cheeks flush with pride.
Chelseawalked to the office door as if ending the conversation beforeLilycould change her mind. “Thankyou,Lily.Youare a lifesaver.Iowe you big time.”
Asshe leftChelsea’soffice,Lilycouldn’t help but feel that her life was about to take an unexpected turn.Withher decision made in a moment of impulse, she neglected one major issue.Lilyhadn’t given a second thought to how she’d explain things toPeter.
ChapterFour
“You’regoing where?”Peter’seyes shot up from his phone screen, his gazpacho still untouched.
MaybeIshould have ordered him a hot soup,Lilymused.Itwould have madePeterput his phone down to eat before it turned cold.
She’dwaited twenty-five minutes for him to show, ordering for them both after the waiter gave her the stink-eye.Onedidn’t hog a table atBoucheriefor more than five minutes without ordering something, at least from the pricey wine list.Thein-the-know crowd would kill for their reservation.She’dmade this one two months ago.Fortheir five-year-anniversary.
Lilytook another sip of herCaliforniaSyrah, trying hard not to get irritated.SheknewPeter’sphone addiction was ubiquitous.Hewas like everyone else in her generation.Information-obsessed, living with a constant feeling ofFOMO.
TheFearofMissingOut.
Whata crock,Lilythought, eyeing her boyfriend.
Therestaurant was a beautiful example of nineteenth centuryNewYorkarchitecture, once part of the historicMeatpackingDistrict.Thecrowd was an eclectic mix of emaciated fashion models,Millennialjeans-wearing start-up tycoons, and local hipsters.Peterwas missingthis.Thehere and now.
