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“Sorry babe. I have to get back to team building. It’s Luxury Jet’s last full day.” Beau swings me until I’m on top of him, stroking my hair. “Come work from my place. I think you’ll love it in the light of day.”
ChapterTwenty-Six
BEAU
Maverick’s Porsche is parked in front of the house. Consider me intrigued. I pull into the garage, but Vanessa runs out, slinging her tote over her shoulder, heading straight for his car. She melts as she runs her long fingers over the gray metallic body. “It’s beautiful.”
“He doesn’t drive it often. Speak of the devil.” Maverick and Jessie perk up from the front porch swing.
Jessie scurries to Vanessa, squealing like a schoolgirl. Her voice is at least two octaves higher. “You were holding hands. Does this mean what I think it means?” Vanessa throws her arms around her, hugging her as they bounce on their toes. It reminds me of our high school days.
Maverick squeezes my shoulder and says, “Jessica, we have an hour before we have to take Dad to the doctor.”
She gives him a thumbs up and the girls head down the trail. Smiling inwardly, I know Vanessa will find her first surprise.
“Are you ready to pick the new president of Luxury Jet and give yourself more time with your family?” I ask Maverick.
“Yeah. More time with them is what I need. So, are you back together?”
I stop as my hands scratch the morning scruff I didn’t get to shave. “I don’t know. I think so.”
“Lock it up, Beau. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s to say what you want. Things don’t happen by wishing for them. You and I aredoers,which is why we own companies. Why we accomplish goals.”
“It’s complicated, Mav. Not the way we feel, but there is so much baggage that I don’t have time to explain in the five minute walk down to where your employees are hunting for treasure.” I pause, taking in the clouds forming above us.
“We divided them up into three teams. Each team has one of the employees you’re considering promoting into the vice-president role. We’ll check in on them. You can talk to them and ask them things you want to know, like their strategy, did they get everyone involved or did they take it on their shoulders? Whatever is important to you. My leaders will also rate each employee on participation, enthusiasm, ideas, how well they worked with others, and if they are leaders or followers when dealing with employees of the same rank as them.”
Rubbing his hands together, he says, “Sounds good. I’m happy for you, and Jessica is obviously over the moon. I love seeing her happy. She’s wanted the two of you back together as long as I can remember.”
I don’t respond, just shoot him a grin. “Here we are.” I gather my group leaders and get their take. Maverick goes with each group leader and meets with that team while I go with a different team. We rotate until we’ve each been with all three teams.
Now we go to the office and watch them work. Maverick was impressed with E.B., the manager of the Savannah airport. Her team listened to her, and better yet, she listened to their suggestions and was able to ask questions to further the treasure hunt.
He also believes Walter from the San Antonio airport has what it takes.
After we analyze their performance through the video feeds, we go out and crown the “Beehive” group the winners. E.B.’s group found the wax kit to make candles the fastest.
“Thanks, Beau. This has been amazing. So, tomorrow morning I’ll join in on their final challenge, right?”
“Yep. Are you going to offer E.B. the job?”
“I’m going to talk it over with Jessica first. I’ve found the more we communicate, the less likely we are to miscommunicate.” He stands up and shakes my hand. “Thanks again.”
The girls are giggling while Maverick smiles from ear to ear as we meet them on the porch.
“Bye, Beau.” Jessie winks. “You two have fun.”
Vanessa snickers and I grab her by the waist, whispering in her ear, “Are you as happy as Jessie is about us?”
“Why, whatever do you mean?” she says, using a long southern drawl. “I need to respond to a couple of emails but then I want you all to myself.”
I peck her lips a few times, laughing as I swing her around. “Don’t worry. We’re going to enjoy ourselves today.”
We’ve been dealing with some heart crushing secrets, so I make the final arrangements for us to have a lighthearted day. Since my business is built on people learning to trust each other, I thought it would be fun for us to go through some exercises. I call one of my group leaders, Dan, and make sure he has a few things set up for us. We’ll be alone with no cameras.
I, for one, can’t wait.
She’s outside on the deck, standing in the very spot where I pulled the belt of her dress and began our new path. Today, she’s in yoga pants and a long-sleeved thin maroon sweatshirt that hangs slightly off one shoulder. Her ass is mouthwatering from this view—from any view—but I love how she’s leaning on the banister, bent at the waist, and just staring at the countryside.
