Page 24 of Accidental Getaway

By the time I make it back up to my room, my heart is racing.

But from exhilaration, not anxiety. I haven’t felt this light in years; it’s a feeling I’m not used to.

My cheeks are sore from smiling. Hiding the ducks had felt like a secret mission.

I was so worried that Alexander would spot me going in or out of the bathroom and have suspicions later when they were eventually found.

So I waited until he was talking to another guest to make my move.

Once in the bathroom, I put a stopper in one of the sinks and filled it with warm, soapy water before setting the ducks in to take a bath.

I snapped a quick picture and then bolted upstairs.

I can’t get over the fact that Niko is the duck bandit.

I giggle at the thought of it and pull out my phone to send him the picture I took downstairs.

Within twenty seconds, my phone buzzes, and I practically jump with excitement. I feel like a teenager.

Niko: Very nice work. Quacktastic, even. Have a good night, Jenni.

I smile at the duck pun but can’t help feeling a bit uneasy. That’s it? Have a good night? That feels like such an abrupt way to end a conversation before it even starts. Who does that? Is he already regretting today?

But then why invite me to dinner tomorrow? Why kiss me outside the hotel? My cheeks burn with humiliation. I’m powerless to stop my mind from spinning.

I try to shake off the feeling that something isn’t right. I’m just hypersensitive because of all the times Malcolm lied to me. Niko isn’t Malcolm. He’s a good guy. He has proven that.

Maybe I’m overreacting, but somewhere in the back of my mind, I remember that I thought Malcolm was a good guy at first, too. I’m not sure I can trust my gut.

Just when I’m about ready to throw my phone out the window just so I don’t agonize about his texts all night long—again with the teenage behavior—my phone buzzes and I almost don’t want to look at it.

He clearly must have changed his mind. He got back to his office, or room, or wherever, and realized I am not remotely in his league.

After a few long seconds, I can’t help but open the message.

Niko: I am really looking forward to dinner tomorrow. Just wanted to let you know that it’s casual attire.

Okay … the man could learn a thing or two about texting with an exclamation point or an emoji thrown in. Maybe he’s just not a big texter? I let out a long sigh and bite my lip. Should I take a chance and respond again? I don’t want to be overbearing, but we have limited time left.

Jenni: Casual is perfect! Hey, I don’t know what you’re doing in the morning, but I’m going to a mosaic art workshop. I saw a flyer in the art gallery. Would you want to join me ?

I pick at my lips while I wait for his response. My lips are incredibly windburned and chapped. I search through my bag and instead of lip balm, my fingers wrap around the little rubber duck. I pull it out.

It makes my heart skip a beat. Niko must have put this on my room service tray. And that was days ago. Has he been interested in me before today?

I smile and lie back on the bed. When my phone starts ringing in my hand, I smile. But it’s not Niko. I cringe and wish I had thrown my phone out the window.

It’s Amber. No doubt, calling to check up on my progress.

I have to answer it despite not having any clue what I will update her about.

I can’t exactly gush about my hookup with Niko and promise that we are still hard at work on the presentation for Monday.

Of course, I haven’t touched the presentation at all today, even though I told her I would get to work on the mockups.

My stomach is in knots, but I swipe to answer before I can chicken out.

“Amber, hi!” My voice comes out as a croak, my throat dry from the day spent in the sun. “How are you doing? How are you feeling?”

I sit up and move to the desk.

“I would be feeling a lot better if I knew what was going on over there. I’m dying back here, Jenni. I need to know everything. What did Mr. Psomas say after the meeting? Why haven’t you sent me an updated presentation?”

I take a deep breath. She sounds intense. This is not going to be good.

“I’m so sorry that we haven’t been able to connect.

I’ve been busy. Niko—I mean, Mr. Psomas had me on a tight schedule of activities today.

It’s been hard to find the opportunity to sit down.

But he was excited about the work we got done and wants to see the samples in a few days.

I was just about to work on them now. Do you have a minute to talk about some ideas? ”

“What were the two of you up to?” she asks, her intensity waning momentarily. “Wait, no, don’t tell me. It’ll just make me regret the little gremlin in my uterus that has had me on bedrest the last few days.”

My mind flashes to floating on my back under a picturesque vista of rocky archways and bright blue skies. Yep, definitely not going to mention that.

“Well, you have me. Ask your questions,” Amber continues abruptly.

She is in a mood. Amber is great almost all the time, but she can spiral with the best of us when she’s having a bad day.

It sounds like today is a bad day. I usually try to give her some grace when she’s on a warpath because she’s had to be a bit cutthroat to successfully run a business, especially as a woman.

But today, I’m in the line of fire and there is nowhere to hide.

“I know we’ve spent most of our time focusing on pretty standard marketing strategies, which are all great.

But I wish you could see the hotel. It’s unlike any typical luxury hotel.

I really think we should play up everything that is different.

They have an art gallery for local artists, a rooftop garden, community initiatives—all of these things really set it apart.

“I know we’ve talked about playing it conservatively, but I think that might be a mistake.

If we aren’t treating the hotel like the unique destination it is, it will fade into a sea of hundreds of similar properties.

I’ve created a three-pronged strategy profiling the community initiatives, unique guest experiences, and amenities. I’d love to show it to you.”

I don’t know how Amber is going to respond, especially given what Niko has already told us about the board. But I think it’s worth a shot.

“That’s all well and good, but we’ve been over this,” Amber responds, sounding annoyed.

“Maybe once we have them on board, we could try a few small campaigns featuring the hotel’s initiatives.

But until then, that information is useless to us.

That’s not what the board is interested in hearing.

They want guaranteed return on investment.

You heard Niko; these guys are entrenched in the luxury market.

They care only about proven ways for you to make them money. ”

I can hear Malcolm’s voice ringing in my head louder than Amber’s on the phone. “ No one actually cares about values or creativity unless those things are bringing in cash. Get your head out of the clouds, Jenni, or you’ll never make it at this firm.”

I thought Amber might be more open to alternative methods, but I guess clients are clients. Money talks. Conformity is comfortable. And she’s right: there’s no use in spending valuable time on the other things unless we get the deal.

“I … Well, yes,” I say, not knowing how else to respond. “You’re right. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have gotten carried away.”

I squirm in my seat. I did do a lot of competitor analysis the other day, and the opportunity for digital, nontraditional marketing is huge. None of that guarantees a return, though. It may or may not assuage Niko’s board members.

Amber sighs in resignation. “Look, Jenni, we need to get this client. I need to make sure you are focusing and not just gallivanting around looking for fun content. We’re marketers, not influencers.”

Ouch. That was harsh. I want to defend myself. I’ve only been gallivanting because that’s what Niko wanted. But she doesn’t know that, and I’d like to keep it that way. Because at the end of the day, I need to make Amber happy if I want a promotion.

“You’re right. I’m sorry. I’ll get right on that. I just …” I really don’t know how to finish that thought. I don’t know what I can tell her to possibly make this all okay .

“I know you see a lot of possibility, but sometimes we have to stick with what works. Don’t get distracted. ”

She’s right. I’ve gotten distracted. She and Niko know best.

“Of course, Amber. I hear you loud and clear.”

“Good,” she says. “Look, I need to go, but please remember who your audience is. Right now, it’s the board, not the potential travelers.”

I hang up the phone and move to collapse on the bed. So much for that idea.

Piper: ALERT! ALERT! Amber is in Devil Wears Prada mode!

A little late. But the text still makes me smile despite it all.

When Piper and I were in middle school, we watched that movie probably a hundred times.

We both loved it so much. We dreamed of getting out of Colorado and making it big.

Piper eventually decided she was more interested in traveling and making just enough money to enjoy life to the fullest, which is exactly how her life has turned out. My dreams, however, haven’t changed.

Jenni: Thanks for the heads-up. Just spoke with her. I need to nail this presentation next week. Amber seems pretty stressed. Going to stay in tonight and hunker down.

I set my phone on the desk, deciding against a social media doomscroll, and go to the bathroom to clean up.

I turn on the shower and look at my tired face in the mirror.

I can’t give up yet. The shower is hot on my skin, burning off the layers of dried salt from the ocean.

I must find a way to make Amber’s presentation work.

I have to play the game. Not playing the game is what got me in trouble in Chicago. Client knows best. Stick to the script.

When I get out of the shower, I have a text from Niko.

Niko: Sounds amazing. I’ve always wanted to do that. Send me the details.

I smile and send Niko the link. Suddenly working all night doesn’t seem so bad when I have that to look forward to in the morning.

Piper: You still up? Feeling better about Amber?

Jenni: Yeah, I think so. She’s got a lot riding on this, and it must be hard not to be here. Hopefully I won’t let her down.

Piper: Good. Don’t let Amber rattle you. You know how she is sometimes. Also, you never told me the rest of the cavern story!

Jenni: Well, it’s a crazy long story, but Niko kissed me. It was magical.

Piper: OMG. Seriously? Details. Now!

Jenni: I can barely keep my eyes open. I’ll call you sometime tomorrow. But it was good. It’s so, so good.

Piper: No wonder you aren’t fazed by Amber. Eeeeek. I’m so happy for you!

Mom: Hi honey! I just wanted to check in. Haven’t heard from you! Is everything going okay?

Jenni: It’s great. I really am having the best time. I just hope I can pull this off.

Mom: Even you don’t, it will be okay. You can always come home. We aren’t kicking you out.

Jenni: I know. But I should be further along by now.

Mom: Maybe. But there’s nothing wrong with where you are. Life isn’t a race.