Page 9 of No Such Thing as Serendipity

There was only one other item I’d ever scratched out. I flipped back a page and stared at the entry.

Get a pet—cat or dog.

Early in my career, I’d deemed it unattainable with my ambitions, so I’d crossed it out years ago.

In weaker moments, I wished I’d used a pencil instead of a pen.

But it was the practical choice. I lacked time for the complications of a pet.

While I could hire someone to care for Rover or Tabby, what life would they have? No, it was for the best.

I flipped back to the page with Become a CEO , and my pen hovered over the entry.

My hand shook, and I dropped my pen. I needed to get a grip.

One setback wouldn’t defeat me. After all, I had a full spreadsheet of potential leads.

I closed the notebook and swept it into my desk drawer.

Time to dig deeper into my shortlist of potential suitors.

After two fruitless hours, my eyes were blurry, and I was no closer to an answer than when I’d sat down. Fuck. What was wrong with me? Perhaps Emma had a point. Was I burned out? I couldn’t remember the last time I’d taken a vacation.

I suppose it wouldn’t hurt. It might even help. Make them hungry for me to join their firms. It’d give me more negotiating power if I appeared aloof and a touch uninterested. Leaning back in my chair, I imagined the places we could go.

An Olivia Cruise? I pursed my lips. Would they let Emma on board?

I rolled my eyes. I doubted they demanded proof of lesbianism or bisexuality to board the ship.

What would I show them for proof? I didn’t wear Doc Martens; I didn’t dress my pets up like children, and I hated Home Depot.

My absurd thoughts lightened my mood—slightly.

Perhaps the South of France or even Hawaii. I nodded, starting to accept that it wasn’t a horrible idea. My dream job would still be waiting for me when I returned. I’d be refreshed and ready to hit the ground running. Fortitude and Marta wouldn’t get the best of me. I’d show them both.

I snatched my phone from my desk before I could change my mind.

“Hey,” Emma said on the first ring. “Ready to take an adventure with me?”

I scowled. How did she know I’d reach out? On principle, I wanted to concoct another reason for calling, but I’d just have to call her later.

“A vacation with my sister might be fun,” I answered.

She gasped. “Did you just mention fun and vacation in the same sentence?”

“Very funny. Don’t be a smartass, or I might change my mind.”

She laughed. “So you’re really ready to do it.”

“Yep. A week on a beach might do me good.” I figured dropping a hint about my preferred destination wasn’t a bad idea.

“Um, that’s not the deal. It’s four weeks, and I pick.”

“No way! Four weeks?”

“That’s how long Andrew and the kids will be gone. I’m not spending my summer alone.”

“But I can fly you out to meet them once we return.”

“Nope.”

I waited for her to say more. When she didn’t, I said, “Nope. That’s it?”

“Yup.”

I bit down on my lip. She was testing me, but I wouldn’t take her bait.

Following a long silence, she said, “Deal or not?”

While small, it was a tiny victory that she spoke first. “I suppose I can swing four weeks.”

“All right.” If I didn’t know her better, I’d swear the delight in her voice was mocking. “And you’re agreeing to the rest of the terms?”

“There’s more?”

“I make all the decisions. You make none. ”

“Define all.”

“Google it.”

“Fine.” I pounded on my keys, hoping she’d hear. “Whole. Entire. Including everything or everyone, without exception.”

“That sums it up. Note, without exception.”

“So you’re gonna tell me when I can poop?”

“I’ll waive bodily functions.”

“I don’t know. It says without exception.”

“Well, if you insist.”

I chuckled. “Sheesh, when did you become such a tough negotiator?”

“You think you’re the only one that knows how to close a deal?”

“You mean I have room to negotiate?”

“Nope.”

“Back to the one-word answers?”

“Yep.”

“Fine. When do we leave, boss?”

“June 9,” she answered without hesitation.

“Whoa. That’s decisive.”

“I’ve had time to reflect since it took you so long to come to your senses.”

“Why June 9?”

“It’s the day after Andrew and the kids leave.”

“Do I get any input into our destination?”

“Nope.”

I groaned. “I could send you some suggestions.”

“Nope.”

“I need to know, so I can pack accordingly.”

“I’ve got it covered. You need new clothes anyway.”

“You’re choosing my clothes, too?”

“What part of all are you confused by?”

I sighed, knowing I wouldn’t win this argument. No way would I give up control to anyone except Emma, but I’d break her down. I’d be in charge of the vacation within a week. I smiled to myself and said, “You win.”

“Uh...”

My smile widened at leaving her speechless. “Any other rules I need to know about?”

“I think that covers it,” she said.

“Just use my credit card. Clothes. Reservations. Whatever.”

“No.”

“What? I’m paying for this.”

“Yeah, but I’m not stupid. You’ll be able to monitor all my purchases. You can wire me the money.”

“How much?”

“I dunno. Twenty thousand?”

“Are you kidding me? You’ll need more than that.”

“Well, how about twenty-five?”

I rolled my eyes. “I’ll send you the money.”

While she talked about how eager she was for the trip, I logged into my bank account. Two hundred fifty thousand should be a good start. I sent the money. Hopefully, once she got it, she’d think bigger, and we’d be sipping wine on the shores of the Mediterranean.