Page 72 of Corporate Escapades

Cutting to the chase, Mikel said, “Vic, would you mind explaining why you were late for the meeting last Friday morning?”

“Sir,” said Vic, “I have no excuse. I don't know if I forgot to set my alarm or what, but my actions were unacceptable. I’m ready to accept the consequences.”

“You’re always prompt,” said Dom. “We raised you to be early. Knowing this isn’t you, even at your worst, we’ve agreed on a suitable response to your misstep. We’re moving you and Paris back into the first apartment you previously shared. Mya and Chase, you’ll go with them to individual apartments on the same floor so you may maintain close contact while they reflect on what it means to be a professional working at ADG.”

“Please, sir,” appealed Vic, “don't punish everyone else for my mistake.”

“Vic, dear,” replied Jessamine, “you need to learn that in a company such as ADG, everyone must work together. Everyone has their part. Your success is their success and vice versa.” True to her nature, Jessamine’s voice was nothing short of empathetic. “The four of you are a team. I believe in you.”

“Now, go on,” said Nicola. “We know you have what it takes, but you need to find it within yourselves.”

The board waited for them to leave. Paris led the foursome out into the hall and shut the door behind them.

Once the kids had gone, Nicola looked at her partners. “What's happened to them? Why have they stopped working together again?”

“I don't know,” replied Dom. “Something’s been off ever since they went to the cabin. At first, I thought they were in better spirits upon their return, but that's not the case at all. We’ve seen a steady decline.”

“Should we have some other employees keep tabs on them?” asked Jessamine.

Mikel shook his head. “Let's wait it out. We already have their coworkers watching for improper conduct within Sense ofAdventure. I think if something’s going on, it’ll come to light sooner than later.”

“Has anyone else reported issues?” asked Cristo.

“No. The only reports we’ve been receiving are those that come from Chase and Mya directly. If they know something, they aren't letting on,” stated Mikel.

“Do we need to sit Mya and Chase down to discuss this further?” asked Nicola.

“Look at it this way,” said Mikel, “if they aren't telling us, that means they’re maintaining at least some form of cohesion. They need to protect their own. We want them to protect each other. They’ll work it out. Do we agree?” he asked the group.

Everyone nodded in response. Mikel was right. If Chase and Mya were still on their team, then at least something was going right.

“All we can do is wait and see what happens this week,” said Dom. “I'm hoping there will be an improvement. I’d hate to have to send them back to the bottom again with so little time left. Either way, we’ve seen some positive changes thus far. They’re at least halfway to where we want them.”

“Sometimes, you need to take a couple of tumbles before your feet are firmly planted on the ground,” replied Mikel.

Walking into her office after the board meeting, Paris was greeted by a lovely scent. One dozen white roses were sitting in a vase on her desk. Snatching the envelope from its holder, she gently coaxed it open, being careful not to tear it. The note was simple and set her heart aflutter.Thinking of you and the wonderful time we had. Yours, Tom.Leaning in, she took a deep breath. How she loved the smell of roses. It seemed the man was smitten with her.

As the week progressed, Paris received several other reminders of Tom's affections. A voicemail saying how he was sorry about his last-minute meeting and having to pull out of lunch, but that he missed their alone time and would make it up to her. A quick note on her desk said how he was thinking of her. A box of chocolates sent to her condo with a note saying he would be out of town Friday night but would like her to come over Saturday when he returned. She couldn’t stop thinking about him. Would he really make such gestures if he didn’t like her?

Vic's week progressed smoothly, aside from him and Paris trying to stay out of each other's way within their not nearly large enough apartment. They were not mean to each other but still spoke few words. He could tell Paris was angry that they were once again stuck in the same place, but they both knew it was a mild price for Vic’s mistake from the prior week. Most frustrating was that the construction still jolted them awake at six each morning.

Vic tried to quell his anger regarding Paris, still seeing Tom. Unlike Paris and Tom, who seemed to want to become even closer, Vic was doing his best to keep his distance from Angela. He nearly succeeded.

Thursday evening, as Vic returned to his office from a client meeting, he found the door unexpectedly closed. Swinging it open, he peered inside. Someone was sitting in his chair with their back to him.

“Hello?” he called out.

“Hello, yourself,” replied the all too familiar silky feminine voice. Stepping inside, Vic shut the door behind him.

“What are you doing here, Angela?” She spun the chair around to face him, and his jaw dropped.

She was wearing only a black low-cut silk and lace slip. Her breasts were nearly busting out of the top. Vic instantly felt atightening in his groin. Lord, how he wished his body wouldn't betray him.

“You aren't happy to see me?” she asked with a fake pout.

“I—”

“Be a lamb and lock the door, won't you?”

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