Page 74 of Corporate Escapades

“Damn it, Vic! That goes without saying. What else will you do? You’re running out of time, and I have to tell ya, I'm a little leery about where Mya and I are headed because of your actions.”

Vic hung his head. “I'm realizing that. I know it's a little late, but I do understand. I want to fix this; I just don't completely know how.”

“You have to be on your best behavior. You have to exhibit an executive attitude. You cannot afford to screw up anymore. This has turned into a bigger shit-show than I could have ever imagined. I’m coming over to your place tonight to discuss this further,” he said as he exited the elevator. He didn’t bother to wait for Vic to follow.

Vic headed out to maintenance, where he met his prior boss with a melancholy look.

“I hate to say it, but I knew you'd be back,” said Burt.

“That makes one of us,” replied Vic. “I really thought I was in the clear once I returned to my original position within the company.”

“It can take time to make changes,” he stated plainly. “This time, you better make it count. Suit up, and head to six. Got a broken toilet for ya. I've been advised to keep you and Paris separate for the day, so I'm sending her to work on some paperwork for the department. Your father seemed to think she might need some space to cool down after whatever it is youdid to land the two of you back in my domain.” He studied Vic, looking for an answer.

“I won’t let you down, Burt. I know you don’t want us here either,” he replied.

“For a white-collar boy, you do alright with us, but no, I don’t want you to stay here. You make people happy in other ways. It’s your gift.” He nodded with admiration.

Vic changed clothes and grabbed his tools. At least on the sixth floor, he wouldn’t have to deal with seeing Angela or Tom. No one from Sense of Adventure had much reason to go up to six. His day would be quiet and provide plenty of time to reflect on how to fix the mess he’d made.

When Paris checked in with Burt, she was happy to find she would be taking on some paperwork. She had no desire to clean bathrooms or fix broken toilets.

“You’ll be alright, dear,” said Burt. “I know you’re a bit torqued off by Vic’s actions, but I think he’ll turn it around. Try to be patient,” he said with kindness and understanding. Reaching out, he pulled her into a hug. “On a different note, try not to end up in medical this time around, will ya?” She’d earned a strong reputation as the clumsiest person to have ever worked in janitorial, because of her last stint there.

“I’ll do my best,” she replied, squeezing him harder. “Want to meet for lunch?”

“I’d love to,” smiled Burt. “Anything to have some quality time with my girl.”

“Okay, I’ll come find you at noon,” she replied, and headed for the office.

Paris hit her work hard. She sorted through and made sure each expense was recorded and filed properly. She updatedthe log for work completed throughout the building and even responded to work requests. Lunchtime arrived, and she was happy to take a break. She’d managed to focus all of her energy on work. Her mind never wandered to Vic, not even once.

“How’d it go?” asked her grandfather.

“Great,” she replied. “I’m much better at the record-keeping end of maintenance than I am at the actual labor.”

“Ain’t that the truth,” laughed Burt. “I think I prefer you in the office as well.”

“Where are we going for lunch?” she asked.

“Remember that little café downtown, the Purple Turkey? I believe I took you there one other time.”

“Yes, I recall it well,” she mused. “The last time we went there was to celebrate my move to my current position at Sense of Adventure, or rather the position I previously held before I messed everything up.” She shook her head in irritation at herself.

“Well, today we’re celebrating your return to that position.”

“How can you be so sure?” she asked.

“Sweetheart, if there is one thing I know about you, it’s that you’re extremely determined when you set your mind on a goal.” He gently pat her shoulder. “I have faith, and so we’re going to celebrate.”

Paris wouldn’t object. After all that she’d been through over the past two years, she was pleased that someone in the family was still cheering her on. Her grandfather had always been there for her when she needed someone to say the right words and mean them.

After work, Vic trudged back to his and Paris’s apartment. He hadn’t seen her all day, but he remained unsurprised since he’dagreed to give her some space to think. Entering the apartment, he ripped off his clothing on the way to the bathroom, tossing the articles aside as he went. Turning the shower on, he paused a moment with his hand under the spray, waiting for it to warm. He needed to wash away the memory and feeling of the previous days.

Inside the shower, he silently broke down. It’d been years since he’d felt such emotion flow forth. He let go of the anger he felt toward himself, toward the company, toward Paris, and most of all, his cousin, for leaving him without his best friend. He stood under the hot water until he could no longer take the heat. Then, pulling himself together, he turned off the water and stepped out. Grabbing his towel from the hook at the back of the door, he wiped himself down and walked out of the bathroom, leaving the pain and sadness behind.

Dressed in blue jeans and a t-shirt, Vic sat on the couch waiting for Chase to arrive. He turned on some classical jazz music and let his mind mellow. He knew Chase was angry, but he felt better prepared to deal with him and set things right. He’d nearly fallen asleep when he heard a knock at the door.

“Come in,” called Vic.

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