Page 81 of Corporate Escapades

“After we’ve had enough of the pool, we plan to grill and have a fire in the park courtyard. Would you like to join us?” asked Vic.

Mya, nodded and said, “Yes! That sounds great.”

“I guess that settles it,” replied Paris. She felt hesitant due to last night’s extracurriculars, but she was actually kind of excited about sitting around the fire and relaxing outdoors. It would be the perfect continuation of her day.

“Hey guys,” said Jack. Grabbing another lounge chair, he pulled it over to the group and sat down on the edge. “What’s happening?”

“We’re discussing our plans for the day,” replied Chase. “Are you up for grilling and a fire this evening?”

“I’m in! When was the last time we grilled and had a fire?”

“Aside from our little getaway to the cabin, we haven’t had a fire out here once this summer, so, last year,” replied Vic.

Jack smiled back at them. “Well then, that would be why I cannot recall the last time.” Scooting closer to Paris, he tapped her on the shoulder. Tipping her head back, she looked up at him. “You need any sunscreen applied to that beautiful skin of yours?”

“Back off, junior. Mya’s got me covered today.”

“Bummer,” he replied. “I aim to please.”

Vic glared at Jack. It irritated the hell out of him that his little brother wanted to start something with Paris. It fueled an anger he didn’t realize he had. Contemplating the situation further, he realized it wasn’t just Jack. He didn’t want anyone else to touch her. The idea made him see red.

“Hey, are you okay?” asked Mya.

Vic, pulling himself out of his own thoughts, realized he was noticeably balling his fists and clenching his teeth. “Oh, sorry. I was thinking about something,” he replied sheepishly. “Why don’t I get us some drinks. Who wants what?”

The group shouted their orders at Vic, who mentally took them down and wandered off. He was glad to walk away, if even for a moment.

“Is he okay?” asked Mya to whoever was listening.

“I think so,” replied Chase. “He’s going through some stuff, but I think he’s making progress.”

“Aren’t we all,” replied Paris without so much as a glance.

The rest of the afternoon was filled with water games and lounging in the sun while drinking piña coladas, daiquiris, and for Vic and Jack, beers. Paris felt the most relaxed she had in months. There were no other awkward moments between herand Vic. Mya and Jack seemed to be having a great time. Chase always seemed to enjoy himself, so Paris was never concerned about him. All was peaceful and as it should be.

The evening brought further relaxation around the fire. The group reminisced over past trips and how fast time seemed to travel. Vic watched Paris from across the fire. The smile never left her face. Her beautiful black hair shimmered in the firelight. He found himself wishing he was sitting next to her, but he thought it better to keep his distance until they found time to discuss Friday night.

Paris’s time was monopolized by Jack. He had to be next to her at all times. Anytime her drink was empty, he offered to refill it. If she had to use the restroom, he’d offer to walk her there. Vic felt a little sick watching the ridiculous display his brother was putting on, but he told himself to let it go. Paris would never fall for Jack. There was one thing Vic knew to be true, Jack was much too young in Paris’s eyes.

When Monday arrived, Paris found herself wishing it was still the weekend. Saturday had been the most fun she’d experienced in ages. Now it was time to again face their families and see what fate held in store.

“Good morning,” sang Jessamine. “How are the two of you today?” she asked, her icy blue eyes sparkling.

Vic and Paris arrived together with smiles painted on. They discussed over the weekend how they planned to attack their meeting. They didn’t want to give the board any further reasons to question their unity. They vowed to remain intact and work through any issues that presented together.

“They’re great,” chimed Chase as he scooted past Vic and Paris. “They were able to sleep in, so that helps,” he laughed.

“Chase!” scolded Mya. She was already seated at the table. “Let them speak for themselves.”

“We’re feeling good,” stated Vic. “He’s right though, the extra sleep helped.”

“How’d last week go?” asked Dom. “From the look of things, you appear to have mended whatever was in the way of your partnership.” He nodded approvingly.

“We had a long discussion and did some team-building exercises,” replied Vic, to which Paris kicked him under the table. Mya, who was in the know about Paris and Vic’s weekend rendezvous, had to stifle a laugh. Chase was clueless and proceeded to pour himself a cup of coffee.

Mikel slapped his hand on the table. “That’s great to hear!”

“Yes, I concur,” said Cristo. “What type of team-building exercises did you partake in?”

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