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I’ve already made up my mind that she’s coming with me. As much as she may resist, I know it’s important for her professional development and for the cohesion of our team. Plus, I could use the company, especially with Lysa’s unpredictable behavior looming in the background.
With a determined expression, I press the intercom button on my desk phone. “Sarah, could you please ask Jessica to come to my office?”
A few moments later, there’s a soft knock on the door, and Jessy enters, her expression a mix of curiosity and apprehension. I gesture for her to take a seat before speaking.
“Jessica, I wanted to talk to you about the manager’s retreat in Los Angeles,” I begin, folding my hands on the desk in front of me. “I’ve decided that you’re coming with me.”
Her eyes widen in surprise, and I can see the protest forming on her lips before she even speaks. “Ethan, I appreciate the offer, but I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to attend. I’m just an entry-level employee, after all.”
I shake my head, cutting her off before she can continue. “That’s where you’re wrong, Jessica. As one of the concierges, you’re not just an entry-level employee. You’re an integral part of this team. Your insights and contributions are invaluable. Besides, it’s part of your duties as one of my assistants to do as I say.”
She hesitates, clearly torn between her sense of duty and her reservations about attending. But I hold her gaze steadily, willing her to understand the importance of this decision.
Finally, after a moment of tense silence, she sighs in resignation. “Fine, I’ll go. But only because you’re insisting, not because I agree with it.”
I nod in acknowledgment, hiding a bit of satisfaction beneath a façade of professionalism. “Thank you, Jessica. I promise you won’t regret it.”
As she leaves my office, I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation building within me. This retreat will be a chance for us to strengthen our professional relationship, and perhaps, even bridge the gap between us on a personal level.
But for now, I push those thoughts aside, focusing instead on the task at hand—ensuring that everything is in place for our trip to Los Angeles. It’s going to be an eventful journey, one that I hope will bring us closer together in more ways than one.
20
Jessica
The private jet ride to L.A. was an experience in itself. As we stepped off the plane onto the tarmac, I find myself surrounded by a buzz of excitement as my colleagues chatted in clusters.
“Can you believe this place?” Vivian exclaims, her eyes wide with wonder as she takes in the sprawling cityscape before us.
Vivian and I are the only junior staff on this trip. Ethan told me I had to come and I later found out that she was coming as well. Apparently, it is normal for two junior staff members to be picked to join the managerial team on their annual retreat.
Knowing this helped to put my mind at ease that I wasn’t asked to go on this trip because I had once slept with Ethan. Okay, it was more than once, but you know what I mean.
“It’s like something out of a movie,” Jane, another of our colleagues, adds, her voice tinged with excitement.
I nod in agreement, unable to tear my eyes away from the breathtaking view. “It’s incredible,” I murmur, feeling a sense of awe wash over me.
As we make our way towards the awaiting fleet of cars that will take us to the hotel, I can’t help but feel a sense of gratitude that I’m on this trip. I’ve never been to L.A. before, and this being my first time, I have a feeling that I’m going to enjoy it.
I can’t help but feel a sense of awe wash over me. L.A. is a city unlike any other, with its palm-lined streets, sparkling beaches, and endless blue skies stretching out as far as the eye can see.
As we step into the lobby of the hotel, the opulence of our surroundings takes my breath away. Crystal chandeliers cast a soft glow over plush velvet furnishings, and the air is filled with the soft murmur of conversation. This place looks even more luxurious than the Grand Princeton, and I can’t believe that I will be spending the night here.
One of the ironies of working in a place like the Grand Princeton is the fact that I can’t even afford to spend the night there.
As we all head to our rooms, I can’t help but notice how Ethan is being treated. Everyone, including the staff at the hotel, seems to hold him in really high regard. They seem to hang on to his every word, eager to anticipate his every need.
Does he frequent here often? Or is it simply the natural charisma of a born leader, effortlessly commanding the respect and admiration of those around him?
I push the thought to the back of my mind as we reach our rooms, eager to settle in and make the most of our time here.
As we step into our suite, I’m greeted by a breathtaking view of the city skyline. The room itself is spacious and elegantly appointed, with a king-sized bed draped in sumptuous linens and a marble bathroom fit for royalty.
“It’s like something out of a dream,” I breathe, sinking onto the plush sofa and taking in the panoramic view from the floor-to-ceiling windows.
“Indeed, it is. I can’t wait to call my sister on video so she can see this place,” Vivian squeals in excitement as she grabs her phone from her purse and rushes to the balcony.
“I’m glad you like it.” I quickly turn around, almost having whiplash, to see Ethan standing at the door.
