by Krista Lakes
Chapter 14
Present Day
“Coming up at seven, news from the Middle East...”
I clicked the TV off. I had exactly fifteen minutes before Logan was supposed to arrive. Butterflies danced in my stomach, and I couldn't keep the smile off my face as I slid on my favorite cotton sundress. It was a deep red that darkened to purple as it descended to just above my knees. I had no reason to look forward to dinner with Logan, but I couldn't help it. My body and brain remembered two very different Logans, and right now, my body was remembering harder. I could almost feel his fingers on my skin again, the way his body had felt pressed against mine. I wanted to believe he hadn't meant to hurt me, that all the heartache had been an accident. I wanted to believe that it could turn out better this time.
My cellphone started to ring on my nightstand. Since this was a business trip, I had left it on. I was intending to leave it in my room for dinner, but as I still had a few minutes to wait, I picked it up.
“Olivia? It's me, Susan,” the voice on the other line said. Susan was my best consultant and the manager of the other five home consultants. She was in charge of running things while Maddy and I were on vacation. My smile faded. She was only supposed to call if there were problems.
“Is something wrong?” I asked, hoping that she was just overreacting to something that didn't matter.
“I'm really sorry to bother you on your vacation, but...” Susan hesitated, and I could practically hear her biting her lip.
“What is it, Susan?” Panic was starting to rise in my throat, and the butterflies in my stomach were now dancing to a very different beat.
“Four of our consultants just quit,” she blurted out. It took me a moment, but my knees figured out this was bad news before my brain did and I sank onto the bed.
“What?” I asked, not because I didn't hear her, but because I couldn't believe what I’d heard. “Why?”
“I asked, and they said they weren't supposed to say, but I leaned on Melissa, and she spilled.” Susan took a deep breath. I knew I wasn't going to like what she was going to say. “They were offered positions at Travel, Inc. Same job, but way more money.”
“Are you serious?” This couldn't be happening. I couldn't wrap my head around it. I paid more than average because I wanted to retain the best travel consultants. I couldn't believe Travel, Inc. would stoop this low.
“Yeah. I wasn't sure if she was telling the truth, but then I got a phone call about thirty minutes ago offering the same thing to me. The pay is substantially more, and they wanted us to start right away. No two weeks’ notice or anything,” she told me. I could hear the stress in her voice. “I want you to know, I didn't take it. You have been the best boss I've ever had, and I didn't feel right about it.”
“Thank you, Susan. I really appreciate that,” I replied mechanically. I was reeling. This couldn't be happening.
“I know you’re on vacation, but I figured you should know. I'm really sorry, but I figured this fell under the 'call you if there's an emergency' clause. I sent you an email with all their notices.” Susan sounded dejected. She knew as well as I did that this would be a devastating blow to my business. Without consultants, I didn't have the concierge personalization part of my travel agency. It would take weeks to hire and train new ones.
“You did the right thing.” I took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of my nose. “Who left?”
“Lisa, Joan, Amber, and Stacy. Diane said they called, but she turned them down.”
“Shit,” I whispered. Joan and Amber were my best up-sellers. “This is bad. I'll be on the next flight home.”
“What about your vacation?” Susan asked, surprise in her voice.
“If I don't have consultants making these bookings, then I don't have a business. Without a business, no vacations.” I stood up and grabbed my empty suitcase, throwing it on the bed. “This is low, even for Travel, Inc.”
“I'm really sorry, Olivia,” Susan said. I knew she meant it too.
“It's not your fault. I'll call you once I have a flight,” I told her. Clicking off the phone, I stopped and stared at my suitcase, my vision blurring with tears.
I couldn't believe Logan had done this to me...again. I was about to spend an wonderful evening with him, and he’d already managed to ruin it. Again. I wondered if he was even planning on telling me what he had done or if he was just looking for a good time.
I angrily threw some clothes in the suitcase before getting distracted and instead turned to my computer to open up the email from Susan. All four resignations were there. I hit print and called Maddy.
“Maddy, Travel, Inc.'s trying to ruin us. I have to get home. Will you get me on the next flight back? I don't care how much it costs.”
“Sure,” Maddy answered. “I'm actually at my computer now. What's going on?”
“Four of our consultants just quit. They have jobs at Travel, Inc. now,” I said softly. It felt horrible to say it out loud.
“What?” Maddy squawked. I heard the phone hit the desk and then the scramble for her to pick it up. “How is that possible?”
“I don't know, but I'm going to get to the bottom of it.” Shock had now graduated to anger.
“The earliest I can get you is a flight out at nine tomorrow morning,” she said. I could hear her clicking on her computer. “There are warnings that it might be delayed due to weather, but you're all booked.”
“Thanks. I don't care as long as I can get home to fix this mess. I'll forward you what's happening,” I said, picking up the freshly-printed letters.
“Do you need me to come too? Tyler and I can be packed and ready to go in no time,” she offered.
“No,” I told her. “I can handle it. No reason for all of us to suffer. Besides, this vacation has been so good for Tyler. You two stay.”
“Okay,” she said with a hint of relief in her voice. “Weren't you supposed to have dinner with Logan tonight? I thought Tyler said something along those lines...”
“We were. I'm going to go ask him about this now.” My hands shook with fury. I couldn't believe he would do this me.
“Don't kill him,” Maddy replied, only half-joking. “But if you do, I'll help you hide the body. This storm will make the perfect cover.”
I smiled quickly and hung up the phone. With proof of what his company had done, I stalked out in the hall to confront Logan. It felt like a strange repeat of the past, only this time, I'd let him know just how I felt.
Chapter 15
2 Years Earlier...
I stretched out, surprised to find myself in my own bed. I vaguely remembered Logan asking me about my keys, but I didn't remember putting myself under the covers. I lifted the sheet and found I was still wearing my dress from the night before.
I stumbled out of bed and into the kitchen. For a moment, I hoped I would find Logan asleep on my couch, but the living room was empty. However, sitting on the kitchen counter was a piece of paper. Logan's messy handwriting filled the page.
Dear Olivia,
Thank you for the wonderful evening. I can't remember the last time I had so much fun with someone. It was one of the best nights of my life.
Here is my personal phone number. Feel free to call me anytime.
-Logan
I smiled down at the note. Warm, fuzzy feelings floated through me like marshmallows in hot chocolate. For once, things seemed to be working out the way they were supposed to. I could finally feel success coming my way.
I turned on the coffee machine and went to start the shower. I still smelled like him. I almost didn't want to lose that scent, but the rest of me did not smell so nice. Plus, my hair and makeup now looked like something out of a scary movie. I stepped under the warm water, feeling the night wash free.
I'll have him again, I thought to myself. It made me shiver with anticipation. I wanted to wrap myself up in his arms again. I replayed the night in my head, humming happily as I washed my hair. I loved the way his eyes had glowe
d with want, but there was something more there. I knew I was falling hard for him.
Be honest, I scolded myself. You fell for him the moment you saw him. I knew it was true. I wasn't the type of girl who believed in love at first sight, but then, I also wasn't the type of girl who had sex in the backseat of a limo on the first date, either. We had just connected so well. I could see us actually working out.
My phone rang in the other room, but my hair was full of shampoo suds. I realized I had been standing under the water for twenty minutes without doing anything but thinking of Logan. I ducked under the water and quickly finished up my shower. I hoped the call was from Logan, even though it hadn’t been the requisite three days the movies all claimed he should wait.
With a towel wrapped around my head, I picked up my phone. I had one missed call, but it unfortunately wasn't from Logan. It was from WorldofTravelAgents.com, one of the bigger companies interested in buying my business. I hesitated for a moment before calling them back, apprehension and excitement running through me.
It wasn't official that Travel, Inc. was going to buy me out, but given what happened last night, I was pretty sure it was going to happen. One didn't sleep with the COO and not get certain perks. I was going to have to tell the other companies that Travel, Inc. was buying me out eventually. I decided to give into my excitement from last night and share the news.
“Hello, Mr. Carmichael,” I greeted the man who answered. “Just calling you back.”
“Olivia,” Mr. Carmichael said warmly. “I was just calling to see if you had given our offer some more thought.”
“Actually, I'm going to have to decline,” I said, trying to keep the excitement out of my voice. “Travel, Inc. is ready to start negotiations. I should be signing paperwork this afternoon.”
“Travel, Inc.? That's fantastic!” Mr. Carmichael sounded genuinely excited for me. “From the minute I met you and saw your business plan, I knew you were destined for great things. If Travel, Inc. wants you, there's no way I can compete with what they can offer. Congratulations!”
“Thank you, Mr. Carmichael.” I was blushing and very glad he couldn't see me through the phone. “I really appreciate it. I want you to know that I was very interested in your proposal.”
“Thank you, but Travel, Inc. really will give your business the boost it deserves. I'm so very happy for you,” he congratulated me. “If I were in your shoes, I would be dancing up and down the street. Let me know if you're ever thinking of acquiring more partners. I'd love to have Travel, Inc. as a resource.”
“I will keep you in mind,” I told him. “Thank you, again.”
“My pleasure, Olivia. Good luck with Travel, Inc.,” he said and we both hung up.
I set the phone back on my nightstand and grinned. Things were definitely going my way.
I threw on some clothes and pulled out my laptop. I wanted to start implementing some of the ideas Logan had given me last night while I waited for his call. As I worked, I realized what a gift he had given me with his insights. Some of the issues he had found would have caused some serious delays. He had shortened the learning curve on several of my implementation ideas. I couldn't wait to pick his brain again and learn even more.
I opened up my internet browser to check my email while I waited for my other programs to finish loading. After a few minutes, I laughed as I realized I had opened up his website and had been staring at his company picture. Even on the computer screen, his eyes were mesmerizing and bathed me in their warmth. I hoped we could celebrate Dream Vacations joining Travel, Inc. tonight. I was even thinking of running out to my favorite lingerie shop to make sure I had something special to wear for the occasion.
“Get back to work,” I chided myself softly, closing the webpage. There was still so much for me to do. He'd call when he was ready. Until then, I could get everything set up to make the transition to Travel, Inc. as smooth as possible.
***
I looked up from the computer screen and blinked. The sun was already setting, and the room was getting dark. I hadn't realized how much time had passed while I worked. I had been so engrossed in my laptop and making improvements that I had completely lost track of time. I quickly checked my phone, wondering if I had somehow missed Logan's call. He should have heard something back from his father by this time of day. I had honestly thought I would be a proud employee of Travel, Inc. by now.
No calls. No texts. No emails. I frowned slightly. This wasn't exactly how I had envisioned things, but then I had never been bought by a billion-dollar company before. Maybe it took more time than I thought.
“Yeah, that's it,” I said to no one in particular. “These things just take time. No reason to be nervous.”
I nearly jumped out of my skin when the phone started ringing, vibrating in my hands. I grinned as I recognized the number as one of the extensions of Travel, Inc.
“Hello,” I said warmly into the phone. “This is Olivia Statler.”
“Ms. Statler,” a nasally female voice responded. “This is Mr. Logan Hayes’ secretary. I regret to inform you that Travel, Inc. is no longer interested in purchasing your company.”
My heart sank as I heard her words. “What!?” I frowned at the phone. There was no way I had heard that right.
“We thank you for your time and wish you the best in your endeavors. We at Travel, Inc. hope that you will continue to use Travel, Inc. for all your travel needs,” she informed me.
“I don't understand. May I please speak with Logan Hayes?” I was glad I was sitting because I felt a little faint. There was no way this could be happening. There had to be some sort of misunderstanding.
“I'm sorry,” the woman said. “He's unavailable at this time. Good luck, Ms. Statler.” And she terminated the call.
I stared at the phone in disbelief. This couldn't be real. This had to be some sort of strange initiation joke or something. I ran to the kitchen and searched for the note he had left with his personal number. My fingers shook as I dialed it.
It rang twice. “Mr. Logan Hayes' personal line,” a polite female responded. It was different than the one who had just called. She sounded nicer.
“May I please speak with Mr. Hayes? It's very important.” I managed to sound professional and keep the panic out of my voice.
“Who is calling?” I could hear her typing on a computer somewhere.
“Olivia Statler,” I informed her without hesitation. This had to be some sort of mistake. A funny mix-up we'd all laugh about later.
“I'm sorry, Ms. Statler,” she said slowly. The typing stopped. “I've been instructed to tell you that Mr. Hayes is no longer interested in your company. Professional or private.”
“I understand that,” I said, even though I really didn't. This didn't make any sense. Things had gone so well yesterday! “But I really need to speak with him. It's urgent.”
“I'm very sorry. That's not possible,” she said firmly.
“Not possible? You're sorry?” I was getting angry now. This wasn't funny anymore. I was supposed to be sipping champagne and celebrating with Logan, not chatting with his secretaries about this nonsense. “That's not good enough. This is his private line. I want to know why he was so excited about my company yesterday and today he won't talk to me!”
The secretary was quiet for a moment. “I'm sorry, Ms. Statler. If you would like, I can transfer you to Mr. Gerald Hayes, CEO. Perhaps he can answer that question for you.”
“Thank you. I would appreciate that.” I rolled my eyes at her through the phone. I knew it wasn't her fault, but she wasn't making me feel any better. I did not appreciate being yanked around like this.
I heard her click a button, and hold music started to play. I tried to take deep, calming breaths as I waited for Gerald Hayes to pick up the phone. I was furious, but I knew it wouldn't do any good to yell at the CEO of the company. I needed to be calm, cool, and professional.
“Hayes,” a gravelly, masculine voice answered. It was Logan's voice, but
rougher, as if he had smoked several packs of cigarettes a day for most of his life.
“Mr. Hayes, this is Olivia Statler-”
“I know who you are, Ms. Statler,” he interrupted me. I wasn't phased by it.
“Well, perhaps you can explain to me why your company showed interest in acquiring my business yesterday, but today isn't even willing to let me talk to anyone?” I stood up tall in my kitchen even though I knew he couldn't see me. I felt like it would give me confidence to talk to him as an equal.
“Ms. Statler, you are confusing my son with his business. Travel, Inc. is not interested in your business nor its services. Your long-term marketing is no good, and your plan is doomed to failure. I don't invest in unsound practices, and as such, I’ve declined the offer,” he stated. I could practically see him spinning slowly in a huge, leather chair and smoking a cigar, possibly twirling his mustache. I wanted to punch him.
“But yesterday-”
“Was yesterday,” he interrupted again. “The business world moves fast, and if you aren't ready to move with it, you are going to be left behind. These are the big leagues, little girl.”
I seethed a little at the implication that I was falling behind and that he had the gall to call me a little girl.
“Now, just for the record, you gave an excellent presentation and Logan was impressed, but ultimately, he failed to impress me with what your company would do for my business. There is nothing personal here, Ms. Statler, just business,” he explained.
Just business my ass , I thought. There had to be more to it than that.
“Now, I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t contact us again about this matter. If our interest changes, then we'll contact you,” he said. “I would also advise you to let my son be or we will be pursuing harassment charges.”
“But, Mr. Hayes-”
“Goodnight, Ms. Statler,” he said, then he hung up.
I stared down at the phone in disbelief yet again. I was absolutely dumbstruck. All signs had pointed to yes. What was I going to tell the other companies who’d been interested in me? I couldn't exactly call Mr. Carmichael up and say, “Hey! Just kidding about Travel, Inc.!”