Out of Office

Chapter Twenty-Four

Genevieve

The steps Adrián and I took together to secure our life were a source of happiness I hadn’t experienced in a long time.

Adrián’s speech to Ricard, and our day in Overtown were the fire I needed to start thinking strategically and boldly different. My goal had transformed to include me. To include my needs and my passion. My family and my well-being. Encouraged, I planned to demand more flexibility in my schedule, and the ability to work from home.

All through the day I’d fretted about opening this conversation, practicing counterarguments in the mirror. The ask felt simple, but it was a momentous occasion for me. I’d lacked imagination before, of what things could be for me.

One path, one way, one goal.

With my requirement of security, it had been so easy to fall into this structured mind frame, where vacations were not resets but rewards, where extra work was expected, and balance was eschewed. Now, that mind frame no longer served me, but the passion for the work hadn’t diminished. That was why I’d struggled so much with these last weeks at work. How could I influence my field, while being true to myself? Adrián opened the door to how that could look, and now I didn’t want to look back.

“I want flexibility, to work from home at least two days a week.”

Ricard studied me while I explained my stance, how the scope of the work that had landed in my lap required some pivoting, how constant travel for acquisitions would erode my ability to maintain balance, and how the possibility of working from home would provide a more holistic approach to my weeks. She let me speak and speak, then delivered a chilling message.

“You should have negotiated that before you took the job. We have a vision of what the VP roles are about, and collaboration is a must. This is why the regions are all under one roof, which will not change.”

The message crushed me. Her lack of compassion disappointed me, draining me of all the energy I’d canvased for the day. I walked away, discouraged and disillusioned. I needed to regroup. This couldn’t be the end of it?

Battling a deep annoyance, I reminded myself of what I signed up for when I graduated college, even before that. My goal had been simple, and the vehicle had been diligence, ambition, and drive. Somewhere along the line, though, the goalpost had transformed, and I no longer desired the next best role.

My mind and my heart had never been in opposition, but lately, my heart’s desire challenged me to look at my plans and really examine what I wanted in life.

I wanted Adrián.

I wanted health, travel, a fulfilling, balanced career, and family time.

My ambitions transformed as I expanded my view of what was possible.

Those thoughts circled my brain as I entered the global cuisine restaurant where I had agreed to meet my mom.

“I can’t believe you’re not at that general manager conference networking during lunch,” was my mom’s greeting.

“Well, hello to you too, Mama.” I embraced her and sat at the table. I could imagine the striking picture we presented. Her in her crisp black suit with just a hint of pink on the collar. Me with my pencil skirt and structured blouse. Impeccable makeup and hair. Power women in a power lunch.

Your appearance is your best calling card. It was one of Lissette’s mantras and possibly the one that had sunk in the most. Right now, though... I wished we could just be mother and daughter. No armament necessary.

“What? What’s wrong? You know you should be networking,” she insisted while I sat there wishing for the impossible.

“It’s the closing lunch. It was optional. I needed to talk to you.”

“Why? Everything is going well now that that boy has shown he actually has drive. Imagine the power couple you’ll make in a few years!” This had been a recurring message from the moment I told her of Adrián’s past career. I sighed.

“That’s not what I want. I’m sure as fuck that’s not what he wants either.”

“So vulgar. No need to curse, child. Come, let’s order,” Mom commanded as the server approached our table.

I’m not sure what I was expecting of her, but I wanted her advice.

Once the entrees arrived, we settled in to eat; I tried again.

“I asked Ricard to be able to work remotely. If Adrián agrees to the position, I want to have flexibility. She shot me down, and I need advice on approaching it again.”

Mom’s fork slowly clacked against the plate.

“Girl... You asked for what? Were you even in a position of influence when you entered the bargaining table?”

“Well, no, but Ricard told me she wanted change.”

Mom pursed her lips in disappointment. The sight didn’t make feel me the need to prove myself any longer, but it saddened me nonetheless.

“Change for her is moving from all white males in the room to what she’s hired now. That is the extent, and...listen, baby girl. I... I’m proud of you. For pushing the boundaries. And your relationship with that boy, he...he makes you happy, don’t he?” My heart soared at my mother’s capitulation. With shaking hands, I nodded, too moved to do much more than that.

“He does, Mama. He makes me realize there is more to life than the chase.”

Mom’s gaze softened, and she reached out and cupped my cheek. I took a deep breath, enjoying the rare gesture of affection, a balm to cherish for harder days.

“Good. I know you and I have been at odds. I wanted to blame it on that boy, but I’ve been taking stock. I pushed too hard. All I’ve ever wanted is for you to stand on your own two feet.”

My eyes burned as I let my mom’s word wash over me. She hadn’t been that oblivious to our recent rift, and in her own way she was trying to fix it. I breathed a sigh of relief. The tension of many disagreements and conversations ending in disappointment dissolved. Knowing my mother’s past, I’d utilized all my patience to deal with our dynamic, but I was so glad to have her acknowledge it wasn’t sustainable anymore. I loved my mother. No matter how hard she could be, Mom was so important to me and being at odds with her as I started this new path...it hadn’t felt right.

Her silent blessing of my marriage to Adrián mended something I hadn’t realized was broken inside.

“I know, Mama... I know, and I love you.” I didn’t know how we arrived at this place of introspection, but I was so thankful.

“So enough with the mushiness. If you want something, you must approach it from a position of power. Go back and bargain when you figure out what that looks like.”

Now that I had the backing of my mother, you would think things should feel better.

My career woes loomed over me, threatening the balance I was achieving in my personal life with Adrián, and I had no idea how to make it all work. I’d studied to be a career woman, successful, but no one had taught me how to manage the personal side that I now so desperately wanted to master.

With my head in turmoil, the date of our wedding crept up on me, silent and unexpected. I tried not to bemoan the fact that work, life, and everything had prevented me from focusing on what should be the happiest day of my life.

I should have had time to plan, maybe host a little reception in one of the hotels for Anibal’s region, but instead we were doing the bare minimum because of the need for speed. We’d agreed we’d prioritize getting the paperwork, then revisit the conversation about any type of ceremony. It was the logical, mature thing to do. So why did it feel like a gut punch any time we discussed logistics of our wedding day?

The marriage certificate process had been straightforward. Almost too simple.

Anticlimactic.

“So, we go to the court on Friday. We’re gonna be together anyway after your convo with Ricard,” Adrián said as he scarfed down the greens, mac and cheese, and baked chicken I made for him while I tidied up around the kitchen. Our Saturday so far had been fantastic, sprinkled with some work I couldn’t leave for Monday.

“Yeah, yeah. That sounds like a plan,” I murmured, the clank of silverware against the sink masking my disappointment.

“Hey, what’s up? You sound sad? What happened?”

Drat the man for not letting me wallow in peace. I refused to say anything about the court plan. He’d been adamant about wanting to be equal partners, so planning a reception even if small wouldn’t be possible. Right now, I paid all the bills and he paid for groceries with whatever money he received from LasDell’s partnership. I couldn’t and wouldn’t burden him with my newfound princess white dress wedding dreams. It was silly. It was all just, silly.

“I shouldn’t have cooked so much, especially with tonight’s dinner cruise,” I answered instead, turning around and regaling him with the biggest smile I could muster. He studied my face and I sighed in relief when he finally looked back down to his food.

“Are you kidding? This is good, Preciosa. I promise I’ll pretend to like the food tonight half as much as your cooking,” he joked.

“You’re gonna be stuffed. Are you sure you want to go? I thought it would be better to stay home...chill.”

“Nah...if we stay home, you’re gonna work. You did that plenty last weekend. Besides, remember your dream?”

“I said exploring new surprising things, not hanging out on a sunset cruise with a bunch of octogenarians.” I folded my hands over my chest.

“No worries, I won’t tell the crew what you said about them,” Adrián deadpanned and stood up to clear the table.

“You got jokes.” He knew I wasn’t referring to my friends. Gino and his boyfriend had invited us to this dinner cruise, apparently a favorite activity to do for the two of them. As Anita was still in town after the GM conference, I invited her to come along. My mistake was extending the invitation as Anibal and Arjun were walking by, so now it had become a thing.

I just wanted to lie down and chill with Adrián. Let my hair down and let go of my worries about work, and our wedding, and his pending decision. I just wanted to relax. Maybe ask him to show me some of that slow loving he talked about. I wanted to show him some tricks I had searched for, the Google search becoming way steamier than I had bargained for.

Tonight, I planned to seduce him.

I couldn’t help myself; I could sense he was a bit more adventurous than me, and I wanted to explore. Surrender myself to the passion ever simmering between us, and for once take my time with him. No rushing. Sweet steamy sex until the morning found us tangled in our sheets.

“You want to stay?” he asked as we got ready together side by side, startling me out of my horny thoughts. I flushed, attempting to act put together while my plans for tonight teased me.

“No, I think it will be fun. And you’re right. If it was just me, I’d already be in my onesie eating ice cream and binge-watching streaming service reality TV.”

“I mean, if you’re wearing one of the onesies, I might be persuaded to stay.” He inched closer to me, his woodsy cologne lingering around him.

“Behave!”

“That’s not what you said last night when you were bouncing on top—”

I covered his mouth with my hand, and he kissed my palm, further eroding my resolve.

With a great deal of diligence mixed with teasing seduction, we managed to head out with enough time to feel comfortable and not rushed. Adrián and I cut a striking figure. Him wearing a white guayabera shirt and cream linen pants, which miraculously had no creases, and his gold chain that gave him that extra swagger I so loved about him. Me with my white jumpsuit with plunging cleavage and flowy pants that accentuated my curves. I couldn’t wait to get home and strip us of it all and enact my steps to seduce him.

The beach town just north of Fort Lauderdale boasted a mix of white art deco buildings interspersed with modern newer developments. People walked on the sidewalks, some still in their bathing suits, others dressed for some form of entertainment. The eternal vacation feel lingered here and I wistfully thought of Villa Bonita and the habitants of Aguimar. I wondered how things were in Adrián’s little town. With everything with his papers, I wasn’t certain when we would return together. Gratitude and sadness mingled, putting in perspective again everything that he had put on the line for me. Adrián smiled at me, and just like that, he transported me to the present with him. I could and would leave the worries aside for the night and enjoy our time together. He deserved that. I deserved that.

“My man!” Anibal boomed when we approached the deck area before embarking.

Adrián clapped Anibal on the back, then embraced Gino and Mark. Anibal and Gino looked like two burly bodyguards next to lean and shorter Mark. The cruise waited for us—a three-story extravaganza with windows everywhere. A group of five elderly Black women passed by, clearly having the time of their life.

“See.” I tugged at his sleeve, and he smirked.

“Don’t start,” Gino admonished me, and I threw up my hands in surrender.

Just before I turned to check my phone for Anita’s whereabouts, she descended from a hired ride, flawless in a yellow sundress, which contrasted beautifully with her dark skin and opulent curves. The muttered curse to my right, where Anibal stood, told me all I needed to know. Arjun descended right after her and Anibal cursed yet again.

“Wasn’t she engaged?” Adrián murmured in my ears, and I shivered at his touch.

“Why would you assume...” Adrián gave me a look and then stared at her finger. No ring. I sighed. “Things are not looking too good. Different views in life,” I whispered back.

Shit, I needed to connect with my girl. I hoped she was okay; her wanting to stay behind for a few extra days in Florida made more sense now. Her relationship woes bubbled up some of that discomfort I hadn’t been able to shake even when things were going so smoothly between Adrián and me.

Anita and her fiancé had known each other from Sunday school back in the day. If life circumstances had overpowered their relationship, what hope was there? No, no, no, Genevieve, focus on the present.

Maybe I needed to resurrect Hot Girl Gen. She made things happen, she went for what she wanted and left no prisoners. My life was richer due to her efforts.

Where had she been these past months? Hot Girl had deserted me the moment shit got real, just when I needed her dearly.

Adrián squeezed my hand, and I gave him a stilted grin, my cheeks feeling unnatural around the gesture. SOS, Hot Girl Gen!

“What’s up, y’all,” Arjun said.

“Hola! So is everyone ready for this cruise?” Anita grinned and we all followed.

“Yo, I see the appeal of these dinners!” Anibal said as we all chatted. The buffet had some okay options, and some wins enough for me to be satisfied after dinner. Now we were all relaxing, watching the houses of the rich and famous as we commandeered a comfortable area with plush leather seats surrounding the rear of the boat.

The Florida breeze was kind to us, cooler than usual for a summer night.

“Yeah, that conga line during dessert time was epic,” Adrián said straight-faced. And we busted out laughing.

I gasped. “Take it back!” I cuddled into him as we all dissolved in giggles.

“Damn, what’s wrong with them? I love a good conga line.” Anita chuckled. “And did y’all see Anibal? All the older ladies were dying to pull him to do the electric slide.”

“I’m not inviting y’all to anything ever again,” Gino scoffed in between chuckles.

I was dying of laughter, my stomach hurting from all the jokes flying between us. The conversation flowed as we all discussed different topics. Here was another proof of the things I had put on the back burner for my career. This type of camaraderie was something sorely lacking in my life. My lunch and dinner dates with Gino were fantastic, but this? Having a group of friends and the actual time to be with them was a luxury that felt difficult to achieve with all the work I had in front of me. Even now, the mountain of emails I had left unread mocked me, reminding me of the extra hours I would have to surrender this week.

But I had no logical answer for my dilemma, no brilliant idea besides having another conversation with Ricard, and the odds of that going any different settled like acrid dread in my stomach. Attempting to keep the emails in the back of my mind, instead I focused on my travel tips. Maybe that would resurrect that trifling girl who had abandoned me to real life, and real-life problems.

Pulling out my phone, I took a picture of the horizon as the sun disappeared into the darkness.

“You’re gonna post that on your social media? You should put one of the captions from your journal that you showed me last night. That topic of planning a staycation during the weekend? I thought that was brilliant. I love that you’re leaning into your girl travel vibe,” Adrián whispered in my ear.

“Really? I thought you didn’t like social media?”

“For me, but for you...it’s lovely, you light up when you do it.”

Oh, be still my heart. My man was the perfect cheerleader. My man. A thrill bubbled up from my stomach, lodging into my chest and filling me with the joy I had been searching for all day. His ability to make me look at the bright side was astonishing. I grinned at him, cupping his cheek, raspy with his growth, leaning into and getting lost in the luxuriantly soft lips of my man.

“Who lights up? What are y’all whispering about? No secrets!” Gino said, and I flushed, attempting to rear back from Adrián, but he didn’t allow me to pull back until he was good and done with the leisurely kiss that stirred things down between my legs, and deep in my chest. He finally let me go, pulling my bottom lip with him as if he never wanted the kiss to end. I sighed after our lips parted, and wondered how much longer this boat would keep us here.

“Genevieve has been doing a travel journal, and I’m encouraging her to post online as well,” Adrián said, much more composed than I was. My cheeks were hot to the touch, and I pulled out my fan to reduce some of the heat gathering around me.

“Those posts you made during your last trip to the islands were unique, and did you see that? Black Travel Chronicles shared it on their account!” Anita pointed out, and I grinned shyly as everyone gassed me up.

“I know the owner of the publication. She went to school with me at FIU,” Anibal shared.

“What? I didn’t know that?” I exclaimed, an odd excitement rushing through me. I wasn’t shy to share that what the owner had done with her publication had become a main point of admiration for me. What a creative way to marry your passion for travel and business acumen. I’d been sleuthing a bit wondering how I could find a way to partner with her and her team for some opportunities, but I was still conceptualizing.

“Do it,” Adrián whispered in my ear, so in harmony with my train of thought, it was eerie. The warmth of his woodsy scent, so close to me had me fanning faster, to keep my temperature regulated to acceptable socializing levels. I turned a mischievous gaze at Adrián, then tried to change it to an admonishing one when he slid his hand down my waist, past my hips and close to my ass, but he just smirked and winked. Oh, he knew what he was doing. He tapped my behind and nodded toward Anibal. “Go ahead,” he urged.

“Anibal, I’d love to connect with them. I have ideas on what we could do for Villa Bonita and the Tropics hotels in Central America and the Caribbean. Maybe some feature of special events in those destinations. An intimate wedding in Villa Bonita. We could get an influencer couple to get married there...”

“Oh.” Adrián’s surprised murmur reached my ears, and I turned to watch him. What did he think I had in mind? I searched his surprised expression, but he shook his head, shrugging then gifting me that beautiful smile of his.

“Thank you,” he mouthed, and I realized he hadn’t expected me to think of Villa Bonita, but how could I not—Villa Bonita was the place of my heart; one of the concepts I had was an intimate tropical wedding, and Villa Bonita shining in the background of a couple saying their vows...

A cold chill raced through my veins as the couple materialized with faces. Adrián and me saying I do in the place where we fell in love. My unease, my dissatisfaction with a judge of the peace marrying us... I wanted more than a court procedure. I want time to explore with him after our wedding, I didn’t want to be worried about emails piling up in my inbox, and disappointing anyone. I didn’t want the tension gathered in my shoulders every Sunday afternoon when I realized it was time to go to the office Monday morning. But more than anything I wanted to go back to Colón with Adrián and say I do. Hot Girl Gen had spoken, and I wasn’t ready for what she had to say. None of the things she wanted made sense in my current reality.

We couldn’t travel.

Adrián could not leave the States until he had his green card, which could be a year from now. I had a career that required diligence, ambition, and drive. I’d built a life based on those tenets.

An ache settled in my chest, but I was being fanciful; at the end, marrying Adrián was the prize regardless of how we did it or what came next.