Chapter 4

"And you’re sarcastic! This is going to be awesome! See you tomorrow, Jane!"

Sam ran to the SUB, which was nearly leaving, and I just stood there watching as the car drove off. I decided to head home.

"Should I text Neil?" I thought. But then I wondered, what would I even say? Hey baby, I just took a job... not really sure what it is. I think I’m traveling. I don’t know where or for how long.

My dogs started barking, but I wasn’t in the mood for a walk, so I just let them in the house.

"Hi babies, I had an awful day at work and could really use some kisses."

Of course, no kisses. They ran straight to the couch and flopped down near the AC.

"You only love me when there’s food involved," I muttered, rolling my eyes.

Just then, my phone rang with an email notification. The subject read Girl Power. I immediately knew it was from Sam. "I like her, she seems fun. Weird, but fun."

The email had huge images attached, so I decided to read it on my laptop. But, of course, Neil’s boxes were everywhere, and I couldn’t find it.

I texted Neil to let him know I needed my laptop, and just like that, he decided to join me for lunch. I called and ordered pizza, then continued my search through the box jungle.

The pizza arrived, Neil arrived, and still, my laptop was nowhere to be found.

"Are you sure you brought it from your parent's place?"

"Yes, I’m sure, Neil."

"Well, I give up. Just use mine. It’s just to read an email, right?"

"Yes, but I need to find my laptop."

"While you read the email, I’ll keep looking, okay?"

"Okay, but remember, this was the room you were going to organize."

"Sorry, baby."

He gave me those puppy dog eyes. I rolled my eyes but grabbed his laptop and logged into my account.

Hi Jane,

We’ll be visiting a lot of places. Your job will be to take notes and gather all the necessary information for our next product. We’re exploring new markets, and we need to decide what characteristics we should focus on for a successful product introduction. This could take weeks, so pack for every climate. We heard you have two dogs and a cat. Don’t worry, we’ve already made arrangements. Since the new product is experience-based with pet-friendly activities, we’d like them to join us on the trip. Tomorrow at 7 AM, a driver will pick you up. I’ll attach a map with all the places we plan to visit.

PS: Don’t worry about the job here. Tomorrow, I’ll arrive with one of our most capable employees to handle everything.

Good night, your friend, Sam Mendoza.

GIRL POWER

I stared at the map attached to the email. "It’s a world map." How is this even possible? I had a great job, an amazing boyfriend, and my family nearby. And now? I’d be living out of suitcases, hopping between planes with my pets, and with a boss who definitely doesn’t like me. All of this in just five hours.

"I found your laptop! Are you crying?"

(Jane)

Alright, let's backtrack. You weren’t paying attention in the meeting, then automatically agreed to something when your dad mentioned it. Next thing you know, you’ve accepted a new responsibility that turned out to be a job. And now, you’ve discovered this job requires you to travel, not just across the country—but maybe even around the world. “Why am I even correcting him? This is the worst-case scenario...” The tears started to well up. “Worst part? I’m traveling the world with Maxx, Nilo, and Fritz for weeks, and I have no idea what I’m even supposed to do, because the email was so vague. Does that sum it all up?”

I couldn’t hold it in anymore, and I began to cry uncontrollably.

I don’t want to go. I want to stay here with you and my family. The boss hates me because I stupidly threatened him and told him I don’t like him—which is true, but still…

Why would you say that to your boss? Wait, did you actually threaten him? Or was it all in your head?

I didn’t know he was my boss, Neil! He’s so irritating and acts like he’s better than everyone. I hate it!

Don’t worry, babe. It’s only two or three weeks, tops. The email said weeks, right? Not months. So you’ll be back before you know it. Think of it as an opportunity to grow and experience new things, like a summer course abroad. But better, because you’ll have the dogs and Fritz with you.

I could feel myself starting to calm down. I hugged him, focusing on his heartbeat, trying to steady my breath so I could stop crying. Minutes passed, and Neil just kept gently stroking my head, reassuring me that everything would be okay—that we’d be okay. I love him so much.

I lifted my head from his chest and looked into his eyes.

Thanks for that. You always know exactly what to say.

Listen to me, Jane. You’re the strongest, most powerful, and capable woman I’ve ever met. You can do this, and anything else that comes your way. And I’ll be right there beside you, every step of the way.

His words made me feel unstoppable, and my confidence came rushing back. I knew he was right. Nothing had ever stopped me before, and nothing would now. I stood up, determined.

Where are you going?

Packing.

I opened the closet, and then my confidence hit a wall. Pack for every climate? As if that’s even possible. “Just pack some formal winter clothes, and some for summer,” I told myself. I could mix and match, pairing lighter pants with warmer tops, just to be prepared for any type of weather. I began tossing clothes onto the bed. The shoes and accessories part was easy. By the time I was done, I had a bag for shoes and a suitcase filled with clothes, makeup, and accessories.

Then I heard the door open, and Neil walked in with a plate of pizza.

You didn’t eat lunch.

I was about to.

More like dinner.

I turned to look at the clock. It was already 8 PM! “Did Neil go back to work?”

Forget about lunch! You didn’t go back to work?

Yeah, I did. I just came back and saw the pizza plate still in the microwave. And Fritz was licking the juice glass I left on the table for you.

Sorry, I didn’t notice the time. I was just packing.

Did you pack everything in those two bags?

Yes, I did!

Winter clothes? Pajamas? Formal clothes? High heels? Normal shoes? Underwear? Toothpaste? The leashes? Dog bowls? Fritz’s stuff?

Yes, yes, yes, yes, and no. I forgot the dogs and Fritz.

I thought so. I’ll grab the dogs’ stuff, and you take care of Fritz’s stuff, but after you finish that slice of pizza.

Okay.

He smiled and left the room. I sat on the bed, eating the pizza. Fritz came over and started purring on my legs. The sound was soothing, and I closed my eyes, trying to focus on what my life had become. But then I heard a knock and some scratching. I jolted awake and looked at the time—5:30 AM. "In an hour and a half, they’ll be here for me!" I jumped out of bed, feeling the panic set in.

Babe, what are you doing?

Neil, I fell asleep! I didn’t prepare anything for Fritz!

Yeah, I noticed. So, I went ahead and took care of it for you. Sleep for just twenty more minutes, and then the alarm will wake us up. We’ll have time for a shower and breakfast.

Thank you!

I jumped back into bed and gave him a big kiss, pulling him close and then drifting back to sleep. Those twenty minutes felt like the best of my life! But soon, I felt like they had lasted too long…

“Don’t they already last too long?” I thought as I opened my eyes and saw the time: 6:46 AM. I grabbed Neil’s phone, realizing he had set the alarm for 5:50 PM! “Why did I trust him with the alarm?” This always happened with him. Without thinking, I grabbed my weapon of choice—a pillow—and threw it right at his face.

You set the alarm for PM again! It’s already late!

What?! I’m so sorry, babe! I’ll start breakfast, and you get changed!

Don’t apologize. This was my responsibility, and you helped me more than you should have last night.

He kissed me on the forehead and went straight to the kitchen. I started changing and moving my luggage toward the door. As I did, I heard the doorbell. I opened it, and to my surprise, standing there was William—my new boss.

“Mister Parks is in sweatpants and a light grey shirt,” I thought to myself as I blinked in surprise.

Are you done eyeing me? Can we leave now?

Who was eyeing you? I just assumed a driver would pick me up.

You thought? Or did you prefer it that way? What was it you said again? Ah, yes, I remember—you don’t like me.

I’m sorry for yesterday, Mister Parks. But trust me, I’m very professional with my work.

I hope so.

He grabbed my luggage, but then his face twisted slightly as if he smelled something awful. “Did I not shower this morning? Do I smell that bad?” I thought. I had showered yesterday morning, so it couldn’t be that. Maybe he didn’t like the smell of dogs. But this job was all about pet-friendly activities, so that would be strange. I pulled my shirt up to my nose and sniffed it, but there was no scent.

Should I come in and grab your pets, or are you taking them out yourself?

I’ll go.

Just as I turned around, I bumped into Neil, who had both Nilo and Max’s leashes in one hand and Fritz’s travel carrier in the other.

I’ve got the dogs and Fritz all ready to go.

Thanks, Neil.

I turned to face William again.

Mister Parks...

But then, I saw an unfamiliar face.

Sorry, who are you?

Hello, Miss Peterson. I’m Dan, and I’ll be your driver today. Mister Parks is already expecting you in the car. I’ll take the dogs and the cat to the SUV.

Well, have a great trip, and don’t forget to eat the quesadillas. They were made with all my love.

He handed me a container that was a little hot, then kissed me on the lips.

We’re going to miss the flight!

I heard Mister Parks' voice, and it startled me.

Goodbye, Neil. I’ll call every night!

I quickly ran toward the car and saw Neil closing the apartment door. I held back my tears and walked toward the SUV, where my dogs were being placed in their cages.

Where are you going? William asked.

To the SUV with my pets.

No, you’re driving with me.

I turned and saw Mister Parks standing next to a beautiful Audi. I’d never seen a car like it—it looked like a race car. Then I heard Maxx’s bark.

Thanks, but I’d prefer to be with my pets.

That SUV has been modified. The only seats available are the driver and co-pilot seats.

Well, I’ll be Dan’s co-pilot then.

At that moment, William stormed off, looking so angry that I could practically feel the heat of his frustration. I just closed my eyes and let the wind rush past me. “I think he passed me already.”

When I opened my eyes, I saw the Audi was already in motion. Determined, I walked to the SUV and opened the co-pilot door, buckling up.

Hello again, Dan.

Hi, Miss Peterson.

If looks could kill, I’m pretty sure my glare would’ve destroyed him in an instant.

What are you doing here?