Pretending in Paradise Read online

“No. My assistant made sure to let Emma know we’ll be meeting today.”

  Caroline nodded. She certainly had her work cut out for her. “I trust you’ll handle Emma’s reprimand, and I’ll get started with the online backlash.”

  “But I don’t want to reprimand her, Caroline. Emma is a very good employee.”

  “I don’t doubt that, but we’re dealing with public perception.” Caroline weighed her next words carefully. While she often considered her role within a company autonomous, she always had to behave properly around the person who signed her paychecks. “I’m not here to pass judgment on the employees,” she said, closing her briefcase. “My job is to clean up the messes they make, and from what you’re telling me, Emma will be keeping me busy.”

  Ronaldo laughed heartily. “That’s true for many of us here at Travel Wisdom. That girl certainly keeps us on our toes.”

  A tall blonde swung the door to Ronaldo’s office open a second later, marching in and dropping a pile of papers on Ronaldo’s desk. The slips were creased and crumpled and barely held together by a thin rubber band.

  “There you go, Ronnie. Those are my expenses from my trip to the lodge up on the Finger Lakes. The people were boring, but the place was gorgeous. I got a lot of great sunset shots. At the very least, I’ll sell a few pieces.”

  Caroline watched as the rude intruder tossed her long, wavy hair over her shoulder and turned to exit just as quickly as she entered.

  “Speak of the devil,” Ronaldo said under his breath. “Emma, wait a minute. I want to introduce you to someone.”

  “Make it quick. I have a tip about a new resort I have to follow up on before the meeting. Speaking of, what’s it about? Rich wouldn’t give me any info over the phone.”

  Caroline watched keenly as Emma scanned her phone, not even looking at Ronaldo. Caroline wanted to know where this young woman acquired such large brass balls.

  He looked at Caroline with a nervous smile. “This is Caroline Beckett. She’s the newest member of our PR department. I’ll be introducing her during the meeting, but since you’re here I figured I’d just introduce you now instead of then.”

  Emma looked up briefly, her gaze starting at Caroline’s toes and pausing at her thighs, straining against the tight hemline of her skirt, before landing on her face. Caroline heard warning bells blaring in her head and vibrating in her gut.

  “It’s very nice to meet you,” Emma said, then left the moment she finished her greeting.

  “So that’s Emma,” Ronaldo said with a chuckle. “But back to you, Caroline.” Ronaldo appeared more relaxed now as he shifted back into the role of boss. “I looked over your résumé, and I have to say it’s quite impressive.”

  Caroline felt humbled. “Thank you.”

  “Prestigious schooling and then a job at a renowned firm immediately after graduation. I do have a question, and please feel free not to answer.”

  Caroline felt panicked. She knew someone would ask her for more details on her abrupt departure from Asher Communications, but the very first hour of her very first day was a bit too early.

  “What would you like to know?” Caroline said with a strained voice.

  “What brought you back to New Jersey? Most people are running from the state nowadays.”

  Caroline dropped her shoulders in relief. “I was ready for a change, both professionally and personally.” She had rehearsed this line of questioning many times. “And most of my family still lives here. I’d been in Connecticut since my freshman year of college. Fourteen years away is a lot, and as I got older, so did everyone else around me.” Caroline thought of her brother, her parents and their weathered, unchanged home. “It felt like time.”

  “Well,” Ronaldo dropped his hands onto his desk loudly, “I’m very happy to have you aboard. You’ve already met Lisa, Tom, and Joy from your department. My assistant’s name is Rich, and you’ll meet a bunch of new people during our meeting.” Ronaldo paused for a moment to look at Caroline. “If you need anything, come to me or see Joy.” Ronaldo stood and Caroline took that as her cue to do the same. “Ready for your first day?”

  Caroline recited the list of names for her new coworkers as Emma’s mischievous eyes crossed her mind. She gulped to quell her rising nerves. She looked Ronaldo in the eyes and fluffed her inner confidence.

  “I’m ready.”

  Caroline really did hate firsts.

  Chapter Two

  “Christie, I only have five minutes before I have to head into a meeting. You’ve been sending me messages all morning that say nothing more than ‘Miami Beach’ with a dozen exclamation points.” Emma dumped her cold convenience store coffee in the sink and gingerly touched the side of the pot on the counter to check its temperature. “Explain now and fast.” A deep huff came through the phone.

  “We just got word of a new couples-only place in Miami Beach. Sounds luxurious and five-star and very sexy. Right up your alley.” Emma could hear typing. “There’s not much more information about it yet, but its grand opening is this week and I can get you in.”

  Emma stopped pouring milk into her coffee. “How? I know you’re a great travel agent with awards and yada yada, but what makes you so special to get this scoop?”

  Christie chuckled. “When Grandma Robinson moved to Florida five years ago, she made sure to make as many friends as possible.”

  “How is Granny doing?” Emma stirred her coffee and took a sip. “Has she managed to find any neighborhood kids to stuff full of oatmeal cookies or is she stuck with all retired folks?” Emma hadn’t reminisced about her childhood in a while, but the memories of hours spent playing in the street followed by cookies at Christie’s grandmother’s house would never fade. She could practically smell the cinnamon in the air.

  “I’m sure she’s feeding someone. Maybe you can find out this week? That’s if you want in.”

  “You know you had me at ‘sexy’ and ‘Miami.’”

  “Great. Who are you bringing?”

  “What?”

  “It’s a couples resort, Em. Couples only. No kids and no singles.”

  “Oh,” Emma said. “What about you?”

  “I wish, but I can’t give such short notice for vacation, and I’m pretty sure Frankie would have a hard time with it. You know he already feels threatened by you.”

  Emma covered her mouth to hold back her loud laugh. “Something I’ll never understand.” Emma and Christie had been best friends for decades, and the line between them had never been blurred. If only Christie’s boyfriend would believe that. “He needs to work on his insecurities.”

  “And you need to decide who you’ll sweep away to paradise for ten days. I’m sure picking just one will be hard for you.”

  Emma’s face fell. Who could she bring that would be fun? The woman she’d met at the Finger Lakes came to mind. Emma smiled as she thought of being tied to the four poster bed and how she’d love to relive that night. But that woman was in the past, and Emma didn’t know anyone who’d be available. She spotted Ronaldo waving to her in the distance.

  “Can I get back to you about this later? My meeting is about to start.”

  “Yeah. Just text me all the necessary information by the end of the day so I can make the reservations.”

  “Thanks, bye.” Emma ended the call but didn’t move. She watched each person enter the small meeting room, only recognizing a few of the faces. No other reviewers or even a data analyst were walking in. Someone Emma recognized from Human Resources and a man with an expensive-looking suit hurried in next. She tapped her phone against her palm a few times before deciding to head in herself to find out what was going on. She sauntered into the room, all confidence in her black-on-black ensemble, and took the first open seat she spotted. Everyone was chatting amicably about the upcoming weekend and their plans. The only quiet person in the room was sitting beside Emma.

  She looked briefly to her right and immediately recognized the thighs she’d spotted earlier. Emma greeted Caroline
with a polite smile. “Hello again.”

  Caroline didn’t say a word, and her stoic look remained. Her dark eyes held an odd combination of fire and ice.

  “Okay then…” Emma sat back and drank her coffee.

  “Let’s get started,” Ronaldo said from the front of the room as soon as Rich shut the door. “Thank you all for coming on such short notice. I not only appreciate you making time, but I also appreciate we’re all taking this situation seriously.”

  Emma took out her phone and started scrolling through her contacts in search of someone who’d enjoy Miami as much as she would. Connor was a one-time thing, for sure. Lori was fun but got too attached. Terri, however, would look delicious in a bikini.

  “Emma?”

  Emma looked up to find Ronaldo’s expectant eyes on her. She must’ve missed something. “What?”

  His jaw flexed, a sure sign of frustration. “Have you been keeping tabs on the comments section of your reviews?”

  “No.”

  “Do you ever?”

  “No. I write reviews. It’s not like it’s my personal diary or latest fanfiction update. Comments don’t matter.” Emma turned again to Caroline. “I’ve only read a few, but that community can be brutal with their feedback.” Again, Emma received no reaction from her.

  Ronaldo cleared his throat. “There’s been some negativity surrounding your review of the Empress.”

  Emma scoffed and tossed her phone on the table. “The place was trash. Quite frankly, I don’t understand how it’s still in business. If anyone is looking to argue about it, they can email me directly.”

  “They’re saying your review is incorrect.”

  “You’ve seen the photos, Ronnie, does that look incorrect to you?”

  “No, but—”

  “Then there’s no issue. I have the evidence to back my review, and all they have is their butt-hurt point of view.”

  “If you’d let Ronaldo speak, you’ll see there’s more to it than that,” Caroline said.

  Emma slowly turned to Caroline. “Excuse me? You’ve worked here for all of what? One hour and already you’re butting in?” Emma looked at Ronaldo incredulously. When he didn’t come to her defense, she started to put the pieces together. Human Resources, Public Relations, the boss, and a grumpy guy in a pricey suit—a lawyer. “What’s happening?”

  Ronaldo finally sat and folded his hands on the table. “We’re being sued for defamation.”

  “A case we’ll win.” The grump finally spoke and confirmed he was the lawyer.

  “It’s still bad press,” Ronaldo said.

  Caroline spoke up. “Which is for us to worry about.” No matter how smooth her voice was, it still grated on Emma’s nerves.

  Emma was starting to grow antsy. “Then what’s the issue?”

  “Marisol Johnson.” Ronaldo stood after he dropped the name. Emma didn’t react. “Her allegations are the resort’s best defense, and the ones that are attracting the most negative attention.”

  Emma racked her brain for the memory of Marisol, and an attractive Hispanic woman in a short black skirt popped into her mind. “Marisol and I were both consenting adults who were just looking to blow off steam at the end of the day.” Her hackles started to rise, and she could feel anxiety build in her chest. “What are her ‘allegations’ exactly?”

  “Your attention was on her and never the resort.” Ronaldo rubbed at his face and shifted before speaking again. “Emma, I have to ask you something, and it’s not easy for me. I need you to know I trust you and your reviews. While I do think you have fun with your position, I don’t believe you abuse it.”

  Emma’s stomach sank. She’d never heard Ronaldo speak so solemnly or professionally with her. “What is it?”

  “On how many of your previous trips have you…” He scratched the back of his head. “This is like having the sex talk with my daughter all over again.” Laughter sounded around the room. Emma didn’t see the humor. “How many of your trips have been active ones?”

  Emma went slack jawed. “You’re asking me which past trips I’ve had sex during? Do we have to do this here?” Emma said as she looked around at the table full of people.

  “Yes,” the older woman from Human Resources said.

  “Helen’s right.” Ronaldo shrugged complacently.

  “Oh God.” Emma dropped her head into her hands and groaned. “I can’t just remember on the spot like this.”

  “How about of the last ten?” the lawyer said.

  “That’s almost a whole year.”

  “Try. Please,” Ronaldo said softly.

  Emma mentally backtracked her past schedule with Travel Wisdom. She sat thinking, even though the answer was obvious. She didn’t want to answer too quickly, but she had to eventually. “Ten,” she said quietly.

  Ronaldo widened his eyes. “Come again?”

  Emma hated the innuendo that hung in the air. “All ten.”

  Caroline made a sound of disgust.

  “Listen,” Emma said, spinning in her chair to shoot a pointed look at Caroline, “I don’t need your judgment. What do I need to do to fix it, Ronaldo?” Ronaldo stayed silent and everyone else shifted. “Am I getting fired?”

  “No, but you’ll have to sit with Helen and give some details on your other trips in order for us to look for anything else that’ll add to this situation.”

  “Fine.” Emma raised her hands in surrender. “Let’s do it.”

  “And you’ll be suspended for two weeks without pay while we handle this.” Ronaldo looked genuinely dismayed to deliver the news, but that didn’t soften the blow.

  Emma started to panic, and not just about the pay, but about the going. She couldn’t remember the last time she wasn’t traveling or planning a trip, even well before her employment with Travel Wisdom when she scraped together the money to go anywhere and everywhere. Making a career out of it just added to her purpose.

  In a frenzy, Emma said the first thing that came to mind. “But I have an exclusive in for a grand opening this week. I was going to tell you about it after the meeting. It’s a couples resort in Miami that already has a lot of buzz surrounding it. We’d be the first reviewers in.” Emma watched as Ronaldo’s face turned from stern to contemplative. Her words were affecting him. “These are the kind of reviews that make us stand out.”

  Ronaldo nodded. “We’ll send someone.”

  “I’m the only one who can get in.” Emma rolled her eyes at the looks of disbelief being shot at her. “A family friend is the one pulling the strings. It’s my name or no name.”

  Ronaldo scratched his goatee. He looked between Stan and Helen. Emma was momentarily satisfied to know he didn’t value Caroline’s opinion in the matter. Everyone remained silent.

  “For how long?”

  “Ten days.”

  “I advise against this, Ronaldo, highly,” Caroline said. “The public needs to know you’re taking this seriously, both of you.”

  Emma laughed. Caroline sat with perfect posture, and her black suit was just as pristine as the crisp lilac shirt she wore beneath it. Without a doubt, Caroline took everything a little too seriously.

  “I am,” Emma said. “Which is why I think it’s best for me to keep working and do what I do best.”

  Caroline squared her shoulders. “As the offender, I don’t see why you think you get a say in this.”

  Emma ran her fingers through her long hair to buy herself a moment. A tactic used to avoid biting off a comment she knew better than to say aloud. “Who exactly do you think you are here? I have one boss and he’s sitting right there.” Emma pointed at Ronaldo.

  “Caroline’s right. We need to listen to our PR department now more than ever.” He looked between Emma and Caroline before lowering his eyes. “But I have a business to consider.” Emma looked at him with her eyes full of hope. “Which means Emma will be taking the trip to Miami, and her suspension will be determined by the state of this case when she returns.”

  “Yes
.” Emma pumped her fist in victory.

  “You said this is a couples resort, correct?”

  “Yes and don’t worry about the plus one, Ronnie. I fully expect to pay for their travel and expenses.”

  Caroline chortled. “This is a set up for another PR nightmare. Will you leave the room long enough to even see the resort?”

  Emma smirked salaciously at Caroline. “I don’t always need a room.”

  “That’s enough,” Ronaldo said loudly. “Caroline, yet again, is right. Emma, you need to play it safe and smart. If I’m allowing you to go on this trip, I need to know I won’t have another problem on my hands when you get back.”

  “You have my word.”

  He shook his head. “That’s not enough.” Ronaldo picked up the pen in front of him and tapped it a few times. “If we’re all clear on the next steps to be taken, the meeting is over, and you can go. Caroline and Emma, you two stay.”

  Emma remained silent as everyone collected their things and shuffled out of the room. Once the door was shut, she tried to reason with Ronaldo again. “I assure you I’ll be on my best behavior. I’ll bring someone along who’ll help me stay on track and experience everything the resort has to offer.”

  “I believe you,” Ronaldo said as he rolled up his shirt sleeves.

  Emma sighed in relief. “Thank you.”

  “Because you’re going with Caroline.”

  “What?” Emma and Caroline asked simultaneously.

  “I trust you, but a smart businessman needs a safety net.” Ronaldo held his palm out toward Caroline. “She’ll be able to assess any situation that may arise and handle it with public perception in mind. I want this exclusive review very badly, but I’m not going into it blind and reckless.”

  Emma started shaking her head emphatically. “No. This won’t work. I don’t need a babysitter.”

  “And I’m not a babysitter,” Caroline added with her eyes fixed on Ronaldo.

  “Think of it as more of a wrangler.” Ronaldo stood and started to collect his paperwork. “These are my conditions. You can accept them and go on the trip, or stay and accept your two-week suspension.” He looked at Emma sternly.