“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.