The Burnout(91)

“It must be difficult,” I say, and Lev gives a weird little laugh.

“Between you and me, everything’s difficult.” He stares at the horizon, exhaling slowly. “Growing a company as fast as we have is incredible, fantastic, wonderful—but terrifying. You need to find more capital. Look after your existing business. Find new customers. All at once. It’s relentless.”

There’s a note in his voice I recognize. It reminds me of someone, only I can’t place it.… Then, with a jolt, I realize. He reminds me of me. He sounds overwhelmed.

“I think Zoose is in great shape generally,” I say. “The concept, the profile, the sales … oh my God! It’s a massive success story. Let’s just say a couple of individuals have bent it out of shape here and there.”

“I need to get rid of Asher.” Lev stares ahead, his face taut. “I know it. I’ve known it for a while. But I don’t want to know it.”

“If it makes you feel any better,” I venture, “I told someone here about it, a consultant. He agreed.”

Lev is silent, and I wait breathlessly, wondering if I’ve overstepped the mark.

“I don’t know if that does make me feel better,” he says at last. “But it may do later. So thank you.”

I don’t have anything else to say, and Lev seems lost in thought, so we sit in silence, the sea crashing endlessly onto the sand and the gulls crying overheard. After a while I sense Lev relaxing.

“Thank you, Sasha,” he says. “For your time. And your wise words. We didn’t speak much while you were at Zoose, and I’m sorry about that.”

“I’m not sure I had any wise words at Zoose,” I say honestly. “I was too frazzled. But since coming here, I’ve had time to think. Just watching the sea … It gives you answers.”

“I hear you,” says Lev, his gaze on a high, cresting wave. “It’s spectacular. Is this what you’ve been doing every day, watching the sea?” He checks himself. “I’m so sorry. What am I asking? It’s none of my business.”

“It’s fine—” I begin, but he shakes his head fervently.

“No, I apologize. Bad enough that I drag you away from your beach yoga, sit you down on the sand, and make you talk about your least favorite company in the world. Now I’m asking intrusive questions. No wonder you left Zoose.”

His manner is so charming, I can’t help smiling.

“First, Zoose is not my least favorite company in the world. I was very proud to work there. It just didn’t … gel. And second, yes, I have been watching the sea. And walking. And all kinds of things.” A tiny smile comes to my lips before I can stop it.

Falling in love. Rediscovering sex. Standing tall on my own two feet.

A breeze catches the back of my neck and I shiver, whereupon Lev leaps up.

“You’re freezing!” he exclaims. “I’m so sorry. You’ve been very helpful, and now I must let you get on with your day. I do have a big favor to ask, though. Would you speak to a few other directors about everything we’ve discussed?”

“Yes.” I nod without hesitation. “I’d be glad to.”

“They’re in Somerset at the moment, about an hour away. We’re having a mini-conference. Would you come there tomorrow? I’d pay you a consultancy fee and travel expenses,” he adds.

“A consultancy fee?” I stare at him.

“I would be consulting you,” says Lev. “It’s customary.”

“Well … OK.” I smile at him. “Yes.”

“Great.” Lev smiles back. “Thank you. I’m very grateful.”

We begin walking back toward the Rilston in companionable silence, and I feel a fresh whoosh of disbelief as I think, I’m walking along the beach with Lev. When I think of the frustration and rage I felt when I couldn’t get to speak to him at the office, three floors up … And then he came all the way to Devon to find me!

As we near the Surf Shack, I see that it’s open. A guy I don’t recognize is on the deck, sweeping sand off it, and I realize this must be the new owner.

“Hi,” I greet him.

“Hello!” He gives me a twinkly smile. “Want to rent a board?”

“Not right now.” I smile back. “But maybe later. I used to learn with Terry,” I add. “I’m Sasha and this is Lev.”

“Hello there.” He shakes our hands. “I’m Sean. Terry’s around, if you want to say hello?”

“Yes!” I say eagerly. “I’d love to!”

“He’s just gone inside. Terry!” Sean calls into the shack. “You there?”

“Terry was my surf teacher,” I tell Lev. “And he’s the most awesome person in the world.”

“The most awesome person in the world?” Lev raises his eyebrows. “OK. I have to meet him.”

“It’s true,” Sean joins in, nodding. “He taught me too. Taught everyone. Taught us everything.” He raises his voice again. “Terry, some friends here to see you!”

A moment later, Terry appears on the deck. He’s wearing a fleece jacket and a woolly hat and there’s a Band-Aid on his chin. He looks even frailer than he did the other day. But I force myself not to react at his appearance. He’s still Terry.