“It’s up to you to make the most of this opportunity, Daisy,” her mother continued. “You can make yourself miserable worrying about Jack and the business, or you can have the time of your life. It’s up to you.”
They ended the conversation with Everly promising to spend Christmas on the farm and a determination to take her mother’s words to heart.
* * *
—
As soon as Everly made an appearance Tuesday morning, Annette hurried to greet her, smiling as if she was holding a winning lottery ticket in her hand.
“I’m so grateful you’ve given me this chance to prove myself,” Annette said. “Uncle Jack said it was more than I deserve, and I want to thank you.” Her eyes sparkled with delight and were as round as the moon.
Everly eyed her warily.
“I found the perfect cruise for you.” Annette clapped her hands so excitedly, it surprised Everly she didn’t hop up and down. “There was a cancellation at the last minute and I grabbed it. You’re going to have such a great time.”
“And where is this cruise?”
“Brazil,” Annette shouted, and thrust her arms in the air as if she were a referee declaring a touchdown.
“Brazil,” Everly repeated. Not bad.
Her smile deflated a little. “There’s only one small problem. It leaves on Saturday.”
Everly automatically shook her head. “That’s impossible. I’d need shots and to get everything organized here at the office, plus pack.” Her head was spinning like a bowling ball heading toward the gutter. No way could she make all that happen.
“That’s just it!” Annette declared excitedly. “I’ve taken care of everything. I’ve got you an appointment this afternoon for your shots and had the prescription for the malaria pills filled, and”—she stopped to take in a deep breath—“I contacted the Brazilian consulate and they have agreed to expedite your visa application.”
Annette clasped her hands and waited as if she expected Everly to applaud.
“Isn’t she wonderful?” Jack said, coming out of his office. He showed far more enthusiasm than Everly felt was necessary. “This is exactly what the doctor ordered.” He smiled at Annette. “Good job.”
“Thank you, Uncle Jack. It’s refreshing to have someone believe in me.” She stared pointedly at Everly.
It demanded effort for Everly not to roll her eyes.
“I’ll go first thing on Friday morning to collect the travel documents,” Annette said, “so you won’t have a single thing to worry about.”
The necessary shots were only part of what was needed. “What about my flight?”
“Booked,” Annette announced, and shared a high five with her uncle. “I have you in business class, leaving O’Hare early Friday evening. Timing, unfortunately, is a tiny bit tight, but you should be able to make the ship when it sails Saturday afternoon.”
Everly felt like everything was moving far too fast for her to keep up. “This is very last-minute…I’m not sure I can get everything together in such a short amount of time.” She needed to get to her desk and handle the most pressing issues herself and delegate the rest. Jack might be her partner, but she didn’t trust him to deal with the more stressing aspects of the business. She’d have to monitor him through emails to the members of her staff.
“One last thing,” Annette said. “I’ve got all the paperwork filled out. All I need now is your passport.”
“Excellent,” Jack said with a wide grin.
* * *
—
For the next three days Everly nearly camped out at her office. She left several of the less delicate matters for Jack to manage. Easygoing Jack had shown far more interest in his golf game than in what was happening with the business. She handled nearly every aspect of the online business, although they were supposed to be partners. The rest of what was on her desk she delegated to her most trusted associates, spending hours explaining what needed to be done and what to expect.
On Friday morning, she woke to a snowstorm. The newscaster predicted ten inches before noon. If her flight was held up because of weather conditions, she would miss the cruise ship.
“What happens if my flight is delayed?” she asked Annette, once she got to the office. “Are there any other options?”
“No,” Annette said, as if that had never entered her mind. “I was online searching for quite a while before I was able to find a flight that would get you to the dock on time.”