Ridiculous.

I did get to come in late today. There’s a divorce party tonight and it’s my turn to be on duty, representing the corporate side in case anything unforeseen comes up.

Which it so often does at O.

I used to like the late nights in the office. It’s a good time to catch up on work with no one around to interrupt, and sometimes these funny things happen: once, a new divorcée and a new fiancée — of the same guy — were having celebrations in adjoining rooms. Which probably would have been fine, they never would have known, but the cakes got switched. It wasn’t pretty - there was cake everywhere, and some people got scratched. But the video did get the most hits on YouTube for three weeks straight. Like, over a million. You saw it, right? Membership applications went up over 200 percent.

We’re asking for more information now when an event is booked… part of the phone tree script, as a matter of fact. The PR was great during Cake Switch (that’s what the YouTube title was), but Anterdec legal was nervous.

Anyway, whoever’s around after a scheduled party — Ryan and me, sometimes Zeke, sometimes a few of the other dancers — usually goes out for pizza and beer. They’ve burned off a lot of calories during the evening, and they always have stories to tell. It’s really fun.

I’m guessing that’s not going to happen tonight. Or ever again.

But with my extra time this morning, I did manage to shower and put on an actual outfit. Because, you know, I might have to appear in front of the clients tonight. I should look put together. Professional. Pale grey skirt and sweater with a grey jacquard leopard pattern, grey heels.

Someone around here should be fully dressed, in clothing that does not sparkle or light up, and is not edible.

A message from Hayley pops up on my computer screen:

Carrie, are you there? Snacks for the performers just arrived.

Okay, I type back. Can you just take them over to the break room?

I can’t leave the phones. Can you take them?

I sigh. Normally I wouldn’t mind, and in fact I’d enjoy the change of scene. But not today.

The idea of seeing Ryan makes my stomach turn over with either desire or dread. Not sure which.

Both.

Sure, np. I answer.

I pull out my makeup bag and start touching up. There is no way I’m going over there looking less than my best - or my work-best, anyway. I haven’t seen him since the reception. I’m not going to repeat the Jamey break-up show, dragging around here looking like a dead cat. Poorcarrie. I mean, Jamey wasn’t here to see me destroyed. Ryan is.

A girl has to have some pride.

I start down the hall to get the food from Hayley at the reception desk. Whatever the snack du jour is, I hope I can carry it in one trip. I’m really not dressed to juggle deli trays.

“Carrie?” Chloe calls out as I pass her door.

I back up.

“Can you come in for a minute?”

I step into her office, which is pristine, as usual. Her raincoat and tote bag are on a chair by the door, ready to go. Since she became a mom, she tries hard to leave on time every night.

“You look great,” she observes. “You’re on duty tonight?”

“Thanks, and yes. The food just got here.”

“I’ll only keep you for a minute. I have a proposition for you.”

“You do?”

“You’ve been doing a fantastic job, Carrie. Your design is first-rate — it’s like you know what I’m thinking before I even know. And you have all the details under control, budgets, installation schedules, everything. Suppliers love working with you. It’s very impressive.”

“Wow,” I stammer. “Thanks.” This is unexpected.

“You know O San Francisco is slated to open next year.”

“Yes.” I start to get excited. She’s going to send me out there to check on construction! California is a dream business trip — and if the timing works, I can stay over a weekend and go to Napa. Mini-vacation!

“I can’t believe I’m even saying this.” She shakes her head, swinging her hair. “But what would you think about moving out there as Associate Director of Design? I need someone I trust on the West Coast. O LA is in the works, and they’re talking about Seattle in 2019. It’s a lot of work — a huge amount, actually — but it would mean a promotion and a raise. You’ll be responsible for all the West Coast design, plus have a hand in staffing and operations. It’s a lot like my job here, but you’ll have me to back you up.”

I drop down onto one of the chairs in front of her desk. I just look at her.

“I mean, take a couple of days to think about it,” she says. “It’s a big decision. I don’t know how I’ll do without you here, but we’ll still be working together, just not in the same city.”

“Chloe, I… thank you,” is all I can manage. It’s too much to absorb.

“You have totally earned it,” she smiles. “You made it happen. Now go get the food before the guys come looking for it.”

As I reach the door, she says, “How did the weekend end up? I haven’t seen Ryan hanging around your desk lately.”

“It’s fine. It’s all working out for the best,” I say weakly. “Thank you again.”

Three thousand miles. He definitely won’t be hanging around my desk.

RYAN

It’s just another day at work.

A regular Tuesday.

Nothing special.

Unless you count groaning when I realized I had a divorce party today as special. Unless you mean leaving my car at home and taking the T to avoid being in the parking lot at all. Unless you mean taking the stairs to prevent any elevator awkwardness in case I got trapped with… someone from the administrative side.

Like I said — nothing special.

I put on my cop uniform, adjusting the g-string with the flashing blue and red lights on the pouch, moving the battery pack and wires. Over the weekend, I perfected the device, swapping out the ridiculous 9-volt battery for a slim lithium system that makes more sense.

And doesn’t give me an unwelcome prostate exam.

“Ingenious!” Henry says in a low voice filled with admiration. “You really have a way with electronics and design.”

I just grunt my thanks.

We’re in the O Spa locker room, getting ready for our shift. Divorce party at 6pm. Big affair, all hands on deck (so to speak). Which means Carrie’s working late and will be on call in her office to manage any blips.