Monday started off like every other Monday with the weekly staff meeting that everyone dreaded. Although it was intended provide an update to the director and the action officers, it ended up being a major bore-fest. Most of the briefers were not great public speakers and had no sense of humor, speaking in monotones and droning on for way too long, trying to impress everyone with "all" they were doing. Some were even way too in love with the sound of their voices, but at least they were funny, even if that wasn't their intent.
The meeting ended after what seemed an eternity and we all filed out of the conference room. On the way out the door my boss grabbed my arm and pulled me towards his office. What now, I thought to myself. I followed him into his posh corner office, the office I hoped would be mine someday, and sat down in the chair across from his desk.
"Sam, you're doing a great job on the SMC ship project. I've gotten positive reports back from our office in Charleston about your work, especially from the last couple of conferences you've attended."
Charleston? Liz lived near Charleston, South Carolina. My mood brightened as the image of her beautiful face and stunning body flashed across my eyes. I could barely concentrate on Dave's comments as the tightening of my shorts made me squirm in my seat. I realized Dave had stopped talking and was looking at me.
"Hey look, I'm not trying to make you uncomfortable, Sam, but this is a huge compliment. So do you want to go or not?"
Go, go where? My brain hit rewind as I tried to remember what he had said. I had to recover from my obvious lapse. "Well, give me some of the details. What exactly is it you want me to do?" I hoped that this noncommittal reply would at least get some more info from Dave so it wasn't so obvious that I had zoned.
"Like I said, they want you to come there for two weeks to work on the next phase of the project. It's the critical analysis phase and having you onsite would certainly allow you to keep closer contact with the project lead and contract reps. Come on, you know Charleston will be great this time of year." Dave thought he had to convince me. Time to work this to my favor.
"Well, Dave, you know how much I have going on here. I'm not sure I can take two weeks."
"Sam, you're the best guy to send there and this next phase can make or break this project. I need you to go. I'll square it with your wife, she'll know it's an important trip. Charleston requested you by name."
Wow, even better. Not only would I be doing this as a favor to my boss, he'd even make sure my wife wouldn't bitch too much about me having to go for two weeks. Dave was right, I was the right guy for this project, and it didn't hurt to have him acknowledge it like this.
I gave him a quick rundown on how I would handle my other projects while I was gone and he seemed satisfied with that answer. He was more worried about the Charleston project than any of the other projects I was handling.
I headed back to my office to start getting things in order for the trip. Just the remote chance I might see Liz made me as excited as a schoolboy. I hoped I'd see her but figured she wouldn't be able to get together outside of work, what with her husband and twins. I thought about emailing her but then decided it would be more fun to surprise her. I couldn't wait to see her face when I walked into the Charleston office.
My wife wasn't thrilled about the trip, but Dave had explained to her how important it was and had even hinted at the possibility of a raise. We had settled into a phase of our marriage marked by routine and stability. She didn't like it when I did anything to upset that routine, and this trip was certainly not routine, but the prospect of more money seemed to lighten her mood. The rest of the week crept by and I couldn't wait to get on the plane on Sunday.
The flight was uneventful as we touched down with the usual chirp of the tires on the runway. Not a bad landing, I thought to myself as we taxied to the terminal. The company had hired a limo to take me to the hotel, which saved me the hassle of getting a rental car. Since the office was close to the Embassy Suites where I was staying, I'd use taxis whenever needed, not wanting to fight the traffic or deal parking in downtown Charleston.
I arrived at the hotel and checked in, took my bags to the room, and made it back downstairs in time for the complimentary happy hour. It was one of the reasons I loved staying at Embassy Suites. Two drinks and a few appetizers and I wasn't even in the mood to go out for dinner anymore. I returned to the room to watch some TV before getting to bed early. I wanted to maintain the positive impression the Charleston office had of me, and I didn't want to arrive all hung over or looking like Joe Bag'o'donuts, dragging my ass in after a night of partying.
The wakeup call came promptly at six o'clock, giving me plenty of time to get showered, shaved, dressed, eat breakfast, and be ready for the taxi to pick me up by 7:45. That would get me to the office by 8 a.m. The receptionist at the front desk had my visitor's badge waiting for me as she directed me to the main conference room. She said the meeting would start at 8:15 and asked if I wanted a cup of coffee. Her demeanor was very pleasant as she made eye contact, letting me know that she wasn't just being perfunctory. She was truly trying to make me comfortable and show me that I was welcome there. Maybe a little too much. It made me look at her again, this time more closely.