“That’s what you call driving across the island? You’re literally getting as far away from Hayden as you can without getting wet.”
“I’m not avoiding Hayden.”
“Which is why I’ve been giving him his updates this week? He was none too pleased about that, FYI.”
She shook her head, throwing the sunscreen in her bag. “It’s not my job to make him happy.”
“Kinda is.”
“Not in that way,” she denied. “I just need some space, is all. Everything will be back on track Monday morning.”
Karen tilted her head to the side. “You’ve been very cagey about what happened during your dinner last weekend. Want to fill me in?”
“Not even a little,” she said.
“Avery, I’ve got no problem with you sleeping with the boss, but when it starts impacting work there’s an issue.”
“I’m not sleeping with him, and it’s not impacting work.”
“You’re leaving—”
“It’s the weekend! I’m just going on an overnight trip. Hell, it basically for work. You’re headed up the mountain to hike the crater. Why is what I’m doing any different?”
“Because I’m using my downtime to see the sights. You’re avoiding our scrumptious boss by running away to a wild rainforest. There are things that eat you in rainforests, you know.”
“Not on this island. Besides, the east end of the island is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. What if we’re missing an opportunity to expand or partner with a hotel in the area?”
“This could easily be a day trip.”
“A long one.”
“Where we set up professional interviews and meet with the GMs out there. You’re going…camping. You are the least camping sort of person I know.”
She threw up her hands. “I just rented a cabin. It’s not like I’m going to be sitting around a campfire trying to figure out how to sterilize water.”
“The concierge advised you to take a sleeping bag. You’re camping.”
Abandoning her pack, she turned to Karen. “This isn’t a big deal. I’m taking one night off. Are you, of all people, going to tell me I should stay here in my hotel room and spend the weekend reading reports?”
Karen sighed. “No. You should enjoy your time here. It’s just…”
“What?”
“You’ve been sad,” Karen said, her voice soft. “The last time that happened, you withdrew from the world for two years. I don’t want you sliding back into old habits.”
She closed her eyes, knowing her friend’s concern came from a place of love.
“I’m not backtracking,” she said. “Jon and I have been over for years. I’m starting to pull my life back together. That’s not going to change.”
“Hayden was part of your resurrection,” Karen said. “You know he was.”
She rolled her eyes. “Yes, the man is a magical lay. It’s a wonder any of these building are still standing what with the earth moving every time he drops his pants.”
“You know what I mean.”
She’s not wrong.
Avery ran a hand through her hair, knowing her friend had a point. Hayden had woken her up that night at the gala. He’d stopped her from sleepwalking through another year of her life.
“I can’t let him derail me,” she said simply. “Not when I’m finally starting to make progress.”
She pushed a T-shirt into her bag with a little too much force.
“Kai down at the front desk helped me hire his cousin as my guide,” she said. “He’s providing everything I need. You’re welcome to come if you want. It’s supposed to be one of the most beautiful drives in the world.”
Karen shook her head. “If you need some soul-searching time, I don’t want to intrude. Plus, my mountain hike awaits. Come Monday, though, I need your head back in the game. I think we’re getting a clearer picture of what’s going on here. I’ve been sifting through the financial documents, and you know numbers don’t lie.”
“Great,” she said, adding sunglasses to the crown of her head. “We can dive into it Monday.”
Swinging the backpack over her shoulder, she surveyed her room, making sure she had everything she needed. Satisfied, she headed for the door.
“Make sure the door is locked when you leave,” she called.
Karen waved her off. “Have fun in your cabin. Don’t get eaten alive by the bugs.”
With a smile, Avery left the room and headed down toward the lobby where her car would be waiting.
It had been days since she’d crossed paths with Hayden—not that it had been an easy task to accomplish. He’d given her some space in the beginning and then started seeking her out.