“Before the unfortunate incident at the board meeting, I think we were talking about the Farrell’s Exhibition in London. I believe I mentioned that I’d personally handpick the artworks to be displayed. This time, it’s not about piling up the works of a renowned artist in a room. I have a different vision, so I’ll be visiting five different countries in the space of two weeks. We don’t have much time, so we have to start immediately. Have you booked my flight to Barcelona? I think I mentioned that I’m starting in Spain.”
June stares blankly at me for all of five seconds, and then she rapidly blinks as if seeing me in a new light. “What did you ask me?”
It’s my turn to blink at her in surprise. I guess she’s still reeling from the news of my possible heart attack.
“Why are you so out of it, June? I asked if you booked my flight to Barcelona.”
“I thought I heard wrong,” June says with a loud scoff. “I did book you a flight...to Hudson, NY.”
“What are you talking about?” I ask, slanting my eyes suspiciously at her. If what I’m thinking right now is true, then....
June shrugs, cleverly avoiding my eyes.
“You literally just heard the doctor say you should take things easy for a few months, and you sit there in a hospital gown talking about visiting five countries in two weeks to hand pick artwork. You aren’t taking this seriously, are you? You know what? I’ll take care of everything concerning the Farrell Exhibition. You trust me, right? I’ve worked for you so long that I actually view all artwork through your lens. Just take a few weeks off of work. A vacation is long overdue anyway. You’d be surprised at how much some calm can do. You may even paint again. You know, create a masterpiece while you’re at it.’
“I won’t go,” I say, my voice ringing with finality.
June arches a brow. “Oh, but I just forwarded a press statement to HR, to be released in five minutes. Something about you working on a new piece.”
“What!”