Chapter Six
A round of applause reverberated throughout the conference room. Standing confident and self-assured, Jonas commanded everyone’s attention. Rose Bank and Trust Credit Union had just expanded to the north, with its first branch located in the heart of New York City.
“In celebration of all your hard work and efforts, I’m taking you all on vacation to San Juan, Puerto Rico.”
Another wave of applause along with cheers and whistles chorused as the board members rejoiced over the news.
“Even though we’ll be on vacation, some of our biggest sponsors will also be attending with us. It’s only fair that everyone who had a hand in this venture enjoy the festivities.”
“Even the modeling agency? Their donation was helpful to the success of this expansion.” A man in the back of the room insisted.
A couple of snickers were heard, and another guy agreed. A pleasant smile covered Jonas’ face. “Yes, Connor and Mike,” he said making a point to call them both out. “A Taste of Elegance Modeling Agency is invited.”
The men whooped while some of the women rolled their eyes and shook their heads.
“Settle down boys. I expect you’ll be on your best behavior,” Jonas winked.
The men hooted, “Yes sir, we will.”
“This is a four-day-three-night vacation so get your affairs in order and dress accordingly. There is champagne in the break room for anyone who would like a glass. No seconds, drink responsibly.”
As the meeting came to an end, the room lit up with excitement, buzzing about the impending trip. Jonas strolled to his office.
“Mr. Rose, you have a visitor,” Sandra informed him. “A Dr. Blake Sanchez is waiting in your office.”
“Thank you, Sandra.”
Jonas stepped into the office hand outstretched. “Good afternoon doctor, how’s your day?”
“The best I’ve had all week!”
A hearty laugh encompassed them at the doctor’s joke, being it was Monday the beginning of the week.
“That’s a good one,” Jonas said. “Did you get the invitation to our complimentary vacation?”
“Yes, I did, I look forward to it.”
“So I can count you in then?”
“Of course, I wouldn’t miss it for the world; it’s just what the doctor ordered.”
Again, they chuckled at the doctor’s lighthearted wit. “It couldn’t have come at a better time. I’ve had a good year; my financial advisor has saved me tons of money, so I’ll be looking forward to treating myself real nice while I’m there.”
“That’s always good news, but you know this trip is all inclusive. Which one of our advisors are you referring to? I’d like to make sure and reward them for a job well done.”
“Oh, she doesn’t work for you, unfortunately.”
“Maybe I know her, what’s her name?”
“Samiyah Manhattan, that woman’s a Godsend.”
At the mention of Samiyah’s name, Jonas was thinly coated in warmth.
“You know what I can do?”
The doctor looked on expectantly. “I can extend the invitation to your financial advisor. I’m feeling generous enough today, why not?” Jonas said.
“That is mighty thoughtful of you Mr. Rose. I’ll be sure to inform her.”
“You do that,” he said all too content with his sudden luck.
“Hello, can I help you with anything today?” chirped the sales woman in the Victoria Secret lingerie store.
Samiyah answered with a gentle smile. “I’m not sure what I’m doing in here actually. I just finished getting a mani-pedi and all the pinks, reds, and yellow colors you have displayed in the store window caught my eye. I suppose a girl could always use a new panty and bra set.”
The sales woman’s eyes lit up. “I have just what you need. Follow me.”
The woman guided Samiyah passed the different fragrances to an area of the store with panty and bra sets of all kinds. Getting a good look at Samiyah, the woman twisted her lips in thought.
“Let’s see, if I had to guess, you look like a C-cup?”
“A very full-size C-cup,” Samiyah offered.
“If you’d like to step into this dressing room, I can take your measurements, and we can get you in the perfect size. Believe it or not, many women don’t wear the right size bra, but we’ve got you covered.”
“Okay, let’s do it.”
They walked around the lingerie display tables to the dressing room, and Samiyah removed her top. The sound of India Arie rang out in the bottom of Samiyah’s purse.
“Oh excuse me for a moment.” Samiyah unzipped her bag, reaching past her bill folder, makeup kit, a couple of loose Benjamin’s she’d just taken out of the ATM and clutched her phone. The incoming call came through her business line she swiftly answered.
“Samiyah Manhattan.”
Hey, Samiyah, it’s Claudia. You have an envelope here from Dr. Blake Sanchez. He stopped by the office, but I informed him you were taking personal time off.”
“What is it?” Samiyah placed the phone in between her ear and shoulder and lifted her arms so the saleswoman could take her measurements.
“He only said it was a gift from him to you for doing such a fantastic job with his finances. Honey, he was cheesing so hard, with his cute dimples, and handsome self. I could’ve eaten him up standing right there in the lobby.”
Samiyah rolled her eyes, “Girl, that is just too much.”
“What,” Claudia asked. “I need a doctor in my life, honey.”
“That’s what insurance is for, so you can get a good doctor,” Samiyah chuckled.
“Oh ha, ha, you’re very funny. Are you coming to pick this up or shall I keep it for myself?”
“Open it, and I’ll let you know.”
There was a rustling in the phone as Claudia opened the envelope and let out a sharp gasp. “Have mercy!”
“What is it?”
“An all-expense paid trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico!” Claudia’s eyes almost popped out of their sockets.
“You’re kidding.”
“If I’m lying, I’m flying.” Claudia gaped at the tickets in shocked disbelief. “He must have a thang for you. Who buys something like this as a gift unless they’re interested?”
“I can’t accept that; I’m sending it back.” Samiyah quipped.
“You will do no such thing.”
“I’m sending it back,” Samiyah’s tone was elevated and matter of fact.
“There’s a note attached.” More paper rustling, “Miss Samiyah Manhattan, please be so kind as to accept these two tickets to San Juan Puerto Rico. You can choose to bring anyone you like. The tickets are non-refundable so make sure to put them to good use. Signed, The good doctor.”
Claudia squealed, “You must go! You heard the man, the tickets are non-refundable. Giving them back would be futile, and you can take anybody you want. It’s not like he’s asking you to take him. Besides, you’ve already got the time off, might as well take a trip.”
Claudia had a point. Samiyah shut her eyes and wondered if she should give them back anyway. “Hold on,” Samiyah put her top back on and stepped out of the dressing room, placing the phone back to her ear. “Do you want the tickets?”
“You know what, if I had the leisure to take some time off I would in a heartbeat because I can’t stand this high and mighty attitude you’re giving me, honey.”
“I’m not giving you high and mighty, I just feel weird accepting a gift of that magnitude and why can’t you take time off? Besides you know I volunteer at the hospital’s NICU on the weekends.”
“First, because you’re already taking time off. Second, did you forget I’m my mother’s primary caregiver? Trips like that have to be planned so that I can have the proper provisions in place. I would have to call my sister and make arrangements yadda ya. You know how this goes. Third, those precious preemie babies will be there for you to love on when you get back. Now stop coming up with excuses and take the trip!”
Samiyah sighed, “I’ll be up there to get the tickets after I leave the mall.”
Claudia cheered, “That’s my girl.”
“Have you picked out your dress for the March of Dimes benefit auction?”
“Yes ma’am, have you?”
“I think I’ll pick out something when I get to Puerto Rico.”
“You lucky, lucky girl.”
They disconnected the call. Dr. Blake Sanchez was a very handsome man, with class and charisma, but she wasn’t interested. Samiyah hoped for his sake this was truly a no strings attached gift.