Chapter One: Corporate Surprise

I look down at my left shoulder where my boss’s hand has just surprised me. Then I turn to face him. I don’t know what he’s thinking, but I have a good guess.

“John,” he says. “I don’t know what I’ll do without you.”

I groan inwardly.

“Have a good time on your trip.”

“What trip?” I inquire cautiously.

“This one,” he says, plopping a fat manilla envelope on my desk. I close my eyes as I reach for the package. I open the seal, and find ten one-hundred dollar bills staring at me. Each green rendition of of Ben Franklin’s face says to my mind, “Ka-Ching.”

Still shocked I burrowed for what I knew was there. Plane tickets. To–

“You didn’t,” I say, standing from my desk chair. “You’re pulling my leg,” I yell now, almost angry at this obvious practical joke.

“I’ve rented a villa in French countryside. You’ll be able to enjoy it with your wife for two weeks.”

I sink back into my chair. My head spins, and in my drab cubicle the manilla envelope looks like technicolor gone wild. I get slightly dizzy as I rise again, and when I extend my hand towards my boss, it’s more to steady myself than to thank him.

“Thank you,” I exclaim, already packing my bags mentally. “When do I leave?”

“Right now, John,” my boss beams.

“Oh no! My kids! Who will they stay with? I don’t know if–no, she’s not, that’s right, she’s out of town,” I look up at him, realizing I’m not talking to him. “Sorry, I was thinking out loud.”

My spirits fall as I realize the hole in the figurative bubble. I can’t believe that this whole thing can be called off for one detail.

“Don’t you trust me?” he asks. “I’ve had this whole thing planned for months with your parents. They agreed it was time for a getaway. Your kids will be with them.”

I spring from my chair and embrace him in a bear hug, my nose buried in his shoulder. In my excitement I fail to be offended by the stench of his cologne. The usually awful smell brings joy to my heart.

“I’ve got your back,” he says quietly. “What are friends for, anyways?”

I step back and smile a toothy grin, he returns it with a laugh, and pushes me out of my cubicle.

I rush to the elevator with my briefcase trailing behind, I hurriedly push the “down” arrow. The doors slide shut in a painfully slow manner. I stare at the sign above the polished silver doors. It reads: Robinson Home Insurance–Integrity is a necessity.

Goodbye! I think. I won’t be seeing you anymore! Good riddance.

As the elevator descends, my mind wanders to a question I ask myself more often by the day: Why do I work for an insurance company?

I know I’m a grounded man, and I wonder why I ask this question.

Am I not satisfied? That would be ridiculous, especially after the recent developments.

My mind frees itself from the drudgery of heavy thought as the elevator opens, revealing the lobby. I smile widely as I stride to the front door. I run into the crash bar, swinging the door wide open, the smell of freedom enters my nostrils, along with the fragrance of the May flowers that decorate the front of the Robinson Home Insurance corporate building.

I sprint to my Chevy Cruze, and I laugh, while my tie flaps behind me, probably wondering what on earth I’m running for.

My suitcase is promptly thrown in the back, and I start my car. Its small engine wobbles to life. I turn around to back up, and I drive out of the parking lot.

My brain immediately starts running through the creative, and playful ways to surprise my wife.

“Honey, we’re going to France!” I practice.