She smiled. “Put me in, coach.”
“That’s the spirit. You’re booked to spend a day in Cusco, the city where you’ll overnight before departing on your hike to Machu Picchu. Maybe you can even strike up a conversation with Thornton during that time. According to our travel agency, your hotel is less than a quarter mile away from Thornton’s. All the information is on your itinerary.” A satisfied smile curved his lips. “The time with Thornton should give you ample opportunity to befriend him and find out what his plans are for the formula. And to make certain that La Fleur is in those plans.”
Nelson rose, indicating their meeting was concluded. “I’m out of the office for the rest of day,” he said, leading the way into the hallway, then turning toward the elevators. “I’ll want updates on your progress, although I don’t know what the cell-phone service will be like.”
Nervous jitters tingled down her spine at the thought of dead air space. Maybe this was stepping too far outside her box. But then she shook off her apprehension and mentally chanted her new mantra: No change, no gain.
They reached the bank of elevators and Nelson pushed the down button. “Bring home the goods here, Kayla, and the La Fleur world will be your oyster. We’re talking bonus, perks, another promotion.”
Only a few short months ago, she’d have been thrilled by those words. Now, for reasons she didn’t quite understand but that undoubtedly had to do with her life being out of balance, she felt a strong urge to tell Nelson that as far as she was concerned, oysters were nothing but icky bits of slime. Instead she smiled. “You can count on me.”