Page 5 of Escape To Paradise
“Yes, I am familiar with those countries.” Again, a little white lie. I knew little, but with Google’s help, I could learn more about those countries.
“So, you’ll be staying with your crewmates at a luxury yacht that will be sailing throughout those countries I mentioned. And should you accept the position, you will sign a six-month or a nine-month contract, which is renewable after the term.”
“Sounds good.”
“It depends on you, whether you want to sign the nine-month, then sign up for another contract. Your job offer letter will include the pay package and the rate. Should you choose to accept it, I will email it to you shortly.”
Just then, Lisa barged in with the boys. She saw me on the phone, talking to someone, and started whispering, “Is that the job interview?”
I nodded my head yes. James was patiently waiting for my response.
“Say yes,” Lisa whispered.
I shrugged my shoulders.
Lisa reiterated, “Say yes!”
I didn’t know what to do.
Lisa grabbed the phone from my hand and said, “Yes, I accept the position.” Then she handed it back to me.
“Well, okay then. I will send the e-mail for the job offer right about now.” I heard him make a clicking sound.
Still carrying her son’s backpack, Lisa started doing a happy dance.
“Okay, I’ll give you twenty-four hours to look at it and e-sign it. Then, send it back to me. I’ll also attach a document of the list of requirements such as your physical exam. I’ll be the one assisting you with your work permit. The work may start in 2-3 weeks, depending on how soon you can comply with your requirements.”
“That’s it?” I asked.
“Yeah, mainly, that’s it. I’ll still be working tomorrow for just a half day. Shoot me a text or call me if you have questions. But if not, I will talk to you again on Monday.”
“Thank you.”
“Enjoy your weekend.” James hung up the phone, and it left me questioning my decision.
Lisa started screaming, “Yes! Yes! Yes!”
This startled her boys, who were sitting on the couch watching TV.
“We’ll celebrate with pizza!” Lisa said.
The boys turned their heads; they were excited about the pizza.
“Let’s go!” I cheered them on.
The pizza place was a ten-minute drive from Lisa’s house. It served healthier pizza since it was wood-burned and wasn’t as greasy as the commercialized pizzas. It even had a good review.
The owner, Rocco, already knew us. We frequented this pizza place a lot, and the boys loved the pizza there. Rocco was Italian, and he also made the best pasta dishes. I wondered what went through his mind as he moved from the Amalfi coast to this remote town in Colorado. It would take a certain mindset to leave your hometown for a foreign land. He must have been culture-shocked.
Rocco was chatting with Lisa instead of taking our orders right away. My friend flipped her hair, all her attention on Rocco, while Rocco was leaning close to her as they caught up. At one point during their conversation, he touched her shoulder.
“Lisa, what’s that about?” I asked her when, eventually, Rocco took our order, though it seemed he still wanted to talk to Lisa.
“What?” Lisa was nonchalant.
“He was flirting with you.”
“No, he’s not.” She turned red.
