Serena shifted in her chair. “Um, I guess.”
“I can always write a few things into the free days with directions on how to get there,” Lydia told her. “I could arrange a spa visit, or have a driver take you to the beach. We have a couple of months to get the fine details arranged.” She smiled widely. “You must be excited about the wedding.”
“The wedding?” Serena’s eyes widened. “Oh that. Yes, of course. Very excited. Aren’t we, darling?”
“Sorry. Work email.” Damon flashed a smile, and put his phone down. “What did you say?”
Those two really needed some quality time together. Maybe she’d take them up to The Maze one night. It was a nightclub at the top of the hill of one of the favelas, full of beautiful, sensual people and music that made you lose your inhibitions.
Perhaps she’d also somehow get Damon to lose his phone. The thought of him traveling around Rio without paying attention to his new wife, or the beautiful city, made her stomach turn. She’d have to think about it. One thing was for sure, she’d make it a perfect vacation for them.
“If there’s anything else you need, let me know,” Lydia told her. “I’ll be traveling for the next couple of months, but I can be contacted by email or messenger.”
“Where are you going?” the woman asked, her eyes lighting up with interest.
Lydia laughed, because she could talk about her travels all day. “Right now, I’m in California for my baby niece’s naming day. Then I’m off to Spain and Europe for a month.”
Serena clapped her hands together and turned to her fiancé. “Hey, aren’t the Bartons going to Spain?” She glanced back at Lydia. “Ella Barton. Is that who you’re taking?”
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“I can’t tell you.” Lydia shrugged apologetically. “Client confidentiality.”
The woman pursed her lips. “Oh, don’t worry. I’ll find out another way.”
I bet you will. “Do you have any other questions about the itinerary?”
“Not that I can think of. As long as we also get to see the statue, I’m happy.”
“Great.” Lydia smiled at them. “But drop me an email if you think of anything. I’ll answer as soon as I can. Either way we will be in contact before June, but the plan is to meet at Galeão International Airport, and that’s where your tour will begin.”
“Thank you so much.” Serena smiled widely. “Oh! And can we take a selfie with you? Just so we can show our friends we’ve been video calling with you? I’m a big fan of your Instagram page.”
“She’s a stalker,” the man said, finally putting his phone down. “Like your number one fan.”
“Sure. Of course.”
Serena turned her back to the screen and made Damon do the same, holding her phone up high to take a photo of the three of them. “There,” she said. “That’s perfect. I’ll tag you.”
“Great.” Lydia smiled. “Thanks.”
She didn’t really mind. This was what they paid her for, after all. Not just a chance to see the real cities of the world, but also the opportunity to brag about it to their friends. She wasn’t part of that world, no matter how much her father would have liked her to be. She preferred airplanes to dinner knives, fiestas to cocktail bars. As long as she was traveling, she felt like she was living.
Not simply existing, the way so many people seemed to do in New York. And if a few selfies and Instagram tags made her clients happy, then she was happy, too.
“Thank you.” Serena smiled. It genuinely lit up her face. Lydia made a mental note to make her smile a lot when they were in Rio.
“Any time.”
“And congratulations on your niece. I hope the naming day goes well.”
“Thank you.” Lydia grinned warmly. “And good luck with your wedding preparations. I can’t wait to hear all about it in Rio.”
“Be good,” Griff said, kissing Autumn on the cheek. She leaned down to kiss Skyler before hugging him hard.
“We will. It’s just girls’ night.”
“I know what happens at girls’ night.” He lifted an eyebrow. “I’ve already sent Nate my commiserations. I can’t believe he agreed to host.”