To Vancouver

Aurelie finished up her tasks and left for home, her mind running through a checklist of things she had to do to get ready. She found herself smiling at the thought of the trip, even though she still had some doubts as to the honesty of her boss' intentions in bringing her.

She gave a little shrug as she dismissed the thought. She had easily dissuaded him when he had tried before, and felt confident that she could do it again. No doubt he had hopes that a week with him in a foreign city would weaken her resolve, but she knew better.

At home she made a quick dinner, then packed a single suitcase. Once that was done she took a long scented bath to relax, reading a favourite book while she luxuriated in the water.

Sleep came easily to her, and she woke to her alarm, refreshed and excited to be travelling. She had left ample time to get ready and get to the airport, and stepped out of a cab at the Air France departure level well before she was due.

Her boss was waiting for her with a smile of welcome as he held her ticket out to her. She smiled a good morning at him, and the two of them checked their luggage and proceeded through security without undue delay.

He bought them both coffee and pastries at a cafe, and they ate and drank while they waited at the gate, chatting of inconsequential things.

They were seated in business first class, and Aurelie snuggled into the comfortable seat, happy with the unaccustomed leg room and not having to share an arm rest. Her boss busied himself with some papers as she put on headphones and listened to music as she browsed a magazine.

The flight was long, but Aurelie dozed through much of it, waking a few times to eat or go to the restroom. She woke for the final time as the captain announced the final descent into Vancouver. She got a look at the city from the air, seeing the backdrop of mountains north of it, and started to feel a flutter of excitement that continued to build as they landed and collected their luggage, clearing customs without difficulty.

Her boss had arranged a limo from the airport which whisked them through traffic to their downtown hotel overlooking the harbour and next to one of the city's conventions centres. Check in was a model of efficiency, and Aurelie soon found herself holding her key card and walking with her boss to the elevators.

"I have some personal business today Aurelie," he told her. "Take the day to yourself. In fact, take tomorrow morning as well. I'll need you for some meetings in the afternoon. Meet me in the lobby at 2:00 pm tomorrow. We can have dinner together and discuss the rest of the trip."

She nodded her understanding as they boarded the elevator, suspecting his motives about dinner the following day, but assuring herself she could deal with it.

When the elevator stopped at her floor and she started to leave, he handed her a card as if in an afterthought.

"Its a prepaid Mastercard for your use while you're here," he said with a smile. "Use it for anything, personal or business, and no need to keep accounts. There is $2,000 on it."

She nodded a surprised thanks as the elevator door closed.