"I want to thank you for that." Her eyes snare his again. "I'm convinced you have something to do with it." Rene says nothing to that. Any word out of his mouth would be damning. "So I have an idea. Let's keep her happy. When she gets back, let's whisk her away. I know a nice little vacation spot. No cameras. No phones. No work. Just all of us on a beach." Rene watches Therese carefully. "You want to ... to include me on this?" "Yes." She nods. "She'll pout with so much free time unless you're there." Rene pinches himself to keep from blushing. "Of course. Let's start planning." "Good, we don't have much time to make this happen, and keep it a surprise." Rene spends the next hour going over everything with Therese. They carefully lay the plans and Rene pushes back meetings as necessary. He may have to make a phone call or two while they're away, but other than that, nothing will get in the way. He smiles at Therese when she stands. She nods to him. "I'll see you tomorrow, then." "Wonderful." Inside, he's elated, more elated than he thought possible given what he expected from Therese. And he knows that look in her eye. She doesn't believe for a second that Rene and Celine are only friends. And yet ... she hasn't yelled, she hasn't done anything except invite him to an event that he otherwise wouldn't have any say in. Which makes the rest of the day pass all the faster. He can't wait to see Celine tomorrow,can't want to have her in his arms, and to see her smiling face again. He calls the hotel and gets nothing. She's probably already left and is high in the sky, far from his reach ... for now.
