The Queens of San Diego (18+)

Chapter 30

JJ

The sleek glass windows of the conference room reflected the morning sun, casting a glow over downtown San Diego. I sat in a plush leather chair, tapping my fingers nervously against the table's edge. Across from me were Axel and Annie, the dynamic brother-sister duo who co-founded one of the leading domestic travel companies in the U.S. They looked polished and professional, effortlessly confident in their crisp, tailored outfits. Their energy was contagious, and I couldn't help but feel excited to be in the room with them.

"So, JJ," Axel began, leaning forward with a smile. "We've been following your social media for a while now. The way you've built such an incredible international following—your content has inspired so many people to explore beyond their comfort zones. It's exactly the kind of influence we're looking for."

Annie nodded in agreement. "We've built our company from scratch, focusing on domestic tourism."

I listened, as I'd spent years building my brand around globe-trotting adventures, guiding people to the hidden gems of countries far beyond U.S. borders. But domestic tours? That was a different ballgame.

"I love what you've built here," I replied honestly, "but my focus has always been more on international travel. I'm not sure how well that aligns with your current business."

Annie smiled, as if anticipating my response. "That's exactly why we wanted to meet with you. We've already established ourselves in the domestic market, but we've received countless inquiries about international tours. People want more—more countries, more cultures, more adventure. And we think you're the perfect person to take our company in that direction."

Axel picked up where she left off, "We're working on developing multi-country trips across Europe—starting in one country and traveling to several within a two-week span. These aren't just any tours, JJ. We're talking about experiences that are immersive, unique, and unforgettable. The kind of experiences you're known for showcasing."

My heart sped up. This was huge. Country-hopping through Europe, leading curated tours with a group of travelers eager to experience what I had built my brand around? It sounded like a dream job.

I nodded slowly, trying to imagine it. "That sounds incredible. What exactly would my role be?"

"You'd be the face of these trips," Annie explained, her excitement palpable. "The host, the guide, the expert. Your followers would have the chance to join these exclusive tours and experience the same amazing adventures you've shared on your social platforms. And you'd help design the trips—choosing the countries, the activities, everything."

I couldn't believe it. My mind was already racing with possibilities: shooting videos of castles in Scotland, wine tasting in France, gondola rides through Venice. It was everything I loved about travel, but on a grander scale.

But just as quickly as the excitement surged, a nagging thought crept in. "That sounds perfect," I said slowly, "but what's the catch?"

Axel and Annie exchanged a quick glance before Axel leaned back in his chair, his expression more serious now. "The trips are set to start later this year, and they're fully booked through next year as well. The demand is massive. But with that comes the need for you to be fully available."

I narrowed my eyes slightly, sensing where this was going. "Meaning?"

Annie took a breath before responding. "Meaning you'd need to relocate to London. That's where all the tours will start, and given the packed schedule, it would be impossible to fly back and forth from San Diego. The tours are back-to-back, and we need someone who can be fully committed."