The Corporate Escape by Elizabeth Drake Page A

Katherine insisted to was too late for Lynn to take the ferry and had claimed she would enjoy the drive. On the way back to Lynn's hotel, they made plans for the following evening.
    There was a message for Lynn, from Paul at the front desk. He asked her to call him at his hotel in Brisbane. She place the call and was relieved to find he was still awake. They talked for over an hour. She told him about her lovely day and evening with the Coleman's. She confessed she was a bit jealous of Katherine when she found that Duane had tried to set she and Paul up. His laughter was contagious, as he reassured her that Katherine was like a sister to him.
    He told her of his busy day, the successful meeting, and the beauty of his surroundings. He promised to call soon, as they both hung up the phone. Each fell asleep thanking the Lord for the other, and dreaming of Friday. Wednesday morning Lynn took the Jet Cat Ferry into Sydney and did a grand tour of Macquarie Street. She saw the State Library, the Parliament House, Mint Building and the Hyde Park Barracks. She ate lunch at the outdoor cafe next door, and proceeded to tour the rest of Hyde Park, including the Archibald Fountain and the ANZAC War Museum. She saw the beautiful St. Mary's Cathedral, and ended her day at the Art Gallery.
    She met Katherine at her office and they went to her house in Paddington. While Katherine changed from her business attire she told Lynn that Paddington had been compared to Greenwich Village, and was referred to by locals affectionately as ‘Padoo.’ It was the artistic area of Sydney, which meant they could charge a lot of money for very little space.
    But Katherine loved the area. She lived in a beautifully restored Victorian Terrace House. The area was blessed with all types of food. They walked to Katherine's favorite restaurant, which was just down the street. The streets were lined with Boutiques, antique shops, bookstores and art galleries. Lynn and Katherine had a wonderful dinner. They discussed world politics, religion, business ethics and, of course, Paul and Doug.
    Doug O'Connell was the love of Katherine's life. They had met in Law School, and he currently worked for another firm downtown. They planned to be married next Summer, around Christmas. Lynn and Katherine spent the remainder of the evening discussing theology
    Again Katherine insisted on driving Lynn home. It was late when Lynn arrived back at the hotel, and she hesitated as to whether she should call Paul or not. Then she realized that he was in Cairns, and she didn't know which hotel he would be at. There was not a message, and she felt a sudden dread. She recognized the pain to come. The phone rang as Lynn stepped into the shower. She ran to answer it.
    “Where have you been?” asked Paul.
    “In the shower,” she replied. “Nice to hear your voice too.”
    “I'm sorry Lynn. But why didn't you call?”
    “I don't know where you are staying remember?”
    “Didn't Sandra call you?” he asked.
    “No messages,” she replied.
    “I see,” said Paul, although he truly didn't. “Let's start over.”
    Lynn laughed, “Hi Paul! I am so glad you called!”
    Paul laughed in reply, and they talked of their days. Paul told her of the beauty of Cairns. The tropical gold coast was splendid in the summer .
    “I wish I could see it,” Lynn sighed in response.
    “Maybe next trip,” said Paul quietly. “If I would have thought about it, I should have asked you along this time.”
    “That would have been lovely,” she sighed.
    “You mean you would have come?” he asked.
    “I am on vacation,” she laughed. “Remember? I can do anything I want on vacation.”
    Paul chided himself at his stupidity.
    “What?” asked Lynn.
    “Sorry,” said Paul. “I just didn't even think about it.”
    “It is O.K.,” teased Lynn. “By the sound of your schedule you certainly aren't playing much. What are you trying to do? Squeeze two weeks worth of meetings into four