I wanted to say no, but I couldn't. I am not sure why I didn't—maybe it was the opportunity to represent the company, or the excitement of attending such a large event. He requested that I gather the files I was carrying and prepare. "Who will stay with you while I am away?" I questioned. He assured me that his maid would accompany him to the hospital and stay with him, so I should not worry.
While he waited for the maid, he encouraged me to go home and prepare. The maid took a long time to arrive, but once she did, I took a leave of absence and returned to New York to get ready for the journey.
My friends were shocked when I arrived home later that day. "What are you doing here at this time?" one of them inquired.
"You and your attractive boss should be in Chicago," someone teased.
"W
