Maybe Later Read online

  MAYBE LATER

  CLAUDIA BURGOA

  Contents

  Also By Claudia Burgoa

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Epilogue

  Dear reader,

  Until I Fall

  Found

  Springfling: A Romance Anthology

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Also By Claudia Burgoa

  Copyright © 2019 by Claudia Burgoa

  Cover by: By Hang Le

  Edited by: Elli McLove

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, distributed, stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic, photocopying, mechanical or otherwise, without express permission of the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages for review purposes.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, brands, media, places, storylines and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to any person, living or dead, or any events or occurrences, is purely coincidental.

  The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products, brands, and-or restaurants referenced in this work of fiction, of which have been used without permission. The use of these trademarks is not authorized with or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  Sign up for my newsletter to receive updates about upcoming books and exclusive excerpts.

  www.clauidayburgoa.com

  Created with Vellum

  Also By Claudia Burgoa

  Standalones

  My One Despair

  Knight of Wands

  My One Regret

  Found

  Fervent

  Flawed

  Until I Fall

  Finding My Reason

  Christmas in Kentbury

  Chaotic Love Duet

  Begin with You

  Back to You

  Unexpected Series

  Uncharted

  Uncut

  Undefeated

  Unlike Any Other

  Decker the Halls

  Coming soon

  Springfling (April 2nd)

  One for The Road (May 2nd)

  Forever

  Dedicated to Michelle, Karen and all the amazing Virtual assistants.

  …and to Tommy and Macey who are my Ramen and Sushi.

  “When you read a book as a child, it becomes a part of your identity in a way that no other reading in your whole life does.”

  ― Nora Ephron

  Chapter One

  February 21st

  Mrs. Jones,

  Thank you for your inquiry about our services and for filling out our initial application. It’ll be a pleasure to help you find just the right virtual assistant for your needs. Please, let me make sure we got some details right. On the application, you describe your current boss as impatient, aggressive, micromanaging, and somewhat of a social pariah.

  Did I misread it? Is there a possibility that this was a typo?

  If you could please correct or expand on your description, I’d appreciate it. Mrs. Darlington explained our mission correctly. We always find the assistant who will best fit your company. Even for social pariah. We have the right person for that.

  Best Regards,

  E. Lancaster, CEO

  Virtual Assistant Everyday Services

  Chapter Two

  March 4th

  Mr. Spearman:

  Don’t forget tonight’s Gala at the Civic Center. As the guest speaker, you can’t excuse yourself and send a big fat check in your place. On Sunday, you have brunch with your family—your plane ticket is in your Inbox. Per your request, I wrapped your brother’s present and left it on your desk. Monday’s calendar has been updated. Mr. Lincoln wants to meet with you early next week.

  As a reminder, I’ll be off for the next three months. My maternity leave starts next Monday. I can’t push it any longer. My due date was yesterday.

  My replacement knows how to access your calendars, as well as your files, and has been shadowing me—online—for the past couple of weeks. You can contact Amy Walker, your temporary assistant, via phone, chat through the portal she provided, SMS, and email.

  I sent you the information for the Virtual Assistant app. Once you sign in, it’ll prompt you to change your password. I saved your VA’s contact information on the database too. Be aware that the VA won’t do in-person tasks for you, but she’ll schedule them for you.

  What does that mean for you?

  She won’t bring you coffee. Zoe, the receptionist, can do that. It also means she won’t deliver your lunch at eleven with a small Pellegrino water. Ms. Walker works remotely. If you need anything, you have to contact her and ask to schedule the service, or order online.

  Or, you can always use the Meals-on-Demand. It’s safe, they don’t care who you are. As long as you use the company account, no one will know it’s you.

  I can’t stress enough the fact that I won’t be available for the next three months. That’s ninety days. Please, refrain from contacting me—or I’ll quit. VA-Everyday Services is one of the most prestigious and reliable companies. They keep your information secure, and their assistants are college graduates. Amy Walker’s qualifications exceed my own. Please, be aware that if you lose her, you won’t have an assistant until I’m back.

  Sincerely,

  Carla Jones

  P. S. Your welcome package from VA-Everyday is on your desk.

  * * *

  From: A. Walker

  To: J. Spearman

  Subject: Introduction

  Friday, March 4th, 6:30 p.m.

  Dear Mr. Spearman,

  Thank you for choosing VA-Everyday Services for your business. I’m Amy Walker, your Virtual Assistant. You can contact me via email, text or, better yet, send me a chat request through the VAES application. If you haven’t yet, you can download it on your phone or sign in on your desktop. My screen name is AWalk90.

  A little about myself. As I mentioned, my name is Amy. I’ve worked as a freelancer for eight years and as a virtual assistant for VAES for almost four. When I’m not working, I spend time with Ramen and Sushi. Reading is my passion, needlepoint a hobby, Pilates a necessity and yoga relaxes me.

  To get to know you better, I have attached a questionnaire. Have a wonderful weekend.

  Sincerely,

  Amy

  P. S. I hope you enjoy your welcome package.

  * * *

  From: J. Spearman

  To: C. Jones

  Subject: VA

  Friday, March 4th, 9:30 p.m.

  Find me a new assista
nt. You promised she wouldn’t invade my personal life. Please see the attached questionnaire. Why would she want to know what my favorite food is? I don’t want to tell anyone how many times a week I work out. Did you give her my personal address? She wants to know if my doorman will receive my dry cleaning or if I have a cleaning service that can take care of the task.

  I don’t need a personal assistant to know my favorite color, my favorite movie, or whether or not I have a pet. You can’t expect me to put up with someone as intrusive as this woman. She spends time with Sushi and Ramen. Does she know people aren’t food? Is that a metaphor for something else? How old is she? Not even my grandmother needlepoints, that’s for old people. Pilates, yoga … did you hire me some hippie from the sixties? My mom sounds younger than her. Maybe she’s one of those hipsters whose goals in life are to go to Tibet and become vegan. Find me a real person.

  I need you back.

  J. Spearman.

  * * *

  From: C. Jones

  To: J. Spearman.

  Subject: Automatic reply: VA

  Friday, March 4th, 9:30 p.m.

  I will be out of the office from March 7th to June 10th. I won’t be checking my email. This email is being forwarded by an automated system. Please allow 24hrs to receive a response. If you need immediate assistance, please contact Amy Walker, [email protected]

  * * *

  From: A. Walker

  To: J. Spearman

  Subject: RE: VA

  Friday, March 4th, 11:42 p.m.

  Dear Mr. Spearman,

  Carla won’t be available until June 10th. If you have any immediate questions or concerns, you can contact me during business hours. That’s 8 am to 5 pm MST. Any time worked outside those business hours will be billed as overtime—per contract. To answer your question, the function of the questionnaire is to be able to better serve you. A virtual assistant is like a personal assistant. The only difference is that I’m not on location to meet your needs. However, here at VAES, our commitment is to provide you with the best service we can. In order to do that, we like to learn as much as possible about you and your work environment.

  Please consider answering the questionnaire so I can serve you more efficiently.

  I must address the following from the email you sent to Carla, your assistant:

  “She spends time with sushi and ramen. Doesn’t she know people aren’t food? Is that a metaphor for something else? How old is she? Not even my grandmother knits, that’s for old people. Pilates, yoga … did you hire me some hippie from the sixties? My mom sounds younger than her. Maybe she’s one of those hipsters whose goal in life is to go to Tibet and don’t eat meat. Find me a real person.”

  My cats are named Ramen and Sushi. I named them after my favorite foods. I’m giving you the benefit of the doubt, but you sound ageist, Mr. Spearman. Anyone can knit or needlepoint. If you must know, I’m twenty-eight. I’m sure your mother is a lovely woman, but I’m much younger than her. It’d be nice to visit Tibet, but it’s not on my to-do list since traveling isn’t an activity I partake in.

  I enjoy meat as much as I enjoy vegetables. I must confess that I don’t care for pork, duck or any game. I prefer to eat fish, but I love my burgers too. I’ll take a juicy steak—medium rare—any day of the week.

  Though the development of artificial intelligence continues to amaze me, I doubt that there’s an A.I. as efficient as I am.

  I am real, Mr. Spearman.

  Regards,

  Amy Walker

  * * *

  From: J. Spearman

  To: A. Walker

  Subject: RE: VA

  Saturday, March 5th, 12:22 a.m.

  Dear Ms. Walker:

  The beauty of A.I. technology is that it doesn’t ask too many questions. They’re programmed to help users without being intrusive. I can’t wait for technology to catch up with the needs of consumers like myself.

  If you’re as efficient as you claim, I expect you to do your job without asking indiscreet questions like the ones you sent me earlier today.

  Who names their animals after food? That should be considered animal abuse. Who doesn’t like to travel? My grandmother is in Patagonia with my grandfather, enjoying her life. You should try it. I guarantee you that I’m not an ageist. No healthy twenty-eight-year-old knits as a hobby. Is that all you do? Yoga, Pilates, work, and knit. I assure you people older than you do a lot more than that.

  Sincerely,

  J. Spearman

  * * *

  From: A. Walker

  To: J. Spearman

  Subject: Judging

  Saturday, March 5th, 12:56 a.m.

  We live in a free country where each individual can name their pets anything they want. There’s nothing wrong with naming my cats Ramen and Sushi. Do you have pets? I bet you don’t. But if you did, you’d get a Labrador Retriever and name him something like Bear, Rocky, Chopper, or Sparky.

  I’m pretty efficient. So efficient that I could research your life and find out the answers I need if I wanted to. Unfortunately, I signed an NDA and other paperwork that stops me from doing so, in other words, I have to abide by the information you and your assistant provide.

  What are you hiding, Mr. Spearman?

  Clearly, you’re a private person and feel uncomfortable answering personal questions. Carla warned me you’d be difficult. This is precisely why you were assigned to me. I promise you, your stubbornness won’t stop me from performing at a hundred percent.

  The implications of traveling are far too complicated for me to try to visit other places. I’m not a fan of long car rides. There are other forms of transportation, trains, planes, and boats.

  Did you hear about the Titanic?

  Planes are on my not to-do list. Do you know that when a plane crashes, there are no survivors? Only one aircraft has ever been able to crash land without losing a passenger.

  Needlepoint and knitting are relaxing activities. I can listen to audiobooks, knit, and watch television all at the same time. You should try it. Do you have some kind of maternal issue we should be working on?

  Would you like me to find you a therapist?

  How do you know what all twenty-eight-year-old women do during their free time?

  You run a company which designs and manufactures computer parts.

  Why can’t I find any pictures of you on your website?

  I didn’t research you. Your website has your bio, and attached to it there’s a picture of a building. Most people add their image to the bio. Unless … you are a building?

  Do you study female behavior during your free time? Maybe you’re building the next generation of A.I. technology and trying to replace twenty-eight-year-old women.

  Do you even have a hobby and favorite food, Mr. Spearman?

  Since you’re emailing after midnight, I’m guessing you’re a workaholic who spends more time working than living.

  Sincerely,

  Amy

  * * *

  From: J. Spearman

  To: A. Walker

  Subject: RE: VA

  Saturday, March 5th, 1:37 a.m.

  I’ve owned pets in the past, none of them named after food. We had a Pointer growing up, his name was Duke. My mother chose it. And no, that doesn’t mean I need therapy. Mom and I have a good relationship. If you’re going to be my assistant, you’ll have to be a lot more professional than you’ve been in the past few emails.

  There’s a reason for the NDA. I like to keep my life private. Technology is my passion, but even I agree that social media can be too invasive. I’m private in order to enjoy my freedom to do as I please without having other people following my whereabouts.

  Work isn’t my life. I know how to relax—without yoga. Have you tried traveling? It’s better than yoga and Pilates. I do more than work by the way. I travel with my brothers. One of them has a dog. His name is Trevor. The dog, not my brother.

  Honestly, I’m baffled by your fear of traveling. It sounds as
if you know the statistics. I’d tell you that driving in the city is worse than flying, but I’m afraid you’d stop leaving your house. You need a professional to help you work through your phobia.

  The Titanic sank more than a hundred years ago. I assure you, if anything like that happened today, every passenger would be rescued before the ship sank.

  Single malt is better than tequila. Unless you’re drinking Gran Patron Piedra, Clase Azul, or Casa Dragones.

  I haven’t been twenty-eight for a long time, but my sisters—who happen to be twenty-nine, are way more outgoing than you. I adore them, but replicating them would be the last thing I’d want to do. The world doesn’t need more than those two. So no, I don’t study female behavior, but with my mom and sisters, I have plenty of material.

  Hobbies aren’t my thing unless you call hanging with my brothers during the weekend a hobby. We hike, ski, snowboard or skydive depending on the season and when we can get together. We live in different states. My routine isn’t anything special. During the week I keep it simple: run, work, gym, work, sleep. I don’t have any food preferences. Except, I try not to eat salads. I don’t understand the concept of a salad. What are they?

  I should fire you for your insubordination, but your comment had me curious. Why would I be assigned to you as the problem child?

  I won’t answer your questionnaire.

  J. Spearman

  * * *

  From: A. Walker

  To: J. Spearman

  Subject: Judging

  Saturday, March 5th, 9:35 a.m.

  Don’t think you got the last word just because I didn’t respond to the previous email promptly. You are free to fire me for my … insubordination ⇠ Ha!

  Nothing is stopping you from doing so, but who will be assisting you after I’m gone?

  Your assistant, who had a baby girl earlier today, won’t be there to save you. That reminds me, I took the liberty of sending a flower arrangement and a gift on your behalf to Carla. The note reads: Thank you for hiring such an efficient VA. Enjoy your time with your daughter. Mr. Spearman.

  I’ll be billing the gift, and the time I spent doing the task at the end of the month. You’re welcome.