Skating was his escape. It was the one treasure that remained of his parents. They were the best at it and taught him well. It was their life's passion to dance on the ice together. It was a beautiful story of how they met and fell in love. He wanted something that burned just as bright. He had learned to skate from them. He enjoyed it but it wasn't his passion to be as great as they were out on the ice. It reminded him of them and it hurt too much. It was personal and with every eye on him, he kept this one little secret hidden from the world.


He secured the door and made himself comfortable in his bed again. A busy day lay ahead and he needed to finish getting his rest. He dreaded getting out of bed when his alarm finally rang. After he got ready and put on his suit. He readied himself for the onslaught of paparazzi and fans. His limo was waiting for him just beyond the gates of his property as was his security which was necessary to keep all the crazy fangirls at bay. As well as anyone else who dared to come for him. He was polite and smiled, waving at the adoring public before he shut himself into the car. His driver took him to his office building.


He thanked Milo as he got out of the car and asked him to come back in about an hour or two when the meeting was finished. He told him he would text him. That he could take some time for himself while he waited. He wouldn't make him sit out front the whole time. It would be unkind. As he entered the building he began to go over his speech in his mind. He wanted to make space in his schedule to have this meeting cause he wanted everyone to know he would be away. He needed to know his staff was able to take care of his business while he was away. They wouldn't be able to reach him. He needed space to settle some affairs in Burlington, Vermont. Arrange a portion of time for himself. A small vacation. He needed one and he wanted to at least enjoy a bit of time off. Hunt for prospective partners. It wouldn't happen overnight but he had to at least open himself up to the opportunity of finding the one.


He stepped into the conference room with ease as he'd done many times before. His finest staff brought among him. All chatter and standing ceased the moment he stepped foot in and seats were taken. He was well respected but at times he felt it was too superficial. He wanted it to feel more like a home for his staff. He did his best to make a decent working environment. He cleared his throat. "I would like to thank you all for joining me here. It has come to my attention that I must venture off to work on the rest of the business. I will take some time off. As per the instructions I have left in these delicate handbooks." He gestured to the books placed on the table in front of them. He instructed his assistant to lay them out before anyone arrived. "There is a detailed explanation of how things should be run and as long as these rules are stuck to. Everything should run smoothly in my absence. You will not have any contact with me at all. I will be dead silent in the terms of business and it must remain that way. I am positive you all are capable employees worth the risk of leaving my business in the hands of and will not disappoint. Are we clear? Any questions?" He looked around the room and everyone either nodded or spoke their agreement verbally. Not a single raised hand in sight.