When lunch break began, Joanna stepped out of her office and headed towards Chichen Cafe in the left wing. She ordered her favorite Mayan Pepita-Chicken Stew and a couple of Mayan brownies for dessert. As she waited for her food, she overheard a conversation nearby.
Emily Cooper, one of the newly hired docents, was chatting animatedly with Gabriel, another staff member. "So this morning was crazy! We had a blackout during the Girl Scouts' slumber party, and then some guy dressed as a Huay Chivo showed up!"
Gabriel's eyes widened. "A Huay Chivo? Seriously? What did you do?"
Emily chuckled. "We were all freaking out, but it turned out to be Taylor Sinclair pulling a prank. Honestly, it was more bizarre than scary."
Joanna smiled to herself but decided to avoid getting involved in the conversation. She grabbed her lunch and left the cafe, heading towards the main exhibit to check on JJ Maybank and Veronica Lodge, two of the newer docents.
As she approached, she could hear JJ talking animatedly. "I still can't get over that Huay Chivo thing. And Taylor Sinclair of all people! What a nutjob."
Veronica laughed. "Seriously though, why did the Huay Chivo have a penis? Was that part of the prank too?"
Joanna cleared her throat, catching their attention. "Alright, enough about the Huay Chivo. Let's focus on our duties. How are you two holding up?"
JJ shrugged. "We're good. Just trying to keep the visitors entertained and informed."
Joanna nodded approvingly. "Great. Keep up the good work." She turned and headed back to her office to eat her lunch in peace.
As she began to eat, a knock sounded on the door. She looked up to see Eva King, the museum's marketing and communications director, standing there.
"Joanna, your ex-boyfriend William is here. He wants to come and check on you," Eva announced with a grin.
Joanna's heart skipped a beat. "William? Really?"
Before she could fully process the information, William appeared at the door, holding a fresh bouquet of flowers. Joanna's breath caught at the sight of him.
"Hi, Joanna," William said with a warm smile. "I brought these for you. I hope you like them."
Joanna took the bouquet, her fingers brushing against his. "They're beautiful, William. Thank you. But what are you doing here?"
William's smile widened. "I'm visiting Beech Hill, and I wanted to see you. I've quit working for the Kardashians. I've decided to live closer to be near you."
Joanna's heart fluttered with joy. "That's wonderful news, William. Have you had a chance to check out the two new exhibits? The 'Sexy Mayan' and the 'Maya Apocalypse'?"
William shook his head. "Not yet. What are they about?"
Joanna gave a sly smile. "You'll have to see for yourself. They're quite... unique."
William laughed. "I look forward to it. I'll let you enjoy your lunch now." He turned to leave but not before giving her a wink.
As Joanna watched him go, she felt a warm sense of happiness wash over her. She returned to her lunch, feeling lighter and more content than she had in a long time. Life at Beech Hill was certainly never boring, and today had proven to be no exception.