(Months melted into each other like ice cream on a summer day. Elena settled into her college routine, forging new friendships with the transfer students who had joined after her own friends had decamped for the bright lights of New York. Though she missed Cassie, Piru, and Milley dearly, video calls and frequent texts kept them connected.
Oliver and Sky had returned to the city after completing their project, their penthouse apartment a welcome sanctuary after the long months away. Oliver, however, found himself yearning for Elena’s presence in a way he hadn’t anticipated. He managed occasional visits to LA, each stolen weekend a whirlwind of stolen kisses and shared dreams.
Yet, the distance gnawed at him, leaving him with a lingering sense of unease. One crisp November evening, Professor Thompson dropped a bombshell during his usual end-of-class announcements.
“This year,” he boomed, his voice echoing in the cavernous lecture hall, “McKnight Enterprises, one of the most prestigious companies in the city, is offering an exclusive recruitment opportunity for our most talented students.”
Elena’s heart skipped a beat. McKnight Enterprises. The very same company where she had interned just a few months ago. Had her hard work paid off? A nervous flutter filled her stomach, a delicious mix of anticipation and apprehension. As if on cue, her phone buzzed in her pocket moments after the last bell tolled.
With a pounding heart, she pulled it out, the caller ID a simple string of numbers. Still, her intuition sang a familiar tune. “Hello?” she answered, her voice trembling slightly. “Hello, are we speaking to Elena Dawson?” came a professional yet friendly voice from the other end. A wave of relief washed over Elena. “Yes, this is me. How can I help you?” “I’m calling from the office of the CEO of McKnight Enterprises,” the woman continued, her voice smooth and polished. “We’re reaching out regarding your internship with us earlier this year. We were very impressed with your work, and Mr. McKnight would like to schedule a conversation to discuss potential job opportunities after your graduation.”
Elena’s breath caught in her throat. An interview with the CEO himself? This was a chance she couldn’t afford to miss. “Oh my god,” she stammered, struggling to compose herself.
“This definitely came as a surprise.” The woman on the other end chuckled. “We understand. When would you be able to come to New York for an interview?” A quick mental calculation confirmed Elena’s suspicions. “Well, in half a week, I have a week’s vacation scheduled. I think I could fly over then.” “Wonderful! I’ll check with Mr. McKnight’s schedule and get back to you soon,” the woman replied. Relief mingled with excitement as Elena ended the call. A job interview at McKnight Enterprises, the culmination of months of hard work? It felt surreal. A mischievous grin spread across her face as a new thought popped into her head. Her phone buzzed to life again, this time displaying the familiar contact name: “Superman.”
“Hey, babe,” Oliver’s voice washed over her, laced with a hint of amusement. “Hi love,” Elena responded, her voice bubbly with barely contained excitement. “I love it when you call me that,” Oliver chuckled. “How are you, babe?” “I’m good, just enjoying my school life and getting prepped for the exams. How about you?”
“I miss you,” Oliver confessed. “I want you around again. I really liked having you around for that weekend.” Elena’s chest tightened. She missed him too. The frequent visits had dwindled recently, Oliver citing a mountain of paperwork keeping him chained to his desk. However, the longing evident in his voice made her wonder if there was more to the story.
“Why don’t you come and visit me?” she suggested, feigning innocence. “I want to, but I have a ton of paperwork that needs my attention. Otherwise, I would have been there with you,” Oliver replied with a frustrated sigh. “Anyway,” Elena continued, seamlessly changing the subject, “your birthday is coming up next week, right?
Any plans for your birthday?” “Yeah, just grabbing drinks with the guys, but what I really want, I can’t have,” Oliver said with a hint of melodrama. Elena felt a spark of inspiration. What if she surprised him for his birthday? It would be the perfect way to combine the job interview with a much-needed reunion.
“Oh, how I wish I was there with you on your birthday, but you know, I have important lectures,” she teased, enjoying his mock groan.
“Well, I have to rush now,” she continued. “I have another lecture to attend. See you later.” Before Oliver could protest, Elena hung up, a mischievous glint in her eyes. She immediately launched into a whirlwind of activity. Booking a flight for the following week was a breeze.
Now came the fun part - finding the perfect birthday gift. Hours melted away as Elena scoured the upscale shopping mall. Clothes wouldn’t do - Oliver had impeccable taste and anything she picked would likely pale in comparison to his designer wardrobe.
Finally, nestled in a gleaming glass case, she spotted it: a Herbelin Cap Camarat Automatic Chronograph watch. Its sleek, masculine design and intricate inner workings screamed “Oliver.” To add a personal touch, she paired it with a pair of stylish couple bracelets, completing the perfect ensemble. Elena’s stomach lurched with nerves as the plane touched down.
She had half a day before her interview, but sleep was the furthest thing from her mind. Security was a breeze; thanks to her appearance and the company’s heads-up, she sailed through without a hitch. Thirty minutes later, Elena was ensconced in a taxi, headed for the hotel the company had reserved. She doubted she’d spend much time there, not if Oliver knew she was in America.
Her phone buzzed. It was Oliver. Panic surged through her. ‘Had he been tracking her?’ she thought. With butterflies fluttering in her stomach, she answered. “Hey,” she said cautiously. “Is everything alright there?” Oliver asked, his voice laced with worry. Elena offered a sarcastic reply, almost blowing her cover. “Oh well hello Oliver, nice talking to you today.
How was your fl- day, why thanks for asking Oliver it was great.” “Are you okay?” Oliver pressed, his voice strained. ‘What was wrong with him?’ she thought. “Of course I’m okay, why wouldn’t I be?” she said defensively. “I just... I have this weird feeling I can’t explain it,” Oliver answered. “Okay, well, I have to go. I’m super tired and I just want to sleep,” Elena said, eager to end the conversation. “Okay, I will talk to you later. Have some rest, goodnight,” Oliver said, planting a kiss through the phone.
“Good night Oliver,” Elena said, hanging up before he could say another word. The hotel wasn’t as grand as the one Oliver had stayed in with his friends, but it was still impressive.
She paid the cabbie and hurried inside. Exhaustion finally hit Elena as she retrieved her room key. It was 11 pm in America, and she needed to be well-rested for her interview. She hung up before Oliver could even say goodbye.)