“Yes, like I told Carol earlier, it was great to see Mr. Dalton again. We used to attend the same high school”, I say politely, schooling my facial expressions to stay neutral.
“I see. Are you sure you can collaborate with him if you have shared history?”
I nod and then speak. “I think it shouldn’t be an issue. Thank you for your concern.”
“There’s another reason why I invited you here, Rose. Mr. Dalton suggested we do something called a day with Elijah Dalton. You would be following him around for a day.” Seeing my confusion, he continues telling me that Eli requested me personally.
After considering my options, I agree to do the day with Elijah Dalton. I don’t want to say no to my boss because I need all the experience and excellent recommendations I can get if I ever decide to leave for another position somewhere else.
The elevator ride back down goes slowly—it feels like everything is moving at a snail’s pace today. The elevator also stops at every floor, with people getting in and out.
I see Cecilia, one of my fellow interns, and ask if she wants to join me for lunch. She tells me that she’s busy until one but suggests that we grab a bite to eat at the food truck after.
Back at my desk, I power up my laptop and read my emails. There’s nothing special until I see the conversation forwarded to me by my boss. It details what Eli’s team requested from the day with him.
It has a note from Andrew on the top.
I forgot to mention that you get paid for all the added hours and additional costs that may come during the day with Mr. Dalton. Please keep the receipts.
At least this job is paying me well and covers any extra expenses. For years after leaving Belchester, I cleaned commercial office spaces and other public places like metro stations and shopping malls. It wasn’t the most exciting job, but it paid better than many other jobs I applied for. It wasn’t until earlier this year that I decided to quit my cleaning job to find an internship within my studies. Starting my senior year this fall, I think it’s finally time to experience my selected field and discover its secrets.
Before now, I worked flexible hours while doing part-time studies. It was the best way to achieve higher education with my limited funds. Thanks to my well-paid internship, such a rarity these days, I can finally be a full-time student my senior year. After six years of part-time studies, the time is almost here.
That’s why I need to take my internship seriously and focus on my work. But it all feels weird with Eli being a part of my job. There needs to be a professional relationship between us if we want things to work out the way that benefits both of us. At the same time, there is nothing professional about my thoughts on him.
After my quick lunch with Cecilia and two other interns, I wonder if I should contact Eli or not. At least it’s regarding the article.
I typeDear Eliwithout even thinking about it. It’s my usual way of starting emails. But can I actually use it for him? Would that be too obvious?
Deciding to stick with my standard greeting, I continue typing:
I heard about your new plan from my boss. Let me know when is a good time and we can meet in your lobby whenever you’re ready.
Thanks.
Kind regards,
Rose
A half an hour later, I see that I have a reply from him. My hands are shaking as I open the unread message.
Dear Rose,
How about we get dinner and start the next morning together?- E
That deviant littlepiece of work. Of course, he would suggest something like that. His direct approach turns me on a bit—just like his smell and presence during the interview.
Eli,
I’m not spending the night with you no matter what.
- Rose
I chuckle to myself. No way he is going to say yes to that.
Less than five minutes later, he messages back with a simple comment.
I’m sure I can change your mind. – E
