“Elenore!” Ms. Vi’s voice calls from her office. Standing, I go and see what she’d like. When she spots me at the doorway, she holds out a handful of paperwork. “Please proof these and get them back to me as soon as possible. How is my new personal assistant doing?” she asks.
Her attitude toward me has changed since I came back to work after a month off. I needed time to reevaluate my life. One thing was for certain—I still wanted to be here and learn from one of the best.
“Surprisingly, you haven’t scared this one off yet.” I laugh, and she gifts me with a smile.
“Elenore, they need to be ready for anything, and the two girls before this one weren’t very good.” She is correct. The girls really weren’t that good, and if they were my assistants I’d have fired them as well. But I’m doing everything to make sure this girl sticks. It’s becoming difficult to do both jobs, as her assistant and an editorial trainee.
“I know. I think this one could be it, though.” I take the paperwork from her.
“Will you be coming to the work party tonight?” she asks. Recently, we’ve started a team-building program and everyone decided that a monthly get-together would be a great way for everyone to meet, mingle, and get to know each other better.
“Wouldn’t miss it,” I answer, before turning to leave the office.
Months ago, I most likely would have avoided this kind of thing, as it wasn’t me. Since everything happened, I’ve taken hold of life and gripped it tightly. I’ve grown and become something so much more than I was. When I met my biological mom and dad, they welcomed me with open arms.
Sitting at my desk, I ponder on how far I’ve come. Yes, I had to get help and talk to someone about the ordeal. Of course I left Roman out of it. There’s still a large gaping hole in my chest. I left a piece of me with him the day I walked out of the hospital. He couldn’t come after me, and I didn’t want him to. I needed him to leave me be so I could figure things in my life out without him.
Every day since then, I’ve thought about him and wondered what he was doing. I’ve even gone as far as typing out a text message and then deleting it. It’s been such a challenge, but one I’m grateful for.
“Am I alright to go to lunch?” Hayley’s voice startles me. She’s been working so hard at learning the ropes here.
“Yeah, sure. I’ll get Ms. Vi her lunch today.”
Hayley turns and leaves. I pull out my phone and message Daisy. She’s staying with me for the week so we can have some sister time.
Me: Want to do lunch?
Seconds later, she replies.
Daisy: Yes! I’ll meet you at your office in 30.
Half hour later, I step outside, I immediately get the familiar sense I’m being watched.
By Roman.
I smile. Every now and then I’ll get these feelings, and I kind of hope that it is him.
Daisy greets me with open arms. “How’s your day going?”
“The usual. Always busy and training a new girl.”
She laughs. “Another one? You’ve been through a few now, haven’t you?”
I nod, laughing. “Ms. Vi isn’t the easiest person to work with, but I think this new girl could be the perfect fit.”
We walk to an eatery that’s across the road from my office. It’s only just opened up this week.
When we get inside, it’s busy.
“I’m just going to go to the bathroom,” Daisy says. I look up at the menu on the wall behind the counter, trying to decide if I want something healthy or just deep-fried and delicious. A customer receives their order and leaves, the line shuffles forward, and I step right into the person in front of me.
“Oh, I’m so sorry. I thought the line moved,” I quickly apologize. When the suited guy turns around, my heart falters, and I think my knees could collapse beneath me. Roman.
“Oh my goodness. Roman,” I breathe. He hasn’t changed, although the hardness his face once held is now gone. His familiar hazel eyes hold my own.
“Elenore… fancy bumping into you here.” He gifts me one of his devilish grins, and my stomach twists in a frenzy. The way this man makes me feel even after months apart… The way my name rolls off his tongue… it hits me right in my core, and if we weren’t in a public place I probably would leap at him, smashing my lips to his. I never realized the powerful affect he had on me until right now. My body feels as if it’s trembling, my hands truly are shaking, and I think my heart might beat right out my throat.
“Who’s your friend?” Daisy has returned and is now staring at Roman as if he’s a god.
Clearing my throat, I answer, “This is Roman.”
Daisy extends her hand. He takes it, greeting her with his charming smile. She giggles and looks as though she might melt on the spot.
“Roman, this is my sister, Daisy.”
His eyes flicker to me knowingly. “Pleased to meet you.” He gives a curt nod.
“Next please!” the server calls.
“Call me some time,” Roman says, leaning into me. He places a gentle kiss on my cheek, and warmth spreads over my face. Damn public places. He goes and orders, but my eyes don’t leave him. I want him back in my life. I’ve missed him. Scrambling through my bag, I pull out my phone and type a quick message.
Me: I’ve missed you. I need you back in my life.
I watch as he reaches for his phone. A brilliant smile flashes on his face. His eyes meet mine briefly, then go back to his phone. His fingers are busy typing. My phone dings seconds later.
Roman: A chance I’ve been waiting patiently for. You’ll always hold a piece of me. My heart will forever be yours.