“I thought I was reporting to Mr.Price.Meredith said this was his office.Am I in the wrong place?”
“I’ll give you a moment.”
“For what?”
“To figure it out.”
My father had interviewed this batch of interns back in the fall while I was on temporary leave.He was a man of impeccable judgment, and I trusted him implicitly.I never dreamed that the old man’s excellent judge of character would conspire with fate.It had brought me face to face with the girl who had plagued my dreams for six years.
“Figure what out?”
One.Two.Three.Her eyes widened to a comical size as she made the connection.
“I-I thought I was reporting to your father.”Her cheeks flushed pink.
“Did you now?”I teased, raising an eyebrow.“Well, I’m afraid you’re stuck with me.I’m Emmett Price, VP of Special Projects, and you’ll be reporting to me for the duration of your internship.”
She blanched.“I’m so sorry, Mr.Price.I didn’t mean any disrespect.”
“Call me Emmett, please,” I said, waving off her apology.Much as I was enjoying teasing her, I didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable.“It’s no big deal.I understand the confusion.I’m sorry I couldn’t interview you myself.I took a few months…sabbatical in the fall.I just returned last night from London.”
As we spoke, I took in her appearance.She was even more beautiful than I remembered.The crisp lines of her business formal attire contrasted sharply with my casual jeans and button-up shirt.It was clear she took her work seriously.I admired that, but she’d need to loosen up if she was going to fit in around here.
“You must be exhausted,” she said, her eyes shining with compassion.“If you need some time, I can find my way around.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.I’m glad you’re here, Callie.”
“Thank you,” she said with a shy smile.“I’m excited to be here.Though, I now feel like I should apologize for calling you an entitled asshole.”
I choked on a laugh.“What?”
“Six years ago.In the lobby of my dorm.Obviously, if I had a crystal ball at the time, I would have chosen my words more carefully,” she rambled.“But, geez, I was eighteen.Who can really make excuses for the things they did when they were eighteen?Calling someone an entitled asshole was the least of my offenses that year.”
“Oh, really?Tell me more.”
“I’m sorry.That was inappropriate.Forget I said anything.”She flapped a nervous hand around her head as if trying to scrub out her words.I laughed.
“How about we start over?”I stepped towards her, standing over her chair.“Hello, Miss Winters.I’m Emmett Price.Welcome to Special Projects.I trust you’re eager to make your mark here.”
“Absolutely.”She squared her shoulders.All traces of the rambling, flustered girl vanished.“I’m ready to give it my all.”
“Good.Let’s get down to business, shall we?”I rounded my desk and sat down in my chair.Leaning back, I crossed an ankle over a knee.“Let’s discuss your role here during your internship.”
“Of course.”She straightened in her seat, practically vibrating with eagerness.
“First and foremost,” I said, unable to resist a playful grin, “you should expect long hours and late nights.”
Her eyebrows shot up, and the color drained from her face.I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt for teasing her, so I quickly waved my hand and chuckled at her reaction.“Relax, I’m only kidding,” I said, watching as relief washed over her features.“While we do work hard here, I believe in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.”
She graced me with another of those small smiles.“Balance is good.”
I nodded.
“Your primary responsibilities will include assisting me with various projects and coordinating with other members of the team.But what I value most is initiative, creativity, and a willingness to learn.I expect you to challenge yourself and push your limits.This is an opportunity to grow, both personally and professionally.”
As I spoke, the intensity in her eyes grew.I could sense the fire that burned within her.She was like me, fueled by ambition and a desire to make a mark on the world.
“Thank you, Mr.Price,” she said softly.“I promise I won’t let you down.”
