Julie was deeply lost in the streets of Europe with Robert Langdon is one of those Dan Brown's thriller novels. Her face was covered by the hardback she had just bought the day before and was already halfway through the 600 plus pages story. Her coffee cup was half empty, her croissant half-eaten, her eyes nailed to the sheets.
"Julie?!" a voice called her name which she pretended to not hear, she was three pages away from the next chapter. The source of the voice didn't call on her again, instead, he took a seat in front of her in silence. Her eyebrows furrowed as she was finishing a few more paragraphs before she slid her book to one side and startled at the sight of Nathan.
"Nathan?! I'm sorry I was ..." she was lost for words.
"In the middle of a chapter? Don't worry, I'm like that too ..." he laughed softly, showing a row of perfect teeth between his perfectly shaped lips. "Are you alone? Can I sit here?" he was direct.
"Sure ... " being an introvert, she didn't know what else to say after that.
"Why aren't you in class? I just dropped Kelsey at the campus and thought I stop here for coffee," he peeked at the coffee cup in front of Julie. "Do you want another one? I think we should get another one." Nathan was definitely an extrovert who was more than comfortable in his own skin. He had continuously spoken four sentences in a row without needing a reply.
Julie raised her eyebrows and said, "Okay," with a smile.
"Just the girl I need to talk to, sorry to bother your reading, is it a good time?" he asked as he settled in his seat.
She needed a break from all the running around with a police detective, a conversation with a new friend was a good one. "No ... no ... I can finish it later, what's up? Anything I can help you with?"
"Actually, there is ... you know about my business in Bhorma, right? I was thinking if you'd be interested in taking your internship at my restaurant, I offered Kelsey but she said she won't be able to take an internship 'til next year," he was eager to get a favorable response.
"What would the job description look like for an intern?" she asked.
"I was thinking, it'll be good for you to come up with ideas for my company and the chain I'm building ... maybe we can sit down and work on a map so you have an idea of what I'm working on and the vision that I'm trying to achieve," he was down for business.
Julie was intrigued, it was the kind of learning experience she was looking for. "Alright, my internship will be for three months starting December, I'm going to put in my application for the campus to go over it and get approval, so I'll need a letter from your company to state that I will be doing an internship there." She deliberately chose to start in December because she didn't really want to spend the winter holidays with her family. That way, she can finish even earlier and start working as soon as possible.
"Does that mean you'll do it?" Nathan was hopeful.
"I don't see why not? If I can put in my ideas in a new business and help you get everything rolling, that would make my report more comprehensive, and I'll be learning a lot more than if I join an already successful establishment, in which I would probably fill in a post as an assistant or administration job, that would suck for me," she said truthfully.
"That's awesome, December sounds perfect, I will be down on staff on holidays, and you can even help me recruit interns ... well we should start mapping when you have time," Nathan was fired up with the idea.
Julie picked up her backpack and reached inside it, she took out a pen and a notepad, "How about now? I have time now, I'll just take notes on the information I need from you and then I'll map it out on my laptop later and we'll see from there," she was excited.
They ended up sitting there until lunch and another cup of coffee to discuss the basics of Nathan's business. He was thrilled to have her in his team, it was obvious that she would make a great addition to his company, or even a partner because she thinks like one. Even from the first time they sat down, she was absorbing all the information and processed it in that brilliant mind of hers more than anyone he had ever encountered.
Nathan on the other hand had been working on building a whole chain of restaurants on his own. The task was a lot to carry for someone as young as he was and inexperienced. Even though he had some help from his parents who had their own successful chain of meat companies, he was determined to be independent and took as a minimum handout as possible. He was more than capable, it was evident that he had the knack to be a diligent businessman.
"I can't believe how efficient that was," Nathan's eyes were bright as sunshine, he knew right then Julie was the person he needed. In just one seating, they managed to map out the recruitment system, some purchasing system and already brainstorming about the computer system that the company needed to integrate all its departments and eventually all their future chains together. Julie had a satisfied smile on her face, she too had just found an employer that she felt like she can work with for the long run.
Nathan couldn't shut up about it when he picked up Kelsey later that day. "That's wonderful news, babe, now you can leave all those tedious work to Julie and spend more time with me," she nipped his neck.
His eyes were still bright with ideas, he leaned over to her and kissed her mouth, "You're underestimating my skills babe, I can do both when I need to." And that was just the kind of comment that sends Kelsey tingling with desires.
Whenever she's not in a class, twice or three times a week at various coffee shops they would meet to discuss work while Kelsey attends her classes. They made tremendous progress just by brainstorming, making phone calls, and work on Julie's laptop. Sometimes Kelsey skipped class to join them, to see what the work was like but then she was bored after a few hours and decided that she was better off in class.Julie went to the counter to order some coffee and snacks whenPreston approached her. "Hey, I thought I'd find you here," he greeted her. He was standing really closeto her, their arms rubbed with each other and it made her uncomfortable."Hey Preston," she replied in a monotone."My birthday is coming up, I wanted to invite you," he said.Julie shrugged, "Oh I don't think I can come, but thanks for inviting me, I'll let Kelsey know.""Come on, Jules, this been go
The party was at his house. Preston's family also owned a house in Gastonburry, but he chose to live in the dorm because he didn't get along with his dad. It was a better choice for his love life too, it would've been disastrous to bring his dates home and meet his parents in the morning.Kelsey was right, Preston was a slut, he sleeps around with everybody. He had the looks, he got the reputation, and he was a singer in his band which was gradually making a name for itself. Even though he took the Business Major, his musical talent was pulling him in another direction.His girlfriend for the past couple of years was an on and off relationship because he couldn't keep his pants on. It left Julie feeling like an idiot for letting him in her room that night and fell for the same trick that he probably used with every girl he slept with. Or maybe he didn't need a trick at all, because most girls would open their door to him just because he was
'I broke up with Naomi' the girl who he cheated on with her. So? She thought. It couldn't be undone, she slept with someone else's boyfriend. Something she never thought would happen. Especially not when her last boyfriend cheated on her because she wasn't sure about giving up her virginity to him.She shrugged it off. She remembered how hewas when she opened her dorm room that night. He was drunk, he said he couldn't sleep, he was smelling like booze with a tint of Hugo Boss, he hadan unopened bottle of Vodka in his hand.Preston always smelled nice, even under a stale cigarette odor. He took his jacket off, leaving his thin worn out The Doors T-shirt hanging loose above his jeans. He threw himself on the floor next to her, their backs leaned on the bed. He opened the bottle with his teeth and they started drinking.He went on about the thousands of fights he had with Naomi, that night being the peak o
The first time he was introduced to Julie, the most obvious thing about her was her quietness. People would assume she was shy. She doesn't talk much unless it was something that interests her. The next obvious thing was her intellect, she can talk about anything that nourishes her brilliant mind. She knows her music, she knows her books, she knows her artists like they were her friends.She laughs at things most people find offensive, she laughs at herself, her laugh was contagious. She knows how to be focused, she knows when to let loose. She listens like you are the most important person in the room. She'll tell you the nicest things about yourself and the worst things without judging you. By this time, you'll see her as your best friend. And then he sees it, the way she threw her head back when she laughs, the creases in the corners of her eyes, her smart comebacks, the way she tucked her hair behind her ears. She was pretty. Pretty amazing.
Kelsey came back later that day looking exhausted. She threw her arms up and fell on her bed like a log. She let out a long sigh of relief.Julie was on her laptop editing Preston's videos, she glanced at her suspiciously, "Long day?"Sheprobably had spentthewhole afternoonsexingupwith Nathan,thesigh didn'tsoundlikeagood one.Kelsey turned her head lazily, "Hhmm ... he didn't bring his A-game today, and I was wearing my go-to jeans and lucky thong ... I guess it's not so lucky anymore."Julie chuckled, "Why? What happened?"Kelsey rolled on her stomach, "I don't know, something was weighing on his mind, I think it's probably work, he's nervous for next week ... the recruitment and everything ... it's starting to feel like we're married."Julie nodded, "Yeah he does have a lot on his plate, he'll be meeti
Julie closed her laptop and gave a sigh of relief, "I think that's it for now, are you ready to go back and start everything?"Nathan sat back on his chair, "Ready as I'll ever be ... I'm glad you're on board, can't wait for December, it's gonna be exciting.""Me too, I feel like I'm a part of it already, I have so many ideas that I want to share with you for Ardor."Nathan sipped on his coffee, "Please, give me everything you've got, draft them up, send it through email or Skype me, I want to hear all of them, 'cause I got plenty of those too ... just not sure if they're doable, I guess we're gonna have to wait 'till we get all the team ready.""True, at least you know what to look for when you're recruiting, we're setting a pretty high standard for a new business," Julie said."I'm willing to compensate them for their contribution though, I believe that I need them more than th
The last couple of nights in Gastonburry, Kelsey stayed at his place. He indulged her with his best meals, his best wine, put on his go-to music for a quiet romantic night with his girlfriend."Are you going to be okay while I'm gone?" he finally asked her.Her eyes flickered as she sipped her wine, "Of course not ... I will miss you terribly."He smiled, "Me too," and then he was quiet.Kelsey went over to him and sat on his lap. She brushed his hair with her fingers, looped her arms around his neck. Something was on his mind, but he couldn't say it. She kissed him. "Are you okay?" she sensed it."Kelsey ..." it was right on the edge of his tongue, she waited for it. "Should I be worried?" he said it."About what?""About us ... I mean, I can't help but feel like ..." he couldn't bring himself to say it. "Neither of us has ever been in a
It started out as a friendly night out, just a couple of beers at a quiet pub in the gallery. The gallery was a row of cafes, pubs, and restaurants about fifteen minutes away from campus where students from all the Universities in Gastonburry blend in like a melting pot. It was the only area for nightlife other than the two clubs they had for more lively entertainment.It often started like that with Kelsey, until she meets her friends who also came to the same place and then the night would grow longer as it progresses. The drinks would come more than they initially planned, then they ended up hopping in the car to go to the club because everyone was drunk enough to invite each other for more drinks with louder music and a dance floor.They were still at the pub when Julie's phone rang. It was close to 10 PM, it was Nathan."Hey." His voice at the other end."Hi! You've landed!" she was half shouting."(Chuckl
She wouldn't let me take her out on a date. She wouldn't let me kiss her, or touch her. Three months after she came back to Ardor, she went island hopping with Kelsey on her 21st birthday. I wasn't invited, obviously. I couldn't sleep that night, wondering if she was going to get wasted and ended up with some strange guy, willingly or unwillingly. There's no other girl that has kept me up all night as often as she did. For all different kinds of reasons.But to end up with a strange guy was not the problem with her, it was only that one guy. I hate him. He calls her much too often for my liking. They would talk for hours, it burned me, and I couldn't do anything about it.The almost-kisses we had was driving me insane, but I've promised her I'd wait however long it takes. I think she was torturing me on purpose.Six months after she was back, she finally let me in. We kissed. Every kiss was better than the last. I love k
Her mom and dad came on her graduation day. They took pictures together, a pat on the back, a clumsy hug, a kiss on the cheeks, a congratulations. The three of them again after eight years. She was smiling the whole day.She told them about her plans, they told her how proud they were, shared one last hug and asked her to call them more often. That was pretty much the depth of their relationship.After her parents left, Kelsey was there. They shared a long hug, enough to replace a thousand words they wanted to say to each other.Kelsey tilted her toga hat with a smile, "I hope I'll look good in these next year." They laughed. "I guess this cause for a celebration ... let's go get some coffee, my treat," she added.They went to The Morning Brew, still in her toga and her diploma in her grip."I can't believe you're leaving in a few days ... do you realize we've never been apart si
Despite of making up at the end of their argument, Kelsey was distant. She kept to herself. Julie woke up the next morning feeling like a zombie, lost all sense of directions. She had to come up with a new plan for her future. There was no way she could go back to Ardor.She made the report and told the faculty that she had to finish early because of a family emergency. The only time her family was useful for her. She didn't have the courage to contact Nathan, but to her relief, the faculty informed her that he had turned in the assessment sheet for her internship. She passed with flying colors. She texted to thank him, he didn't reply.Two weeks in after she got back to Gastonburry, she started to prepare her final presentation. Finalized her internship report, created slide shows, crunching numbers, drew diagrams, and all the bits and details needed for the final show. She also submitted a new application through the University to find emp
She managed not to cry when she left his hotel room. She told him to take a shower as she left because she didn't want a sappy farewell that will make her weep the entire day. So they left it at that. The memory of their last day together was to be remembered as something extraordinary and beautiful.When she arrived in front of Nathan's villa, she took a long deep breath to ready her for what's waiting. She took long, slow and dragging steps toward the house, expecting to see both Nathan and Kelsey for another awkward social situation. The house was quiet, she opened the sliding door from the balcony and stepped into the kitchen. There was only Nathan."Where's everybody?"Nathan sat on the island stool, not looking his best. "Kelsey ... umm ... she left."She raised her eyebrows, put down her bags on the floor. "Left where?"He looked down on the kitchen counter, played with hi
Their silence speaks more volume that night. They poured drinks back in the room, browsed through the movie selections they wanted to see. They put on the one they agreed on, not really caring what it was because their minds were wandering to places that don't exist. A place where they would go through life without each other by their sides.She laid her head on his shoulder, stared blankly into the TV. He held her hand and played with her fingers, something he will miss terribly. He took a deep breath.She remembered when she first saw him, his smile, his cheeky comments. His playfulness, his laughs, his annoying ways to get her attention. Those dark blue eyes, and his beautiful face. She glanced over to the tattoo on his chest, and she touched that "J". He looked down and shivered from her gentle touch.He turned to look at her. That was when she pulled himgently and pressed her lips against his. She closed her e
It was a good night's sleep she needed. Her sweet smile was back on her face the next morning. Her mood was lighter, and she couldn't wait to spend the day with Preston. He wanted to explore the island with her and end the day at The Rockabillies. She took him to her favorite beach, favorite hangouts, a cool vintage clothing shop that Preston would love. Nathan Sommers was not in her mind that day.He didn't want to ruin her mood, so he held it for a while longer. The thing he was going to tell her will be hard to hear, as much as it was going to be hard for him to say. She was laughing at his jokes, mocked him as he was trying on funky clothes. Preston loved to shop. He had a wide collection of strange outfits that he can pull off easily. Julie was probably the only girl he knew who had the patience to wait on him while he shopped.She always chose the items for him, he always listened to her. She's the one he goes to for any advice, school
She hugged Kelsey as she pass, and then lingered her tight embrace on Preston."How's my favorite girl in the world?" he put both arms around her and swayed her."I'm so glad you're here," Julie said.Nathan had his arms around Kelsey but his eyes were on Preston."Trouble in paradise?" he sensed the hostility from the host."Please get me out of here," she whispered."My plan exactly," he said with a naughty grin and kissed her forehead.Preston helped them put their stuff inside before excusing himself. "You have a very lovely home here, Mrs. Sommers, but I need to check-in at my hotel and get some drinks with Julie ... we have a lot of catching up to do.""Oh ... butI hope you'llbe joining us for dinner at Ardor? I've arranged a nice private dinner for all of us there at 7," she said.
Neither of them could sleep that night. They laid on their own matrasses in silence, in the dark, pretended to be asleep. She got out of bed just in time to see the sunrise. She thought Nathan was sleeping, just when she inhaled the first-morning breeze, he was already standing behind her."It's the best sunrise I've ever experience anywhere," he said startling her. She smiled. "That's another reason why I brought you here ... an island getaway," he added."It wasn't supposed to be for me, I wish the circumstances was different."Silence.He walked over to her, stood right behind her, he put his hands on the railing. She felt his breath on her hair, on her neck. He didn't touch her, but it felt like he was undressing her.He was having a moment. In his mind, she was the lover that he always wanted to bring to that island. But she was still afraid of him, how she felt about him.
Nathan asked her to pack light but prepared a few outfits just in case they get wet. So she packed a few changes of clothes and a beach towel. It seemed like Nathan wanted to do the video by the water. It's a remote area where not many people know, it's barely touched by tourists.They packed up all the equipment needed in one giant backpack. Nathan stuffed his seasonings in a duffle bag. They made it as light as possible, but it was quite some baggage. They rode on a pick-up truck that came to take them to the beach. Julie chose to ride on the back, Nathan joined her and leaned on their stuff while enjoying the scenery along the way.She filmed their trip across the island when they pass the paddy fields, through narrow roads in villages, sometimes rocky roads by local farms where there were cows and goats fed on the green grass. She turned her camera to Nathan who at some point fell asleep. The trip to the beach took almost four hours only