Free Back to the Drawing Board by L.L. Collins

death.”
    “You’re being ridiculous,” she said. “You spent the night with the man. You were drunk off your ass. You may or may not had sex with him. Now you’re worried about calling him to offer him a job , the one he came there to get? Girl, you may just be certifiable.”
    I sighed. Okay, so she had a point. This wasn’t the way I normally acted. I was a headstrong, take no prisoners woman. “You’re right. I need to pull up my big girl panties and call him. I’m the one delivering news he wants. I have the power here.”
    “Oooh, there she is,” Tracey said. “Guys love to be bossed around, especially by a hot girl like you. You show that man who you are and what you can do, Julia Gibbons.”
    “Goodbye, you nut,” I laughed, disconnecting the call. Before I could lose nerve, I hit Carter’s number, my stomach constricting as I heard the ringing through the speaker. Just when I thought I was going to have to leave another message and wait for his return call, his rich voice boomed through the small speaker.
    “Hello?” I could hear noises in the background, and I found myself wondering about his family. He had alluded to the drama and crazy story that his family had, and that his parents were now together after being apart most of his life. I wanted to know more about him: his brothers and sister, the whole story behind his parents, what drove him to where he was now, and what was going to encourage him to keep going once he moved across the country. “Julia?”
    Damn it, I had to stop daydreaming while on the phone. “Hi, Carter. It’s Julia. Is this a good time?”
    The background noise faded, and I figured Carter had moved away from his family to take the call. “Yes. Of course. How are you? Sorry we seem to be playing phone tag. I’m in Florida with my family and I’ve spent my days being buried in the sand by my brother and sister.” He laughed, then stopped. I wanted to ask him to keep laughing, that it was the greatest sound I’d ever heard. He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry, I’m sure you didn’t call to hear about me being at the beach.”
    “I’m glad you’re enjoying your family. I can’t wait to learn all about them.” I smacked myself in the forehead. Shut. Up. Julia. What is your problem? Keep it professional, remember? “I was calling for my father. He apologizes for not being able to call you himself, but he had some important meetings today and didn’t want to keep you waiting any longer.”
    I heard the sharp intake of breath on the other end of the phone. I knew how badly he wanted this. “It’s okay. I wasn’t expecting to hear from him until tomorrow anyway.”
    “I told him it would be best to let you know sooner rather than later.” I paused, and Carter didn’t say a word. I wondered if his stomach was in knots like mine. Who was I kidding? He was probably even more nervous. This was his dream. I already had the career. I just wanted the man.
    I cleared my throat, knowing I was probably killing his nerves. “We wanted to offer you the internship, Carter. You were by far the best candidate and my father wants nothing more than for you to join our team as soon as you can.” I took a breath, waiting for him to respond.
    I could hear his breathing, so I waited a moment for him to process what I’d said. “Are you serious?” His voice was small, whispered. “I got it?”
    “Yes,” I said, fighting the tears that were threatening behind my eyes. Why was I feeling choked up for him? “I’m calling to tell you congratulations. My dad—Mr. Gibbons—wants you here within two weeks, if that’s possible. We have a huge project we’re going to start then and we’d like you here for the beginning of it.”
    “Julia,” Carter said, making me close my eyes. That voice. I loved when he said my name. I wondered if he had said my name the other night. “Thank you so much. I can’t believe it. I’ve dreamed about this internship my entire college years.