Page 24 of Let's Call a Truce
“I don’t know anything about you,” I said.
He ran a few feet ahead, turning around so he could face me while running backward with a cocky smile. Show-off. “All you had to do was ask, Juliana. I was born—”
I held up a hand to cut him off. “Absolutely not. If I wanted a history lesson to put me to sleep, I’d go back to high school. Just pointing out that it’s weird how much you seem to know about me. Should I be worried about your stalker tendencies?”
He chuckled and turned forward, dropping back next to me.
I felt a rush as his steps settled in time with mine. He still had that half smile on his face, but no comeback. “As for your original comment, just because Icantalk while I run doesn’t mean Iwantto talk.”
I thought back to all the days spent running beside Jason. He knew I needed that time with my own thoughts. He kept pace by my side and let my mind wander, his presence pushing me an extra mile or to a faster pace.
Ben didn’t respond but continued along beside me as we completed a second, third, and fourth lap, heading past the swan boats, amphitheater, and a beautiful but out-of-place Chinese pavilion. I noted—simultaneously impressed and jealous—his breathing never sped up, while mine became choppier with eachmile. If he was the one setting our pace, I’d be on the ground already.
My watchpingedto tell me I had reached my goal distance, and I slowed my pace to a walk before stopping. I tossed one leg up onto the low wall next to us, folding myself down to touch my toes.
“Well, what was so important that you needed to crash my run?” When he didn’t answer, I shot him an impatient glare over my shoulder.
His face was dumbstruck, his gaze running up and down my body like his luminous eyes couldn’t decide where they wanted to land.
I hated loose fabrics while I ran, the swishing of jogging shorts or a baggy T-shirt always rubbed me the wrong way, literally, so I wore a matching leggings-and-top set fitted perfectly to my body.
Ben shook his head, clearing his throat. “Yeah, about the meeting, the president of Billings College decided she wanted to join the call. Eduardo said if she’s on the call, he’s on the call. This is a big chance for you to show off why you’d be right for the CRO role, so I wanted you to have a heads-up.”
His thoughtfulness shocked me. Our gazes locked for a beat as I processed this move. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”
He nodded, jaw clenched, and started off toward our building. I followed a step behind, already running through what I’d say. This changed from a meeting to an interview, and deep in my gut, I knew it would change my life.
Chapter 8
“So, you thinkeach intern having multiple supervisors would be beneficial? Or do you think it will confuse them about who they should go to with their questions?”
I jumped in to answer President Munchen’s question before Ben did. I couldn’t let him dominate the conversation while trying to show Eduardo what I brought to the table. “Each intern will only have one supervisor, ma’am, all from the architectural department. My role will be more of an advisor and career coach. I’ll do weekly presentations to them as a group on different topics that will help them succeed in their future job searches.”And give them a chief recruitment officer in their network,I added internally.
“I love it. The internship focuses on work related to the students’ majors, but also recognizes the skills they need outside of the technical work. Juliana, this is a phenomenal program.”
“She’s also one half of the duo that designed the inclusion initiative you were so excited by,” Eduardo responded with a smile.
“Another impressive feat. I’m looking forward to meeting you in person when you and Ben visit the campus in April for interviews.”
“Oh, both of us? I thought Ben would be the person to interview the students since he has the expertise in the field.”
Dean Warren chimed in. “We would like for you both toattend the interviews and for you to provide them feedback on how they did. I want this to be a learning experience for every student, including those who aren’t selected for your internship.”
“I’d be happy to send them both.” Eduardo gave us a thumbs-up.
I started mentally tallying everything I would need to do to prepare for a week in Boston. Of course, Eduardo had to partner with his alma mater out of state instead of with the university down the street.
Eduardo clapped both of us on the shoulder after the call disconnected. “This is some excellent work. You’re making me look good. It’s the quality of work I expect from my executive team. Now, I have to run. I’ll let you two hammer out the interview details.”
He slipped out of Ben’s office, closing the door on his way out. I turned wide eyes to Ben, bursting with excitement.
“Did you hear what he said?” I whisper-shouted, and he smiled back.
“I did. It looks like you’re getting the job.”
“I mean, it’s not official until it’s, you know, official. He didn’t give me a job offer or anything. But it sounded positive.”
Ben chuckled and nodded along with my rambling. My body vibrated with energy, and I needed to move, to do something. Without thinking, I launched myself at Ben, throwing my arms around his neck and squealing. He must have been as surprised by the action as I was. He stumbled backward, hitting his chair, and coming down with a thump. I fell with him, sprawled over the top of his body. He grabbed my waist with firm hands and hoisted me up before I landed in a heap on the floor.
