While you were Sleeping

21. The Climb

On Monday morning both girls had a spring in their steps. Although neither had wanted to call an end to their day together, both girls were exhausted. So, Valentina had reluctantly gone home before Lupe arrived from work. They knew they couldn't keep their relationship a secret for long but they wanted time to enjoy it before either of their families had a chance to meddle.

Not even work could dampen Valentina's spirits. Just before nine o'clock, she breezed into the office greeting everyone as she passed. Feeling confident, she made her way to Eric's office to see if he needed anything, hoping he would save her from the mundane task of using the copier.

"Good morning, Eric," she greeted cheerfully.

"Good morning, Valentina. You're in a good mood this morning!"

"I had a good weekend," she smiled. "How was yours?"

"It was good, thanks. So, I read the articles you wrote..." he started fumbling through the papers on his desk, "I have to say, I was impressed with the review of the first café, and I know you weren't there for the other two but your writing is solid. You've integrated the facts and conversations well."

"Wow. Thank you," she blushed. "I really enjoyed working on this with you, and I'm sorry I didn't get to all of the interviews."

Eric shook his head to dismiss her apology as he continued to rummage for the desired piece of paper. "Don't worry about that! From what I've seen, I think you're perfect for this line of work. You're friendly, you're enthusiastic, you have a keen eye for a story..." he met her eye, "you got pretty excited when you were researching Mr Larera!" he grinned. "And that's good! It's important to be excited about your work, although not every story will be exciting. Ah, here it is," he pulled out a few sheets of paper. "I know you're on summer break and you're not in school, but I made a few notes on your article," he held the pages towards her. "You don't have to do anything with this if you don't want to, but I believe you have talent and feedback is a great way to improve."

Valentina blushed as she stepped forward to collect her article. "Thank you."

"I won't be submitting the article until later this week, so, if you're interested, you have an opportunity to redraft it before I step in. What do you think?"

Valentina smiled as she nodded. "Okay, yes, I would like another go. Thank you for letting me help and for the feedback," she held up the sheets of paper. "Is there anything else I can do?" She changed the subject, not comfortable being the focus of praise.

"Umm... not right now, unless you'd like to make me a coffee?" he grinned. "I may have something more exciting for you later, if someone else doesn't snap you up before then."

"Okay, no problem, I'll get you that coffee."

* * * * *

Juliana woke with a smile on her face, she hadn't slept so peacefully in weeks. She gently stretched her muscles as she reached for her phone to check the time, smiling again when she realised, she had a text from Valentina.

Val: Good morning, beautiful. I can't stop thinking about you. 😘 xx

Juliana, until very recently, thought swooning was something from Victorian literature, but somehow, it was the best description for how she felt every time Valentina said or did something like this. She smiled as she thought about the previous day, she still couldn't believe what had happened.

When Valentina had left the night before, she promised to text when she got home, so, Juliana had tidied up a little before getting herself ready for bed. And as promised, the texting had started as soon as Valentina got home. The last message she had received the night before had wished her 'sweet dreams' and thankfully, she had slept like a baby.