Just Colleagues

1. Island Arrival

As I pull my Mercedes into the driveway of the Cameron estate, my mouth gapes in surprise.

"Holy shit they're rich rich" I blurt out under my breath.

The Cameron's have been family friends ever since I was born. My dad, Mark Mordine, grew up with Mr. Ward Cameron, and were inseparable throughout their childhood years. They even went to the same college, declared the same majors, and were roommates until they graduated. But right after the two got their degrees, my dad accepted a job on the mainland. He met his wife there, and had me a few years after their marriage.

Now the reason why I'm now at OBX is thankfully due to my dad and Mr. Cameron's tight friendship. During the fall season of sophomore year at USC South Carolina, my dad called my phone to announce that Ward was looking for an intern over the summer, one that specifically would not just be an apprentice in his business management, but to also keep track, analyze, and report on any of the company data. The opportunity was a perfect fit for my Economics major and Data Analysis minor, since I had a love for both the statistical analysis of the business world, and of the management world as well.

Ward set up an interview with me during the spring, and he instantly offered me the job. He liked my enthusiasm, willingness to learn, my intricate choice of words, passion for my major and minor, and my academic standing. At one point, he even told my dad that if I do an amazing job this summer, I could be able to work with him after I graduate. Because I accepted the role to be Ward's intern, I am to spend my summer at the OBX, a place where I have never visited before. And, Mr. Cameron offered to house me at his estate so I didn't have to rent an apartment for the summer. The job was perfect for me. I mean, I'm gonna be able to work with my father's best friend, most likely secure a 6 figure job working for him after my senior year, and it's on a seemingly beautiful island.

Two months ago, Ward recommended I arrive on the island a month before my first day on the job, just to allow me to settle down and get comfortable with the new environment, and I agreed to do so. The whole summer sounded so exciting, and  I couldn't wait to experience it all.

As I unload my luggage and lock my car up, the front door of the Cameron house swings open.

"There's my soon-to-be intern!" Ward exclaims as he walks over to me to give me a welcoming bear hug. I hug him back.

"Nice to finally physically meet you Mr. Cameron" I reply, a grin on my face as we pull apart from the hug.

"Oh please, call me Ward"

He spots my luggage and widens his eyes.

"You've got a lot of luggage there"

"Yes sir I do" I laugh.

"Hey Rafe?" He yells, facing the direction of the front entrance, "come out here son!"

Rafe. Rafe Cameron. When I accepted the intern job, the boy followed me on Instagram a week or so after. His bio stated that he went to USC as well, and is also the same year as me. And, to top it all off, he's hot. I'm not going to lie, but he's definitely one of the most attractive guys I've ever seen.

I look up to see Rafe's head pop out from inside of the house, and a smile grows across his face.

"Welcome to the OBX, Briar!" he exclaims, walking over to me to give me a welcoming hug as well. As we hug, I smell hints of cologne on his chest.

"You guys know each other already?" says Mr. Cameron, darting his eyes back and forth at the both of us.

"Yeah, followed her on social media because I wanted to see who I was going to be working with this summer" Rafe explains with a smile.