Ink and Heartstrings

The unwritten script

While Maria was finishing her interview, Alan was buried in the depths of his project. His boss had pulled him into an emergency meeting that lasted far longer than anticipated. It wasn’t until he emerged, exhausted and drained, that he realized he had missed a scheduled interview with a new candidate—someone his company had been considering for an editorial position.

Alan glanced at the clock, groaning as he realized the interview had been over for more than an hour. He cursed under his breath, knowing he’d have to read the notes from his colleagues instead. But part of him was relieved. After all, how awkward would it have been if he’d ended up interviewing Maria?

Little did he know that the interview had gone better than anyone had expected—and that the notes he’d be reviewing later would be about none other than his own girlfriend.

Maria’s Storytelling Magic

That evening, Maria called Alan to unwind. She was still buzzing from the interview, but she didn’t want to reveal too much. She was determined to keep it a secret until she knew for sure whether she had the job. But she couldn’t resist teasing him a little.

Maria: (grinning) "So, how was your day, Mr. Big Shot?"

Alan: (groaning) "Don’t even get me started. I had back-to-back meetings and missed an interview with some poor candidate. I’ll have to catch up tomorrow. I swear, this project is taking years off my life."

Maria stifled a laugh. She couldn’t believe the universe had almost orchestrated such a ridiculous situation.

Maria: "Missed an interview, huh? That’s a shame. You could’ve been talking to the next literary genius and not even know it."

Alan: (laughing) "Yeah, right. But seriously, I’m just glad this day is over. How was your day? Anything exciting?"

Maria: (playing it cool) "Oh, you know, same old, same old. Just writing, thinking, trying to make my mark on the world."

Alan: "I have no doubt you will. But hey, what do you say we meet up this weekend? I could use some time away from work, and I miss you."

Maria smiled, her heart warming at the thought of seeing him soon.

Maria: "That sounds perfect. I miss you too."

As they talked late into the night, Maria’s excitement grew. She couldn’t wait to tell him everything—about the interview, about how she had poured her heart into it, and about the possibility of finally closing the distance between them. For now, though, she’d let him relax, unwittingly enjoying the suspense she was building.