Ink and Heartstrings

Surprise In Slumber, Stirring In Awake.

Alan: "So, funny story-I missed an interview this week because of this crazy project. I had no idea who the candidate was, but apparently, they're top of the list now. My team said they absolutely killed it."

Maria's heart skipped a beat. This was it. Alan was talking about her. She tried to suppress a grin, biting her lip to keep from blurting out the truth.

Maria: (innocently) "Oh really? What kind of position was it for?"

Alan: "Some editorial role. Sounds like someone who's really passionate about writing. Honestly, I haven't even looked at the notes yet, but I probably should. Whoever it is might be joining the team soon."

Maria couldn't hold back her laughter any longer, and Alan's face immediately shifted into a puzzled expression.

Alan: "What's so funny?"

Maria: (grinning) "Nothing, nothing... It's just-you're always so busy! Maybe you should read the notes sooner rather than later."

Alan: "You're being suspiciously vague about all this. You're killing me, Maria."

Maria: (smirking) "Maybe I'm just enjoying watching you squirm a little. After all, it's not every day that you almost interview someone important."

Alan looked at her closely, and suddenly a flicker of realization crossed his face. He narrowed his eyes at her.

Alan: "Wait... No. No way. Are you telling me that-"

Maria burst out laughing, unable to contain herself.

Maria: "Yes! It was me, Alan! You were supposed to interview me, but you missed it!"

Alan's jaw dropped, and for a moment, he just stared at her in disbelief.

Alan: "You've got to be kidding me! That was you? How did I miss that? This is insane!"

Maria couldn't stop giggling at his reaction.

Maria: "I told you I've been thinking about new opportunities. And apparently, I impressed them. But you missed your chance to grill me in the interview!"

Alan shook his head, still in shock, but then a wide grin spread across his face.

Alan: "I cannot believe this. Only we would end up in a situation like this. I'm supposed to be the professional, and I missed my own girlfriend's interview!"

They both dissolved into laughter, the absurdity of the situation hitting them at full force.

Maria: (wiping a tear from her eye) "It's okay, though. Your team was great. And honestly, I'm kind of glad you weren't there. It would've been too nerve-wracking."

Alan: "You think I would've given you a hard time?"

Maria: "No, but it's a little weird to have your boyfriend interviewing you for your dream job."

Alan chuckled, still shaking his head at the irony.

Alan: "Well, I'm glad you did well. And if you get the job, I'll be the first to welcome you aboard-even if I didn't do the interview."

The Family Story
As their conversation continued, Maria shared more about what she had talked about during the interview, specifically the story she had told about her love for reading and writing.

Maria: "I told them about how my mom used to take me to the library all the time when I was a kid. It was our special time together. I think that's what really cemented my love for stories. My dad would pretend to be all grumpy about me bringing home so many books, but deep down, he loved it too. It was our little family tradition."

Alan smiled, listening intently.

Alan: "That's such a sweet story. I love that your passion for writing comes from something so personal and meaningful. No wonder they were impressed."

Maria: "I hope so. I really put my heart into that interview. It's more than just a job to me-it's a chance to do something I've always dreamed of."

Alan: (seriously) "I know you'll get it. You're incredible, Maria. They'd be lucky to have you."

The sincerity in Alan's voice made Maria's heart swell. Despite the distance between them, moments like this reminded her of how much they supported each other, even when things got tough.

A Happy Ending...For Now
As the evening drew to a close, Maria and Alan found themselves talking about future plans-about how they'd manage the distance and what might happen if she did end up getting the job. They joked about what it would be like to work at the same company, imagining all the funny, awkward moments that would surely arise.

Alan: "I mean, can you imagine us in the same building, sneaking off for coffee breaks like teenagers? Or trying to act all professional in meetings? It'd be chaos."

Maria: "Well, as long as you don't skip any more of my interviews, we should be fine!"

They both laughed, the playful teasing a perfect way to end the call. Despite the challenges they faced-both in their relationship and their careers-there was a warmth and joy that kept them grounded. And even if they couldn't always be in the same place, moments like this made the distance feel a little smaller.

As they said their goodbyes and ended the call, Maria felt a surge of excitement for the future. Whether or not she got the job, she knew she had Alan's support-and that was worth more than anything else.