Bloom [Completed]

Chapter Thirtyone

I think this is the first time I've ever seen Oliver in casual clothes, I thought as I drove along the winding road. I had told him he needed something suitable for walking, as I didn't think his regular suit and tie would be appropriate for what I had in mind. He sat in the passenger seat of his regular blacked out SUV that Cole usually drove us in. He was wearing a crisp white cotton t-shirt that hugged the curves of his biceps beautifully, with black casual pants and Nike sneakers. 

The weather was warm enough today to not need a second layer and though we couldn't see much past the giant looming trees on either side of the road, it was decidedly clear skies. I pulled to the left of the road into a small gravelled area that was meant to be a parking space and stopped the car. 

"We're here," I said turning to watch Oliver who was peering out the car windows at the dense bush in confusion. "Well, technically we still have the rest of the way on foot." 

"Okay," He suddenly smiled, obviously resigned to going with the flow.

We set out on a clearly marked path that began cutting through the bush and trees in a northern direction. It was dimmer lighting under the dense canopy of leaves which made the forest seem greener. 

Oliver fell in step beside me and we diligently followed the trail in silence. Every so often we would pass a bush of wildflowers and Oliver would pause to collect a small handful. They were different shades of white, cream and blue. Usually, I would expect a 5-year-old to do something like that. Though it was a curious thing for a grown man to do, I didn't make any comments because of the sweetest smile that spread across his face each time he added to the collection. It was almost like he was proud of himself for thinking of it. 

Before long you could hear a rush of water which got louder and louder the closer we got. The path crept alongside a growing stream which ran downhill rapidly. The distant noise sounded like a burst pipe. I glanced over at Oliver to see if he had heard it yet.

"A waterfall?" He said surprised.

I nodded my head grinning back at him. "I bet you didn't know there was one this close to the city."

We rounded a corner to finally reveal the larger pool of dark green water and took in the 10-meter high waterfall which cascaded down the rockface into it. We moved closer until we were right at the water's edge. We stood staring up at the magnificent water pouring over the clifftop. 

Oliver reached for my hand and clasped it in his. I looked up at him and he smiled down at me. 

"Thank you," He almost whispered. "I needed this more than I realised."

I reached up on my tiptoes and kissed him softly. I could feel a faint mist hitting our cheeks as I closed my eyes and breathed him in. I rested my forehead against his and whispered, "I love you,"

Oliver pulled back with a gleam in his eyes. "I know," He laughed. "I love you too." 

I took in the pretty as a picture waterfall and this bewitching man before me once more. How had I got so lucky? Don't blink, I told myself, or you'll miss it. 

As I stepped back my heart sank a little knowing I had to tell him sooner rather than later.  

He noticed the shift in my expression. "What's wrong?" 

"I have to leave my job," I sighed.

Oliver's eyes became grave with concern. I watched him process this, it seemed the idea hadn't crossed his mind but he was beginning to understand. 

"I can get you a job higher up, you know that." He stated with serious grey eyes.

"And you know I can't do that. I have to get a job at a different company. And go after something I actually have a degree to do!" 

He thought for a moment and rubbed his hand through his beard. I raised my eyebrows at him. How could he not have seen the questions the media would raise about our relationship. 

"I'll help you," He said finally.

"Thank you, but I think this is something I have to do on my own... I'm sure Mr Benson will be glad to see the back of me." I sighed, the snowball chain of events happening in my head. 

"I can ask around," He suggested. 

"No," I said a little too harshly. "I'm sorry it's just, it will look bad. I want to earn a job based on my own skill and merit."

"Okay," He murmured, turning like a lost puppy to face the water. "You're smart. Anyone would be lucky to have you."

I smiled a little at his compliment and tugged on his arm. He hugged me tightly and we stood there swaying for a minute. 

"Ready to head back?" I asked tilting my head back from where it was tucked beneath his chin. 

"Yeah, lead the way," He said calmly with a serene smile on his face. 

...

The next day I emailed Mr Benson my 2 weeks resignation notice. I felt bad because I knew I hadn't been the best employee in the past few weeks. However, another part of me felt free, and if I'm honest a little bit excited. Oliver did end up helping me slightly, against my will he sent me links to a few job advertisements and companies he thought I should inquire at. We had sat together on the couch in his lounge on our laptops scrolling and dreaming of possibilities all day.

On Monday the nonsense with the press release and awkward photoshoot was the talk of the tower. On my mail delivery rounds, everyone was a whisper, except this time I strangely felt more confident. I had nothing to hide anymore, they knew I was with him and I was leaving soon anyway. 

Mags was as ever protective and supportive at the same time. 

"It's official? You're really going?" She asked when I paused at her desk.

I just nodded my head sadly as she stood up to give me a big hug.

"Aw, we'll still see each other don't you worry! We could have margarita nights!" 

I laughed and waved her off.

At lunch, Oliver texted me to fetch something to eat and bring it up to his office. I went and collected sandwiches from the cafe, ignoring all the stares there, and headed back up in the elevator. 

Stepping out on the top floor I was greeted by a beaming Simone.

"Miss Dalton, so good to see you," She said

"Billie, please," I grimaced. I technically worked below her. But I guess I was sleeping with the boss. 

"Billie," She corrected. "I wondered if I could have a moment to talk with you while Mr Daley finished his meeting?"

"Sure," I answered, curious as to what she needed from me. I crossed the room and leaned my elbows on her desk.

"I'm sorry to be forward but I overheard from Mr Daley that you were looking for work in project management."

I blinked at her incredulously. "Y-yes," I stammered. 

"Well, my brother's business is looking for someone to come on board and help them grow. It's a smaller company than Daley Enterprises for sure, but I think it might be the perfect fit."

"What sort of company?" I asked to get more details.

"They're called 'Okah & Grae'. They focus on helping environmentally sustainable living and travel projects for schools, airports, all sorts of clients." She continued.

"That does sound like something up my street!" I said eagerly. "Can you share his contact details with me so I can get in touch with him?"

"Yes, of course!" She smiled brightly up at me and rushed to get a pen. "Give me your personal email address and I'll send that through to you."

As I was writing down my email for her, a stream of men in suits piled out of Oliver office and into the lift. 

"I better go in and see him now," I said to her. "Thank you so much, Simone." 

"No worries!" She called after me down the hall.