Elias's phone buzzed. Beatrice's message lit up his screen.
"Morning, Elias. You made my evening – and morning"
"Coffee soon?"
Elias beamed. Her warmth and invitation alleviated his concerns.
"Best morning wake-up call," Elias replied. "Coffee sounds perfect. When works for you, Bea?"
"Thursday or Friday?" Beatrice suggested. "My schedule's flexible."
Elias confirmed: "Thursday, 2 PM ," your favorite cafe."
Beatrice sprang out of bed, phone in hand, smiling ear-to-ear.
"Thursday, 2 PM. Your favorite café?" Elias's message still shone on her screen.
She typed, bouncing with excitement: "Love that! Meet at 'Sunrise Brew'?"
Elias's instant response: "Perfect! Can't wait"
Beatrice's heart skipped a beat,anticipation filled her.
She twirled, carefree, as she headed to the bathroom. Morning sunlight danced across her face, mirroring her joy.
Texting continued
Elias: "Looking forward to Thursday"
Beatrice: "Me too!"
******
Beatrice's euphoric glow lingered as she prepared for work. Elias's messages still danced in her mind.
She shuffled through her closet, selecting a crisp white blouse and tailored black pants. Professional, yet understated.
In front of the mirror, Beatrice styled her hair, her fingers moving swiftly. A few swift strokes, and her dark locks framed her brightened face.
Makeup followed – subtle, enhancing her natural glow.
As she dressed, Beatrice's thoughts drifted
"Thursday's coffee date... What will we discuss?"
Beatrice grabbed her bag, double-checking essentials,laptop, notebook and phone.
Coffee in hand, she headed out the door.
Keal's phone rang, breaking his concentration. His father's name flashed on the screen.
"Hey, Dad," Keal answered, composed.
"Keal, what's going on at the company?" his father asked, concern etched in his voice. "Stocks are plummeting, and I've heard disturbing rumors."
Keal's grip on his phone tightened. "Rumors about what, Dad?"
"Embezzlement. People are whispering you're involved. How's this possible, Keal?"
Keal's eyes narrowed. "Absolutely false, Dad. I've been investigating discrepancies, but I won't let it tarnish our family's reputation."
His father's tone softened. "Glad to hear that. Have you identified the culprit?"
"Not yet, but I'm closing in. Our internal audit suggests a sophisticated scheme. I'll get to the bottom of this."
"Be careful, son. This could be damaging. How are you handling the pressure?"
"I'm fine, Dad. Everything is fine now ."
His father paused before speaking. "Keep me updated. We'll support you through this."
The call ended.
***************"***
Beatrice sat at her desk, staring blankly at her computer screen. Work usually captivated her, but today her mind wandered.
Elias's messages replayed in her thoughts "Best morning wake-up call," "Can't wait" for Thursday.
Beatrice colleague Jane approached, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "Hey, Beatrice! You seem distant. Everything okay?"
Beatrice forced focus. "Yeah, fine. Just preoccupied."
Jane leaned in, whispering, "Spill it. What's on your mind? Or should I say, who?"
Beatrice's cheeks flushed. "Just work stuff."
Jane's knowing grin hinted she wasn't buying it. "Save it, Beatrice. I know that look."
Beatrice's phone buzzed, saving her from further interrogation.
"Elias?" Ivana guessed, eyebrows raised.
Beatrice swiftly hid her phone, attempting nonchalance. "Just a...work reminder."
Jane chuckled. " A date, huh?"
Beatrice's face betrayed her, confirming jane's suspicions.
******
Elias and Keal sat in the conference room, discussing next month's marketing strategies, surrounded by marketing materials and financial reports.
"Social media engagement is key," Elias said, highlighting statistics. "We need to boost our online presence."
Keal nodded, jotting notes. "Agreed. Our target audience is shifting to younger demographics."
Elias handed Keal a folder. "I've prepared a proposal for influencer partnerships."
Keal scanned the documents, impressed. "Solid research, Elias. You're on the right track.
Keal nodded, jotting notes. "Agreed. Our online presence needs improvement."
As they worked, Keal asked, "Has Beatrice replied to your messages yet?"
Elias grinned, containing his excitement. "Yeah, she has. We're grabbing coffee Thursday."
Keal's eyebrows rose, teasing. "Elias, you're moving fast. Smitten?"
Elias chuckled, his face lighting up. "Maybe. I really like her."
Keal laughed, shaking his head. "You're hooked. I've never seen you like this."
Elias chuckled, his face lighting up. "Maybe. I really like her. She's smart, beautiful..."
Elias's eyes sparkled. "Keep it quiet for now. I want to make it special."
Keal smiled, thinking about sharing the news with Ivana, Beatrice's best friend and his friend. "My lips are sealed."
Elias smiled back. "Thanks, Keal. Means a lot."
"Ivana's going to love this," he mused, anticipating her excitement.
Later, Keal thought about Ivana and how she'd react when he shares the news.
Ivana's voice bubbled over the phone. "Hey, Bea! Long time no talk. We need a catch-up."
Beatrice laughed. "I know, I've missed you. How's life?"
"Busy, but Keal's keeping me smiling," Ivana said. "We should grab lunch or coffee soon."
Beatrice agreed enthusiastically. "That sounds perfect. When were you thinking?"
"How about later this evening?" Ivana suggested.
"Tonight works great," Beatrice confirmed.
"I'll pick you up at 7?" Ivana asked.
"Sounds like a plan," Beatrice replied.
The evening arrived, and Ivana pulled up to Beatrice's apartment in her sleek sedan.
Beatrice slid into the passenger seat, grinning. "Missed you, girl!"
Ivana hugged her tight. "Missed you more!"
They drove to a trendy café, chatting about everything from work to favorite TV shows.
Over lattes, Ivana noticed Beatrice's radiant glow. "You seem... different. Happy."
Beatrice blushed, and Ivana's curiosity piqued.
Ivana leaned in, voice barely above a whisper. "Spill the tea, Bea. Love life?"
Beatrice's cheeks flushed deeper. "There's someone... Elias."
Ivana's eyes widened. "Elias? Keal friend,I knew it!"
Beatrice laughed, confirming Ivana's suspicions. "We... connected last weekend. Intensely."
Ivana squealed softly, hands clasped together. "Details, please!"
Ivana's eyes widened as Beatrice shared her news.
"We had sex," Beatrice whispered, blushing.
Ivana's jaw dropped. "What!? Really? That's intense!"
Beatrice nodded, giggling. "I know, right?"
Ivana leaned in, curiosity burning. "And... how was it?"
Beatrice's grin spoke volumes. "Amazing. Elias is... incredible."
Ivana squealed softly, hands clasped together. "You must really like him!"
Beatrice's cheeks flushed deeper. "I do. I feel a connection."
Ivana beamed. "I'm thrilled for you, Bea. Elias seems perfect."
Ivana probed gently. "Was it your first time feeling this way?"
Beatrice thought before responding. "Yeah... I've never clicked with someone like this."
Ivana nodded understandingly. "It's scary, but exciting."
Beatrice smiled, relief washing over her. "Thanks for listening, Ivana. Means everything."
Ivana hugged Beatrice tightly. "Always here for you, girl."
Ivana's curiosity persisted. "What's Elias's personality like?"
Beatrice's eyes sparkled. "Kind, genuine, witty... and handsome."
Ivana laughed. "Sounds like a dream."
Beatrice grinned mischievously. "He's got a great sense of humor too."
Ivana teased, "And you're hooked."
Beatrice blushed, nodding. "Maybe.
Ivana beamed, nodding. "I knew it! The way you guys interacted, I sensed something."
Beatrice grinned, relieved to share her secret. "You're the first I've told."
Ivana hugged Beatrice tightly. "I'm thrilled for you, Bea. Elias seems perfect."
As they chatted, Ivana offered advice. "Be open, Bea. Let him in."
Beatrice nodded, smiling. "I am. I feel it too."
Ivana winked. "I'll get the tea on Elias from Keal."
Beatrice laughed. "Don't embarrass me!"
Ivana giggled. "Promise nothing."
Ivana's phone buzzed, breaking their conversation. She smiled apologetically at Beatrice. "Sorry, girl, I've got to take this."
Beatrice nodded understandingly.
Ivana answered, her voice warm. "Hey, love."
Keal's voice came through the line. "Hey, beautiful. Where are you?"
Ivana replied, "At the café with Beatrice. We're catching up."
Keal's tone turned playful. Good. I was thinking we could hang out tonight. Just the three of us, maybe?
Ivana glanced at Beatrice, who nodded enthusiastically. "Sounds perfect". Come pick me up from the café by 9:30?
Keal agreed. "See you then. Love you."
Ivana beamed, ending the call,Keal's joining us tonight.
Beatrice grinned. "Fun! The more, the merrier."
Ivana leaned in, whispering. And maybe some Elias tea.
Beatrice laughed, intrigued. Spill the tea.
As they chatted, Ivana filled Beatrice in on Keal's plans for the evening.
"Dinner, movies or games – Keal's got a surprise."
Beatrice's eyes sparkled. Sounds amazing.
Ivana checked her watch. "He'll be here soon. Let's finish our drinks."
Beatrice nodded, sipping her latte.
At 10, Keal walked into the café, his smile brightening the room.
Ivana stood, waving him over. Hey, love,Keal hugged Ivana tightly, greeting Beatrice warmly.
Hey, Bea. Long time no see.
Beatrice smiled, feeling welcomed. "Keal, great to see you."
The trio strolled to Keal's car, parked nearby.
Ivana asked, "Where are we headed?"
Keal grinned mischievously. "Surprise."
Beatrice laughed. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
Keal chuckled. "Maybe a little."
They arrived at an upscale restaurant, where Keal had reserved a cozy table.
Over dinner, conversation flowed effortlessly – laughter, stories and easy banter.
After dinner, Keal suggested, "How about some board games?"
Ivana's eyes sparkled. "Game on!"
At Keal's place, they spent hours competing in friendly matches.
Beatrice impressed Keal with her trivia skills.
Ivana teased, "You're a hidden genius, Bea!"
Keal smiled, nodding. "Elias doesn't stand a chance."
Beatrice blushed, laughing.
As the night wound down, Keal nudged Beatrice playfully.
"Thursday's coffee date, huh? You're making Elias nervous."
Beatrice grinned, her cheeks flushing.
Ivana chimed in, "We're rooting for you, Bea."
Keal chuckled. "I'll get the tea from Elias tomorrow."
Beatrice rolled her eyes, laughing.