"Please call me Rebekah." She insisted and gave her another forced smile. Despite her response to Damon's recommendation she had the strange feeling she was not wanted here. Closing her eyes, she rid herself of any negative thought. She belonged here. It was her work that helped her land this position. Not Damon even if he pushed a little.
The day started off quick as she scanned over article after article making her revisions to them. The clock read ten o'clock as she looked up at the corner of her computer. Leaning back in her chair, she took a moment. Her eyes were straining to look at the screen much longer and she felt a headache coming on.
Needing to take a break from overworking herself, she opened her e-mail and typed a short message to Damon.
Mr. Salvatore,
First day on the job is going well. My eyes might fall out of head from all this reading though. Can't wait for six o'clock to get here sooner rather than later. Miss you.
Always,
Elena Gilbert
Intern at Mikaelsen Publishing & Co.
She pressed send and clicked back on the document she was reading prior. Within seconds she heard the ping sound of an e-mail being received and she minimized her screen. She opened her e-mail seeing Damon had replied.
Ms. Gilbert,
Glad to hear your first day is going well. However, it is impossible for your eyes to fall out of your head simply by reading. Please use your phone if you wish to contact me while at work even though I advise you to do this minimally considering I do not wish for you to get in trouble.
Sincerely,
Damon Salvatore,
CEO of Salvatore Corporations
Letting her mind slip away from work, Elena sent her response.
Mr. Salvatore,
The only trouble I wish to get in is with you Mr. Salvatore.
Always,
Elena Gilbert
Intern at Mikaelsen Publishing & Co.
Pleased with her response, Elena bit her bottom lip and smiled to herself. He had left her wanting more from him after last night. She wanted him more than she ever head. Her undeniable feelings for him were concrete. Elena knew she was emotionally attached him.
The violent vibration of her cell phone in her purse startled her and she dug through it. Damon's name read across the screen and she picked up. "Hello?"
"Cell phone only! If you want to talk to me do it through your phone. They check your e-mails Elena!" He sounded piss. "I'm having someone access their server to delete those e-mails. Elena, please."
"You have someone who can do that?" Her voice was hushed as she looked around.
"Yes!" Damon growled. "No more e-mails. I'm serious or you will be in trouble tonight."
"Is that a threat or a promise?" Elena asked coyly.
She sensed his seductive smirk through the phone. "Both. Good day Miss Gilbert."
The call ended and Elena pressed her legs together. Six o'clock needed to hurry up. Threat or promise, whatever it may be she wanted Damon to have his way with her. Attempting to focus back on her work, Elena knew it wasn't going to be easy and time would take it's sweet old time until she was reunited with him.
As she typed away on her computer, a familiar voice met her ears. She looked around in confusion as she heard it get closer to her. The sound of a wheeling cart traveled with it and she waited until it was only a few feet outside her cubicle to stick her head out and see who it was.
"Alaric?" Elena asked out loud and he looked up from his cart at her.
"Elena?" He asked with the same confusion.
"What are you doing here?" She wheeled her chair out to talk to him.
He pushed his cart closer and she was shocked. His eyes were red with haze and even though slight stubble covered his face, he seemed coherent. It was strange not to see him without a drink in his hand. Her first impression of him at the Gala wasn't an extremely pleasant one, but she was going to let it slide. She wanted to give him a second chance. She understood why he had warned her and was acting strange within her presence. He was just a concerned friend and she could understand that.
"I deliver the mail and coffee here. I know great job." Alaric snarled and shook his head.
"It's better than nothing." She shrugged.
"Let me guess you work here now." He said looking around. "Damon put you up to this?"
"He may have helped." Elena replied.
"That son of bitch." Alaric spat. He paused for a moment and than pushed his cart past her cubicle and he stepped into it still looking around nervously. "Look Elena, about at the party…"
"It's okay." She stopped him holding her hand up. "You're his friend and you were just looking out for him and for me. Damon told me about his past. We talked and I get it."
"He told you?" The pure shock on his face was a change to the sunken in depression that seemed to always mask him. "He told you about everything?"
"Yes," she lowered her voice and looked around too. "He told me about what happened, about Katherine."
"And that didn't send you running?" Alaric chuckled crossing his arms.
"No." Elena responded weakly.
His amusement in the situation made her a little uneasy, but she tried to not show it. "Don't take offense to this, but you must be about as messed up as he is to stay. Hell, maybe you're different like he says. All I know is if that sick son of bitch does hurt you I'll kill him myself. You seem like a nice girl Elena. Don't let him fuck with you too much."
The blood rose to her cheeks at his last comment. She knew what he meant, but she couldn't help but find the double meaning in it. Alaric was a crude individual and anintoxicated one too, but she wasn't going to let his remark bother her. Maybe she was as messed up as he was to be with him. After all, who could accept his truth and his past and still find the goodness in him? Who could live with that? Who could agree to stand by his side? Elena knew she had to be a little crazy to do all of that.
"I'll make sure to tell him that." She retaliated and watched a smirk appear on his face.
"I'll tell him myself." He snorted. "I'm treating that rich asshole to dinner soon."
It seemed off for Alaric to treat Damon to dinner when it was obvious Damon clearly had more money than him. She assumed Alaric barely got by and was in no way accepting of any handouts from Damon. Maybe she could learn a thing or two from him about dealing with that.
"For what I may ask?" Elena pressed him to find out.
"It's his birthday in two days." Alaric informed and judging by his face he recognized her disappointment. "He hasn't told you because he hates birthdays, at least his. Don't worry about not knowing. I'm sure he wasn't going to tell you anyways."
The fact that he hadn't mentioned his upcoming birthday didn't bother it. The fact that he didn't care was what did. Something so little and he couldn't even acknowledge it. Whether it was another day to him, she felt like he should embrace it at least now that she was in his life. At least Alaric, his only friend got to celebrate with him. Why not her? Instantly the light bulb went off in her head and she scooted to the edge of her seat.
"Let's throw a party for him. I mean I know he isn't crazy obviously about his birthday, but why don't we change it." Elena suggested eagerly. "I could arrange everything and you could help."
Alaric held his breath looking uncomfortable with the idea. "He'll hate it."
"I just want to do something for him. He…he deserves it." She sighed.
"He'll hate it." He repeated himself and a wicked half crooked smile smeared upon his face. "But anything to get back at the bastard for tormenting me every now and then. What are friends for?"
She couldn't believe Alaric was actually agreeing to help her and she couldn't believe she agreed to put together a party last minute. The help of Caroline Forbes would be needed in these desperate times. Alaric would be an easy distraction as he already informed Damon about grabbing dinner. She could surprise him, something he did deserve after all. His nonchalant attitude didn't fool her. Damon deep
down had humanity and desired for it. A simple birthday get together was as human as it got. It wasn't every day you turned…well really old.
"Here is my number." His voice was groggy and he handed her a scribbled piece of paper with his phone number on it. "Don't let him catch on. He's good at that stuff."
"Top secret." Elena pointed shoving the number into her purse.
"And small suggestion, but don't over do it." Alaric added as he placed his hands back on the cart.
"Right." She nodded in response.
The cart squeaked as Alaric left her. As she turned back to her computer, she pulled back up her document. It was so hard to concentrate when all she wanted was to plan the party. She knew Caroline would help tremendously, but explaining the idea of keeping it small was going to be tricky. She was strived for moments like these when given to her. Either way she wanted the spotlight to be on him for once. After everything he had done for her, all the obstacles he really did deserve it. She just hoped he wouldn't be too mad in the end.
At one o'clock Elena found herself outside Mr. Mikaelsen's office. The gold nameplate read, Niklaus Mikaelsen, CEO. She nervously waited until the door flew open and she was greeted with a wide smiled man dressed similar to how Damon was this morning. "Please come in." He gestured and she took a seat opposite of his behind the desk. The flashbacks of Damon's office during the first time they met haunted her. She fidgeted in her seat as Mr. Mikaelsen walked around her and took his seat across.
"First off I would like to welcome you to the company." He said in a thick accent and leaning forward. "I understand Mr. Salvatore from Salvatore Corporations gave you a high recommendation for you to work here. Am I right?"
Shit! The thought of knowing the sole reason for her sitting here was because of him.
"Yes." Elena answered and spoke softly. "He encouraged me to pursue my hobby in writing."
"And my sister, Rebekah, who I know you have met said your work was quite detailed." He continued to speak directly toward her without blinking. "Something this company desperately needs."
She politely smiled back and thanked him.
"However," Mr. Mikaelsen cleared his throat and leaned back in his chair with his hands folded over this stomach. "You may have scored your chance into my company, but the recommendations from Mr. Salvatore end there. I do not know how you achieved to reach his level of satisfaction, but I do know that I expect a great deal from my employees."
His eyes looked her up and down. It was an unnerving observation. At least when Damon looked at her that way she felt a mutual attraction with him and not the urge to hurl. This gawking and gazing was disgusting. He was her boss now though, she had to nod her head and pretend she was at ease with him. She didn't want to flea the first day on the job just because her boss made goo goo eyes at her. Unfortunately, these sorts of things happened more than they should in the work place. She had heard plenty of cases. Taking a deep breath, she convinced herself she would be all right. Nothing would happen. She wouldn't let it. And most importantly she wouldn't let Damon get involved. Work was where she drew the line.
"Miss Gilbert, I do hope the very best from you." He said firmly and she assured him he would.
Rising from his chair she stood with him and he directed her out of his office. His hands brushed against her back and she arched it as she left. He extended his hand and she shook it out of courtesy. Quickly she walked away and went back to her desk.
As Elena plopped back down at her desk she hoped Damon would have a message waiting for her on her phone, but there was nothing. She really wanted to hear from him. She didn't like not having him around. She missed his spontaneously appearances at the grill while she was working. However she knew he couldn't do that here. Not unless he wanted to deal with her creepy boss.
Mixtures of revelations were hitting her as she rested her chin in her the palm of her hand. Looking around at her cubicle and the title intern after her name was a sign she was finally growing up. She was no longer in a set back. She was moving forward to rising up. It was good feeling, but it was still very new. She wasn't completely comfortable yet. Instead of dipping just one toe into the water, she had gone head first and this career move wasn't the only thing she was diving into. Her relationship with Damon was a whole another story. The idea of falling in love with a man who didn't love and was all shades of fucked up was like walking down a dark hallway. She never knew what would pop out or what to expect. There were so many things left unwritten with him, but she was gradually making progress. Baby steps.
Everything had really changed.
Chapter 39: Expectations
The sun had set in the west and Elena found herself in the dimly lit kitchen of her home with Caroline. Her peppy and squeaky voice filled her head as she stared dully at the papers in front of her. She had, as Elena assumed gladly obliged to help with planning Damon's birthday party.
A weight had been lifted of her shoulders. Only two days until the small extravaganza would take place and Caroline had whipped together an idea within a matter of minutes. Elena checked her phone knowing Damon was waiting patiently for her to come over. She had managed to convince him to let her return home for a few hours before reuniting with him. The convincing seems almost too easy though.
"So we will have it here." Caroline rattled off while she continued to drift away. "I can run out and get decorations and I'll bake since your skills in the kitchen are, well, nonexistent. As for the list…I have you, Stefan, myself, and his friend Alaric. Who else should we invite? I mean I'm sure there are co-workers and friends he would want here. Elena? Elena?"
Tapping her temple, she found herself consumed in emptiness. She couldn't think straight. This overwhelming feeling had blind-sided her. Unaware where this sort of emotion was coming from she felt something was off. She didn't know what, but she had a gut feeling. Maybe it had to do with Damon's willingness to let her come home without a fight. She knew he was eager to be with her once her work day had ended. However, as she entered the black SVU again he was stiff and bitter. Something was eating him alive. Was it a bad day at work or was it something else? All she wanted was to know.
"Elena?" Caroline called out and nudged her as she came back into focus.
"Yes?" She asked looking dazed.
"Oh honey," she sighed and gave her pouting lips. "I know this isn't your cup of tea and you are trying to do the right thing. Don't worry I've got everything covered. All you have to worry about is showing up and getting him something…which might be easier said then done."
A gift. The thought hadn't even crossed her mind. What do you get the man who has everything?
"Just go." Caroline blurted out and Elena stared at her. "You had a long day and I know you just want to be with him. Plus, you're not much help, no offense. Go!"
Grabbing her purse and jacket, she found the keys to her beat up car and got up. "Thank you." She paused and said to Caroline.
"Go." She insisted again and she turned on her heel.
The Salvatore home looked dark and uninviting. An unfamiliar car was parked in the driveway. Did he have company? She knew he would be surprised at her arrival so soon, not to mention he was expecting to pick her up. His insistent attitude to control her was becoming second nature to her. As much as it irritated her she knew it was part of him and nothing was going to change it, at least not drastically.
Elena approached the front door raising her hand ready to knock, but then she dropped it. If he had the right to enter without announcement she felt like she was welcome to do so at his home. She turned the doorknob and it granted her access into his foyer. Quietly, she snuck in hoping his vampire senses hadn't picked up on her arrival just yet.
Hushed voices came from down the hall and she gravitated toward it. Stefan? She couldn't imagine Damon having a lengthy conversation with his housekeeper, Mr. Lockwood. However, as she became closer and the voices increased in volume and clarity she realized it wasn't Stefan's voice she was hearing. It
was Alaric. He was talking to Damon about something important judging by his tone. Carefully, she moved an inch closer to his study room not letting any noise project.
"You are sure?" Damon asked in sharp tone.
"Positive." Alaric responded in a sober voice. "She was spotted about twenty miles from here."
"What the hell does is she doing back here?!" His voice was erratic. Shock, anger, and rage all filled the tone of the conversation. Elena held her breath as she pressed her back to the wall and listened. Who was this she?
"I have a buddy of mine that is keeping a close watch as we speak." The sound of glass clinking on a wood table and the popping of the cap coming off a bottle of probably bourbon indicated Alaric was pouring himself a drink. "He will keep me updated and try to keep her out of Mystic Falls."
Fifty Shades Of Dark - Damon Salvatore Page 29