Oliver nodded slowly. “The general manager sent an email to everyone two nights ago. I forwarded it to you, thinking you might be interested in it. What do you say? You'd be perfect for it, Elsie.”
“Wow.” Elsie pushed her hair back over her ear. “I don't know what to say. I mean I guess I could apply.”
“If I vouch for you, which of course I will, they'd hire you.” Ollie squeezed her hand in his. “You're exactly what they're looking for and I'm walking proof of that. If you want the job, you'll get it. Trust me.”
“That's a lot to think about,” she said, still smiling. “But Uncle Frank did say yesterday that I didn't need to worry about the clinic any more if I didn't want to. I guess he's got someone who can run it if I'm not there.”
“There you go,” Ollie said, gently squeezing her hands. “It's meant to be.”
“I don't want to say 'yes' without thinking it over. I have to think about my nephews and my uncle,” she said, with a sigh. “It does sound like an amazing opportunity, though. Ever since I graduated college, all I wanted to do was work with sports injuries. Plus, the added bonus, is that I'd get to see you every day.”
“How awesome would that be?” Oliver asked, with a wink. “Look, I'm not usually one who believes in the aligning of the stars or any of that mystical mumbo jumbo. But everything seems to be lining up. First, that job opening. Then you show up. Things do happen for a reason.”
Elsie nodded and Ollie could see in her eyes that she was legitimately considering it. The idea of getting to spend time with her every day sounded like heaven to him. It would almost be too perfect of a situation. He hoped she'd take it, but only if it was something she truly wanted to do.
“Okay,” she said, after a moment of silence. “I'll apply for it and we'll go from there. How does that sou
nd?”
Oliver couldn't have smiled wider if he'd tried. “That sounds like cause for celebration. Waiter, another glass of Cabernet for my beautiful date and a glass of your finest Irish whiskey for me, on the rocks.”
The suited waiter was standing nearby and spun around when he'd heard Oliver's requests. “Of course, sir,” he said. “I'll return momentarily with your drinks. And your food will be here shortly.”
“Perfect,” Oliver said. “Thank you.”
“You're quite welcome, sir,” the waiter replied, before swiftly making his way toward the bar to get the drinks.
Oliver felt like he'd been wearing a goofy smile since they'd sat down, and maybe he had. But he was suddenly so overwhelmingly happy that he couldn't help himself. The aching in his heart that had started when he left Iowa had finally subsided. Just the idea of Elsie living in California with him eased the pain.
The waiter returned with the drinks. He set the on the table and shuffled off to tend to the other patrons. Oliver took his drink and held it in the air. Elsie did the same.
“To us,” he said. “In whatever shape or form our relationship ends up being, may it make us both happy and content.”
“I like that,” Elsie said, clinking her glass against his. “Cheers.”
They sipped their drinks and not more than a minute later, their food arrived. Ollie had ordered the filet mignon, cooked medium rare, with a side of potatoes and asparagus. Elsie went with the teriyaki salmon, with brown rice and broccoli. The plates looked amazing. Perfectly portioned and cooked.
“It's been a long time since I've eaten anything this fancy,” Elsie said, picking up her fork. “It looks so good.”
They dug in. The food was incredible, but all Ollie could think about was Elsie and how badly he wanted her. He wanted to peel that dress off of her and kiss her from head to toe. He wanted to taste her, every inch of her. He wanted to feel her once again in the most intimate of ways. The meal was good, sure, but nothing compared to her.
“So is this a better date than the one where I picked you up on a tractor?” he asked, with a chuckle.
Elsie shrugged. “I like them both. But I'll never forget the John Deere date. That was strangely romantic. That was the night when I knew for sure that there was something special about you, something different.”
“I really missed you, Elsie.” Ollie set his fork down and reached across the table to take her hands once again. “You were all I could think about since I left. When I should have been rehearsing game plays in my mind, all I could see was you.”
“You should have called me,” she said, frowning slightly.
“I would have,” he admitted. “I know that I wouldn't have been able to help myself if much more time had passed.”
“Next time, don't hesitate.” Elsie squeezed his hands.
“I won't, I promise,” Ollie assured her.
They went back to eating and finished their plates quickly. It seemed that both of them were eager to finish. Oliver was especially having a hard time being patient. He couldn't wait to be alone with her again.
“Are you all done?” Elsie asked, looking toward his plate.