Outside work hours (2)

Sarah opened the door of the study slowly. When she entered with Aiden behind her, they witnessed a ridiculous scene.

Jeff was sitting reclined in the office chair, his feet up on the desk and hands behind his head. He was asking Eve questions about Elvis Presley. "Eve, in what street was Elvis Presley born?"

"Old Saltillo Road", Eve responded.

"Eve, how did Elvis Presley get his name" Jeff's face was glowing.

"His father's middle name was Elvis."

Sarah looked at Aiden, not sure what to think about what she is seeing. "What is with this Elvis trivia?".

Aiden shrugged. "My brother loves Elvis. That is not the only singer he likes, but it seems he is in the mood for Elvis now."

Jeff continued with his questions. "Eve, what is the name of Elvis Presley's mother?"

"Gladys." Eve's voice came without delay.

'Out of all the things he can ask Eve he asks questions about Elvis?' Sarah rolled her eyes. "Jeff!"

Jeff got startled and quickly got his feet of the desk.

Sarah forced a smile. "I see you are friends with Eve."

"Yes, I'm impressed." Jeff was enthusiastic. "I want to talk to you about Eve."

"Let's go, it's time for dinner." Sarah turned around and left the room ignoring his request to talk about Eve.

Jeff looked at Aiden. "Did I do something wrong?"

Aiden shrugged and went out. He didn't want to get between Jeff and Sarah, and he didn't know why Sarah was upset anyway.

...

Sarah checked the employment contract before signing it and noticed that apartment had a 3-year clause added: for 3 years she gets to use the apartment which will be on company's name. After 3 years, apartment will be transferred on her name with a condition that at that time she is still and employee of White corp. If she leaves, she will lose the rights to the apartment.

Sarah was OK with this addition which seems standard in this kind of situation, so she signed the employment contract and other documents that Jeff brought. They enjoyed dinner while Jeff and Aiden talked to Sarah about the company and the work. Jeff mentioned that Sarah should plan to come to Los Angeles soon to meet the team.

During dinner, Sarah observed two brothers. 'They look close and distant at the same time. Maybe it's just because of their personality.' Sarah found that Jeff is quite stiff and keeps to himself. 'If he finds someone chatty and easy going, that will be quite a contrast for him' Sarah smiled while playing matchmaker in her mind. Jeff is in his element when he talks about work and other serious topics. If not for the strange scene of Elvis Presley trivia with Eve, Sarah would think that outside of work he does not have other interests.

...

After dinner, Jeff went to Aiden's apartment. He will head back to Los Angeles in the morning.

Sarah and Aiden are on the sofa in the living area, chatting about the day.

Aiden remembered how she did great during the interview, but he was curious why she didn't do it herself. "I thought you said that you are not going to use Eve for things you can do yourself."

"Yes, but I also said that Eve is much faster. And your brother rubbed me the wrong way from the beginning. I felt the need to retaliate." Sarah felt wronged, and she needed to stand up for herself. With help from Eve, but Eve is her creation so technically, that is the same thing.

"You did good." Aiden praised her. "When do you want to go to Los Angeles?"

"How about next week?" Sarah was excited.

Aiden nodded in approval of her timing.

"You are coming with me, right?" She wanted to make sure.

He hesitated for few seconds and enjoyed seeing her anxiousness increasing before confirming with a slight nod.

Sarah reprimanded him with a stern look and exhaled in relief. "How long will we stay there?"

"As long as you want."

"You are not helping me make a decision, you know?" Sarah complained.

Aiden was a bit irritated that she didn't understand his intention. He took a deep breath and explained himself. "If you want an honest answer, here it is: I don't care how much we stay in Los Angeles. As long as we are together, I'm fine with one day or one month or one year. Your choice."

Sarah was stunned by his answer. Hearing that he only wants to be with her and does not care where they are, made her lips curve into a smile. It took her some time to find her voice. "Let's stay one week. We can use weekend to explore the area and relax." Sarah thought that spending some time on the beach might be nice. If it's warm enough to go swimming, then even better.

"We can go on Friday, so we have two weekends there." Aiden suggested.

Sarah liked that idea, and she enthusiastically nodded.

"I will let Jeff know to have keys ready, so we can go to your new apartment as soon as we arrive."

"Good thinking!" Sarah praised him. "Uhm… OUR apartment." She corrected him.

He responded with a smile.

Sarah looks forward to next week, and in her mind, she is already packing.

When she thought that there is four days until then, she does not want to waste them just lazing at home. "This week, I want to go on campus and see if I can catch some professors to talk about projects." Sarah felt Aiden's body tense up, so she quickly continued speaking. "It would be nice if you let me know what time works for you, so we can go together."

He relaxed. "I will make time."

"OK." Sarah smiled at the thought that she guessed right why he got tense. "I will book some time slots with professors and let you know when I get confirmation."

Aiden thought for some time before speaking. "Did you decide if you want to share office with me?"

"I want my office." Sarah immediately answered.

Aiden frowned. Was not happy with that answer.

Sarah sighed and explained. "I'm sure you have things to talk about with others, and I will just be in the way."

"Most of the work we will do together, at least at the beginning."

"Yes. And we can go to each other's office for that. Eventually we will be doing different things. There is no harm having our own space to work. I want to have the option of my private space." Sarah thought that her explanation makes sense.

"Since when you need privacy from me?" Aiden's hand slipped under Sarah's top and landed on her back, without warning. He traced with his finger gently down her spine.

Sarah took a deep breath while enjoying the familiar feeling of his touch and that devilish smile made her shiver from anticipation. She leaned closer and whispered in his ear, "Not here... JoAnna might come early. Let's go to bed." Aiden's hand stopped moving, and he lifted her up in one swift move. She nervously giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck while he carried her to the bedroom.