CHAPTER SIX - *GOSSIP AND YEARNING

As they left the office, Mark muttered a grudging apology to Anna before storming off. Anna stood there for a moment, processing what had just happened. She felt a mix of emotions - vindication at Mr. Vega's support, lingering anger at Mark's accusations, and a twinge of guilt. Had her behavior really been so obvious that it caused this much drama? That night, as Anna settled into bed, she found herself once again scrolling through Erik's social media. His latest post showed him at a glittering rooftop party, surrounded by beautiful people and city lights. Anna sighed, looking around her small, cramped apartment. The contrast between Erik's world and her own had never felt so stark. She thought about Mark's words, about her own reaction to Erik's attention. Was she really so desperate for a glimpse of that glamorous life that she was risking her professional reputation? Or was there something more to her fascination with Erik? As she set her alarm for another early morning of classes and work, Anna couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to be part of Erik's world. The thought both thrilled and terrified her. She closed her eyes, trying to push away thoughts of sparkling parties and intense blue eyes. But as she drifted off to sleep, Anna couldn't shake the feeling that her life was on the brink of change. Whether that change would be for better or worse, only time would tell. Anna's once-structured routine began to unravel as thoughts of Erik Fairchild invaded her daily life. During her morning classes, she found herself doodling his name in the margins of her notes instead of focusing on the lecture. "Ms. Petrovic," her professor's voice cut through her daydream. "Perhaps you'd like to share your thoughts on the impact of globalization on local cuisines?" Anna blinked, heat rising to her cheeks. "I... uh... sorry, could you repeat the question?" Her classmates snickered, and Anna sank lower in her seat, embarrassed by her lack of focus. Later, while studying in the library, Anna caught herself googling Erik's name instead of researching for her paper. She clicked on a video interview, Erik's smooth voice filling her headphones. "Success isn't just about making money," Erik was saying. "It's about making a difference." Anna smiled, admiring his confidence and vision. She was so engrossed that she didn't notice the time slipping away until her phone buzzed with a reminder for her shift at the restaurant. "Crap," she muttered, hastily packing her things. She'd barely made any progress on her assignment. At work, Anna's distraction continued. She mixed up orders, spilled a drink, and nearly collided with another server – all because she kept glancing at the door, half-hoping Erik would walk in again. "Anna, dear," a familiar voice called. "Is everything alright?" Anna turned to see Mrs. Collins, a regular customer in her seventies, looking at her with concern. "Oh, Mrs. Collins," Anna said, forcing a smile. "Yes, I'm fine. Just a little... distracted today." Mrs. Collins patted the seat next to her. "Sit down for a moment, dear. You look like you could use a chat." Anna hesitated, then slid into the booth across from Mrs. Collins. "Now," Mrs. Collins said, her eyes twinkling, "what's got you so flustered? Or should I say, who?" Anna felt her face grow warm. "Is it that obvious?" Mrs. Collins chuckled. "Only to someone who's been around the block a few times. Let me guess – tall, handsome, and completely out of your usual league?" Anna nodded, feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment at being so transparent. "Listen, dear," Mrs. Collins said, her tone gentle but firm. "It's natural to be swept off your feet by someone exciting and new. But don't lose sight of who you are and what you're working towards. I've seen too many young people throw away their dreams chasing after a fantasy." Anna bit her lip, considering Mrs. Collins' words. "But what if... what if this could be my chance at something amazing?" Mrs. Collins smiled softly. "Then it will happen naturally, without you having to chase it. Focus on being the best version of yourself, Anna. That's what truly attracts the right people into your life." Anna thanked Mrs. Collins for her advice, feeling a moment of clarity. But as the days passed, her fascination with Erik only grew stronger. One evening, Anna found herself outside a charity gala she knew Erik was attending. She'd spent hours getting ready, wearing a borrowed dress and her nicest heels. As she lingered near the entrance, she caught a glimpse of Erik stepping out of a sleek black car. Her heart raced as he passed by, his cologne leaving a trail in his wake. For a brief moment, their eyes met, and Anna felt a jolt of electricity. But then he was gone, swept into the crowd of glittering socialites. Anna's friends couldn't help but notice her change in behavior. One weekend, they staged an impromptu intervention at their favorite coffee shop. "Anna, we're worried about you," Jenna said, stirring her latte nervously. "Yeah, you've been acting weird lately," added Mike, another classmate. "Always checking your phone, skipping study sessions..." Anna felt a twinge of guilt. "Guys, I'm fine. Really. I've just been... exploring new interests." "New interests named Erik Fairchild?" Jenna raised an eyebrow. Anna sighed. "Okay, yes. I'm curious about him. Is that so wrong?" "It's not wrong," Mike said gently. "But you're becoming obsessed, Anna. You're not yourself anymore." "We miss the old Anna," Jenna added. "The one who was passionate about her studies and her future, not chasing after some billionaire playboy." Anna felt a flash of defensiveness. "You don't even know him! Erik's not just some playboy. He's intelligent, ambitious..." "And how do you know that?" Mike challenged. "From tabloids and social media? Anna, you've talked to the guy once!" Anna fell silent, unable to argue with Mike's logic. Her friends exchanged worried glances. "We just want you to be careful," Jenna said softly. "We don't want to see you get hurt." Anna nodded, promising to try and regain some balance in her life. But even as she said the words, she knew her fascination with Erik was far from over. At work the next day, Anna overheard two of her coworkers gossiping in the break room. "Did you hear about Erik Fairchild's latest scandal?" whispered Sarah, leaning in conspiratorially. "No, what happened?" asked Tom eagerly. "Apparently, he was seen leaving a club with three different women in one night," Sarah said. "And get this – one of them was supposedly engaged to his business rival!" Tom whistled low. "Man, that guy's got some nerve. But I guess when you're that rich, you can do whatever you want." "I don't know," Sarah mused. "There's something off about him. Like, have you noticed how there are barely any photos of him from before he got rich? It's like he appeared out of nowhere." Anna listened intently, her mind racing. Could Erik really be as scandalous as they said? Or was there more to the story? The mystery only fueled her desire to know the real Erik Fairchild. That night, as Anna lay in bed, she let her imagination run wild. She pictured herself at one of Erik's lavish parties, looking stunning in a designer gown. In her mind's eye, she approached Erik confidently. "Mr. Fairchild," dream-Anna said smoothly. "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation about sustainable agriculture. I actually wrote a paper on that topic recently." Dream-Erik turned to her, his blue eyes lighting up with interest. "Did you now? I'd love to hear your thoughts, Miss...?" "Petrovic. Anna Petrovic." "Ah, yes," dream-Erik smiled. "The intriguing waitress from Ivory Tower. I was hoping we'd meet again." As they talked, dream-Anna dazzled Erik with her knowledge and wit. Other partygoers faded into the background as Erik hung on her every word. "You know, Anna," dream-Erik said, leaning in close. "I have a feeling you're going to change the world someday. How would you like to join my team?" Anna's alarm jolted her out of her fantasy. She groaned, reaching for her phone to silence it. As she scrolled through her notifications, she saw a news alert: "Erik Fairchild to Open New Restaurant Chain." Excitement coursed through her. This was it – her chance to impress Erik with her culinary knowledge and business acumen. She'd find a way to get involved with the project, to show Erik that she was more than just a waitress.