"The past twenty hours!

" Zachary exclaimed while stealing a peek at his phone's screen. He couldn't help but break out in cold sweat when he noticed that it was already Friday, 20th of December 2013. Moreover, it was already six o'clock in the evening, meaning that he'd spent almost twenty-four hours digesting the A-graded vitality-enhancing elixir. The notion was simply crazy.

"Are you still there, Zach?

" Camilla's voice sounded from the phone speakers once again.

"Are you doing okay?

"

"Yes, I'm okay, Camilla,

" Zachary hurriedly replied after casting away the irrelevant thoughts from his mind.

"So, what happened? Why haven't you been picking up your phone since yesterday? You had me worried.

"

"Sorry,

" Zachary said, taking a moment to organize his words.

"You know me when I'm training. I had put my phone in silent mode while exercising yesterday evening. I ended up forgetting about it, and that's why didn't notice your calls.

"

"Oh!

" Camilla said, her tone still a bit doubtful.

"Are you sure that everything is okay on your side? You know you can talk to me about anything.

"

"Don't you worry! Everything is going on fine here. What about you? Are you doing okay?

"

"Since you're fine, I'm now also okay,

" Camila replied, her voice regaining the vibrancy that was typical of her usual self.

"Well, it's just that I'm missing you.

"

"I miss you too,

" Zachary replied.

"But since you're in Trondheim, we can meet any time. Do you want to come over to my place? I'll be cooking salmon, potatoes, and plenty of vegetables for dinner today.

"

"Of course, I would like to come over,

" Camilla was quick to reply.

"I'll be there in about an hour. So, see you in a bit.

" She added before hanging up.

Zachary didn't dare dilly-dally. He hurriedly organized the house before starting to prepare dinner.

His cooking skills had improved considerably after a year of living alone. He could prepare most of the more common recipes without any challenges.

So, for the next thirty minutes or so, he worked with haste and the professionalism of a master chef. And soon, the food started blossoming in his kitchen while casting a unique fragrance all over the place. By the time Camilla was ringing the bell, about an hour later, he was already setting up the various mouth-watering dishes on the table.

"Hi, Zach!

" Camilla said after she'd walked through the doorway and taken off her overcoat.

"Hi, Camilla,

" Zachary replied with a smile while giving her a once over. Underneath the overcoat, she'd worn a fitting black dress that underlined her slim waist, shapely hips, and ample bosom. Just by taking a single glance at her, Zachary could feel his heart going on a caper within his chest.

"You look so beautiful today evening,

" Zachary mumbled with a sigh after a short while.

"Thank you,

" she said, the corners of her lips lifting into a gorgeous smile.

"How have you been?

"

"Okay, but I've been missing you.

"

Without any more needless words, she jumped into Zachary's open arms.

"I missed you too,

" Zachary replied, tightening his hands around her. She was so delicate and charming while in his embrace to the point of eliciting some tender feelings within him. He even couldn't stop his body from reacting the way it should when she was that close to him.

"The food is ready,

" Zachary declared in a hoarse voice, trying his best to clear his mind.

"Let's eat first.

"

"Okay,

" Camila agreed.

The two of them soon settled on the dining table and started stuffing their stomachs with food. Gradually, the many bowls became slightly more empty as they feasted while discussing various topics. In that manner, the minutes flashed by quickly. And when the clock hand had just pointed to the 8:30 PM mark, they were finishing their dinner.

"Zach,

" Camilla said just as she was about to put some of the dirty plates into the dishwasher.

"Yes.

"

"Do you still remember that you promised to go with me on vacation this festive season?

"

"Well, yes,

" Zachary replied, creasing his brows.

"However, is it possible to postpone the trip to the end of January? I might not be able to travel now since I'm undergoing a training regimen that is essential to my development as a professional athlete.

"

Camilla whirled around 180 degrees to hold Zachary's gaze.

"It's the offseason,

" she remarked with a frown.

"So, there shouldn't be any team training scheduled these days.

"

"You're right. I won't be participating in any team training sessions until February. However, I still have to train on my own to improve my skills before next season. You understand that. Don't you, my dear?

"

"Naturally,

" Camilla said with a smile.

"However, if it's your own personal training, then you can conduct it anywhere in the world. As long as there are available facilities, your training won't be hindered in any way, even if you're to travel. Isn't that right?

"

"Yes, that's right,

" Zachary concurred.

"As long as I have access to good facilities, like well-equipped gyms and good football turfs, then I can train anywhere in the world.

"

"Taˈda,

" Camilla said, stepping closer to Zachary.

"If that's the case, then why can't we travel somewhere else for the holiday season. Your plans won't be hindered in any way. For instance, if we're to travel to Amsterdam or Barcelona, you can still continue your training by taking advantage of the first-class sports facilities there. Occasionally, you can also take a few hours off to spend time with me. Wouldn't that be great?

"

"True, that sounds like a viable plan,

" Zachary said, falling into a moment of contemplation.

For an entire year, most of his daily routines had revolved around training, eating, sleeping, and playing football within Trondheim City. As a result, he was already fed up with his monotonous lifestyle to some extent. So, that was why the prospect of training in another European city sounded like music to his ears.

"So, where do you wish to go for vacation?

" He inquired after a short while.

Camilla's face immediately blossomed into a gorgeous smile. She hooked her arm around Zachary's waist and said,

"Barcelona would be a good option. The weather is not so cold there, even during December and January. Additionally, there are a lot of first-rate sports facilities, including gyms, football turfs, and stadiums, all over the city to meet your needs. So, it's the perfect place for us to go on vacation.

"

"Okay, Barcelona, it is,

" Zachary said, nodding.

"We can book the plane tickets and hotels tomorrow morning and be on our way the following day.

"

"Excellent,

" Camilla said, snuggling closer to Zachary.

"I'm really looking forward to this trip.

"

"Me, too.

"

**** ****