Page 39 of Caffeine & Chaos

“I thought you might like these back. I am determined to see you in them again. -Travis.”

Nadia chuckled softly as she dropped her face into her hands, the tension releasing in waves of laughter. She had forgotten all about the panties she’d lost in the hotel room the night she’d slept with Travis.

Guilt washed over her as she considered Travis’s relentless pursuit. He was trying so hard to win her over, but she knew it was futile. Maybe in a different time, before Ryan, his efforts might have worked. But not now. Not ever.

As Nadia stood in front of the mirror in her hallway, she couldn’t help but notice the fatigue etched into her features. Despite the early hour, the stress of the morning was already taking its toll. A shower seemed like the perfect remedy. Dropping the pink panties into the laundry hamper, a troubling realization hit her: she had never given Travis her address.

They had shared a cab from Gabbiano’s but how had he managed to find out her apartment number? The doormen weren’t supposed to give out that kind of information. She imagined Travis using his charm to persuade one of them, playing on their sympathies with his desperate, lovesick act. His boy next door routine was convincing, she had to admit, though not to her mother, of course.

Under the soothing spray of hot water, Nadia tried to let go of her worries. But as she lathered shampoo into her hair, another realization struck her: Travis had sent the flowers before the dinner at Gabbiano’s.

Nadia dismissed any concerns about Travis, convincing herself he was harmless. His resourcefulness was actually almost impressive. His relentless pursuit of her reminded her of characters from legendary films, their determination etched in cinematic glory. With a smile, she reassured herself that he would eventually move on and find someone else, someone who would appreciate his efforts and make him incredibly happy.

She had just three hours to get everything in order before Armand would arrive to pick her up. Nadia packed a variety of clothing items, unsure of how long she would be staying. She prayed that Mandy and Helena would cover off her shifts; losing her job wasn’t an option, she loved working at the café. Maria had been like a surrogate mother to her since she’d moved to Miami, and she hated to leave her in a tight spot.

She would call and grovel if she had to. Helena owed her favors and Mandy was her best friend. Surely, they would help her out.

Him.

Theresa perched on the edge of her desk, gnawing at her fingernail, her nerves palpable as Ryan strode into his office. Rising to her feet, she shifted awkwardly from one foot to the other, clearly hesitant to approach him.

“It’s alright Theresa, what’s going on?” Ryan asked, attempting a smile, but failing miserably.

“Ryan I am so sorry to hear about your mother. Have you heard anything further?”

“No. The last I heard she was in surgery. I doubt Justin will be calling me back with up to the minute information.” Ryan looked away from her as he continued, “we sort of got into it when he called.”

Theresa clucked softly. “Well, when you see her, you boys will be too concerned with her well-being to be doing any fighting.” She reached out and squeezed Ryan’s hand, her face full of assurance and warmth.

“Thanks Theresa. What’s happening here?” Ryan shuffled some papers on her desk trying to distract himself.

“Paula called twice,” Theresa informed him, her tone laced with curiosity. “Some reporter from the Miami Sun is eager for a comment about the woman you escorted to last night’s event.” She arched an eyebrow, indicating her own interest in the mystery woman.

Ryan smiled genuinely at the thought of Nadia. His Nadia. “Yes, I am seeing someone. Her name is Nadia.”

“Good. You could use the comfort of a good woman right about now. This girl have any staying power you think?” Theresa didn’t know much about his love life, but she was always lecturing him about his need to settle down.

“If I have things my way, she’ll be staying around for the long haul.” Ryan smirked as he saw the delight in Theresa’s eyes. With that, he swiftly retreated to his office, hoping to evade any further interrogation from her.

In the privacy of his office, Ryan’s facade slipped for a moment. He leaned against the frosted glass, feeling the heaviness of the situation sinking in. Why did it have to be his mom instead of his father who fell ill? Guilt gnawed at him. While he loved them both, his relationship with his mother was remarkably better than with his father. All these years he’d let his own stubbornness get the better of him. He should’ve visited home more often, made more effort with his dad and brother, and kept in touch with his mom more regularly.

Ryan straightened his posture, shaking off the encroaching feelings of vulnerability. Whatever decisions he’d made in the past were done deals now. Adjusting his suit lapel, he marched over to his desk with purpose. There were loose ends to tie up, and dwelling on guilt and sorrow wouldn’t accomplish anything.

Just as he settled in at his desk to go over some paperwork the intercom buzzed.

“Excuse me sir, I have Paula on line one. She says they are going to run the article as-is if they can’t get a statement from you by noon today. Should I send the call through?”

Ryan sighed heavily. He didn’t feel up to crafting a statement for the press, but was far too uncomfortable with them running a piece on him without his input to say no. “Yes please, put her through.”

Ryan picked up his phone and pressed line one.

“Hi Paula,” Ryan said dully. Paula had been in his camp for years and was a part of his inner circle. He didn’t need to put up a facade for her.

“Hi Ryan. I am so incredibly sorry to hear about your mother’s condition. Have you heard anything new yet?”

“No, the last I heard she was in surgery.”

“Mmhmm. Well, I am sorry to bother you with this right now, but I got word that you are heading out of town to be with your folks, and I didn’t think you’d want to leave this story up to that vulture Madeline.” Paula spat out the name like it was rotten milk.

---