Page 62 of Caffeine & Chaos
Her heart sank. Just what she needed – Valentina’s meddling. The last thing she wanted was to deal with her mother’s interference, especially now. But ignoring her would only make things worse. What should she tell her? If she revealed the extent of the damage and the detective’s suspicions, Valentina might fly herself out there to ‘help.’
Nadia: Hi mom. The apartment is mostly okay, just some stuff thrown around and a few broken things. Looks like someone targeted the building to steal some valuables. I’ve had the locks changed as a precaution.
Her mom texted back some heinous comments about the poor all being criminals, and Nadia didn’t bother to argue it. In her vulnerable and exhausted state, the path of least resistance was the wisest.
“Mandy,” Nadia said, “I’m going to hire a service to clean the rest of this up. I can’t do it, and while I appreciate your support so much, you shouldn’t have to do it for me. I’ve got money, let’s go get lunch, do some shopping, and leave this ugly mess to the professionals.”
“You’re the boss!” Mandy said, dropping the broom where she stood, “you’re also going to have to pay for this lunch you’re talking about, cuz I’m broke.”
“Of course. You are generously hosting me at your place, it’s the least I can do,” Nadia offered, not wanting Mandy to feel uncomfortable.
“Damn straight it is,” Mandy retorted with her trademark mischievous grin.
Nadia was silent as they left the building, lost in her own thoughts. Mandy, although she could be very cheeky at times, was also an intuitive friend who could recognize when it was time to shut up.
It wasn’t until they were a block away from the café that Nadia finally broke the silence. “I haven’t heard from Ryan in nearly a day and a half now. It’s strange,” she admitted.
“Hmm,” Mandy pondered. “Maybe his mom’s condition has worsened.”
Nadia’s eyes widened in realization. “I hadn’t considered that!” Guilt flooded over her as she reflected on her self-absorption. “I didn’t even ask how she’s doing.”
“Well don’t sweat it, I mean it’s not like you didn’t have your own stuff going on. Just text him, ask him how his mom is. Maybe he’s sulking about you not asking,” Mandy said.
“I don’t think I could picture Ryan sulking, ever,” Nadia said with a laugh, “but I will text him.”
While they waited at the crosswalk by the café Nadia sent him a brief message apologizing for not checking in on Clara.
Mandy groaned, “did you really have to pick our workplace for lunch? I know you’ve been away for a few days, but I was just here yesterday,” Mandy whined.
“I know, I know, call me crazy, but I missed the place. Montana was beautiful, but it wasn’t home, and Casa’s is part of home for me. In fact, I’m going to see if I can pick up some shifts for the remainder of the week. I need to get back into my routine,” Nadia nodded her head affirmingly, at her own statement. She needed something solid, and work felt solid.
“Are you nuts? You’ve got the rest of the week off, your apartment still needs painting, plus you promised me furniture shopping!” Mandy cried.
“Oh, give it a rest, I’ll make sure you don’t miss the shopping spree,” Nadia said, rolling her eyes.
As Nadia entered, the café door chimed, a familiar sound that washed over Nadia like a wave of relief as she stepped inside. The comforting aroma of freshly ground coffee enveloped her, grounding her in the familiarity of the place she only just realized was her sanctuary.
This place, with its bustling energy and comforting scents, was a reminder of the life she had built in Miami, a life she was eager to reclaim after the upheaval of the past few days.
Her phone buzzed in her pocket, and she retrieved it immediately, again desperately hoping that it was Ryan. It was the cleaning company.
Her face must have betrayed her disappointment, as Mandy shot her a reassuring look before heading to the counter to retrieve their coffees. Nadia slumped into one of the wooden chairs at a round table near the window, her thoughts swirling with frustration. Why hadn’t Ryan responded to her texts? Was he intentionally giving her the cold shoulder, or was there a legitimate reason for his silence? She prayed it wasn’t a legitimate reason with flowing dark hair and long lean legs.
As Mandy returned, setting down the steaming cups of coffee, Nadia forced a weak smile. “On the upside, the apartment is gonna get done today,” she said, her tone tinged with melancholy.
Mandy plopped into the chair opposite her, “don’t sound so excited,” she joked, her usual teasing tone softening.
Nadia sighed, her frustration bubbling to the surface. “It’s driving me crazy that Ryan hasn’t gotten back to me yet. Do you think he’s with Melanie?” She had confided in Mandy about the drama at the ranch the previous night.
Mandy took a deliberate sip of her coffee, her gaze fixed on Nadia the entire time.
“What?” Nadia inquired, sensing her friend was about to drop some truth bombs.
“You’re in love,” Mandy stated matter-of-factly, bringing the cup back to her lips to blow on the hot liquid.
Nadia fell silent. She wanted to brush off the suggestion, to laugh it off, to tell Mandy she was way off base, but the words stuck in her throat.
“Oh my god, you are!” Mandy exclaimed, her eyes widening in disbelief. “I was just testing the waters, expecting you to push back, to snap out of it, but you’re not denying it! Girl, he’s got you hook, line, and sinker. I never thought I’d see the day when Nadia Moore got caught in the love trap. So, what’s next? A mansion in the Hamptons, a couple of rugrats, and membership at some snooty country club?”