“What did you want to discuss?” he asks. It’s one of the things I really like about Irvan, apart from his steady, reliable moods and logical business sense. He likes to get straight to the point.
“I’ve come to discuss a necessary rate increase,” I tell him, sliding the new contract over the table. He opens the brown folder but doesn’t look at it.
“Business is doing well, then? That’s good to hear,” he smiles.
“It is. We’ve had to flush out the smaller fish and refocus our time and energy,” I confirm.
“Of course, of course. This is just more confirmation that I’m working with a good company. You have been a reliable andefficient partner for me,” he says, finally looking down at the paper. “Where do I sign?” he asks, picking up his pen.
“Page three is the addendum to the old contract. It’s the only thing that’s changed, and the only page you need to sign. You’ll see the increases are fair and…”
“I’m not worried about what the increase is. I don’t want to work with someone else after you’ve earned my trust. Besides, I know you would have been fair in the decision,” he says, scribbling his signature on the addendum.
“Is that it?” he asks, sliding the documents back to me.
“That’s it,” I say with a broad smile, standing to shake his hand again.
“Next time, let’s grab a drink,” he says, walking me to the door.
“Anytime, Irvan, you just say when.”
Walking out of his building with the documents tucked under my arm, I’m smiling, pleased it went well.
He’s the client I would have negotiated the increase for. But he’s also the type of client who wouldn’t ask that, considering he understands the value of the service we provide.
Walking back across the street to my car, I glance left and right, then left again.
Clicking the button, my car beeps and the doors unlock. I’m about to pull the door open when I see her, and it makes my entire body scream to a stop.
My breath is stuck in my throat.
“Talia?” I whisper to myself.
She’s sitting in the coffee shop right opposite my car. I see myself in the reflection of the cafe window, and her just beyondthat, smiling down at her phone. She’s alone, but I spot two guards sitting at a table nearby.
It’s been so long since I’ve seen or spoken to my sister.
My heart is beating fast as emotions wash over me.
Seeing her brings a well of resentment for what she did. But also an ocean of love.
She’s my little sister. My family.
I’d never stop loving her.
She’s just as beautiful as ever.
My hand drops from the car door. I want to talk to her. But I can’t imagine she’d be happy to see me. I also can’t imagine her guards would let me get too close.
Still, I find myself walking toward the coffee shop, through the doors, my heart racing.
I keep an eye on her guards as I get closer to her table.
“Marlen?” She jumps up from her seat and rushes toward me, immediately throwing her arms around me. I stand stunned for a moment, relieved and confused by her warm welcoming. A nervous chuckle ripples through me as I hug her back. “Hi, it’s been… a while,” I say.
“It’s been way too long,” Talia scolds me. “I’ve been trying to respect your boundaries, but I’ve missed you like crazy. All of you!”
She takes my hand and leads me to her table, sitting me down in the chair opposite hers.
