Sindy slept like the dead. When she woke, it took her a moment to remember what had happened. Part of her wanted to run and never return, but she couldn’t disregard the kindness that was shown to her. She needed to face everyone and figure out how to move forward.
“Good morning!” Tessa was far too cheerful, but waking up in a place this wonderful could easily do that. “Do you want to go down to breakfast? It’s kind of a tradition that the whole family gathers for meals in our house, but I understand if you don’t want to.”
Sindy felt her cheeks redden. She couldn’t sit across from everyone, even if they didn’t know why she was here, and she doubted she could eat anything. Her stomach was a rolling bundle of knots. “I really just want to take a shower, if you don’t mind.”
“Of course not. You don’t have to ask. Go ahead. Everything you need is in the linen closet in the bathroom. Towels. Fresh soap and body wash. All kinds of shampoo and conditioner. I’ll bring you back some breakfast. And there’s a Keurig in the kitchenette so help yourself to coffee. See you in a bit.”
It took several moments for Sindy to figure out how to turn on the water. There were nozzles and jets on every wall inside of the shower. She had never seen anything like it. The giant square shower head pulsed hot water with strong, welcome pressure, unlike the lukewarm sprinkle that the showers at the gym offered. She stood under it for a very long time and let the water rain down on her. Closing her eyes, she envisioned the humiliation of last night wash away. When she exited the shower, she felt renewed. Maybe Lucas and Tessa finding out that she was homeless didn’t mean it was the end of her career with Prodigy, and she felt as if she might actually get through this difficult time in her life.
Tessa returned with a plate in her hand just as Sindy finished drying her hair and getting dressed.
“On today’s menu, revoltillo de chorizo.” Tessa tilted the plate to show Sindy. “It’s a scramble prepared with bacon sofrito, russet potatoes, chorizo, garlic roasted peppers, and, of course, tostado, which you’re supposed to dip in your cafe con leche.”
“My what?”
Tessa smiled. “Coffee.”
“Oh. Do you speak Spanish?”
“Claro yo hablo Español. Soy mitad Cubano. That means, of course I speak Spanish. I’m half Cuban.”
Sindy’s stomach grumbled at the aroma coming from the dish, and she took it from Tessa, greedily. This was an authentic home-cooked meal, not the greasy diner food she ate on a daily basis. “Thanks. This looks incredible.” She stuck a forkful into her mouth and moaned at the flavor. She’d never tasted anything so fresh and hearty. It was gourmet comfort food, exactly what she needed right now. By the time Tessa retrieved a small serving table for Sindy to eat on, she practically finished the plate.
Tessa stopped, with the table still in her hands, and smiled. “I guess you liked it.”
“I didn’t know I was so hungry. It’s fabulous.”
“I’ll be sure to tell Papi.” Tessa sat next to Sindy. “He wants to see you in his office.”
The delicious meal turned to lead in Sindy’s stomach. The anxiety that she thought had vanished washed over her like a tsunami. Obviously, a decision had already been made about her pending recording contract. She stood, nausea turning her stomach queasy. “Let’s get this over with.” She took the plate and utensils and washed them in the little sink, thinking about how her life constantly flip-flopped. One minute she was on top of the world. The next she was at the lowest point of her life. Just when hope lifted her spirits with a bright ray of light, darkness obliterated it.
“You don’t have to do that,” Tessa said, watching from the archway.
“It’s the least I can do. Thank you again for last night.” Sindy placed the wet dish on the counter, then saw the dishwasher underneath and put the plate and knife and fork inside. When she turned around, Tessa still stood in the doorway, empathy clear in her eyes.
“It’s not that bad, Sin.” Tessa extended her hand. “Come on. Me and Lucas are coming with you.”
Sindy slowly blinked, feeling relieved and embarrassed at the same time. She took her friend’s hand and they walked down the long corridor. When they got to the bend, she saw Lucas standing in the doorway to his room, which, she imagined, had the same setup as Tessa’s suite. She lowered her eyes, but raised them as the distance closed between them. His gaze bore concern and worry as he studied her face. She wanted to thank him. Tell him she was OK with whatever happened, but she couldn’t get her mouth to work.
Lucas fell in stride with them, placing an arm around Sindy’s shoulder. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to pull away, or fall into his body. His hand felt so good on her shoulder, comforting and supportive. Tessa still had her by the hand, and the three of them walked together that way until they reached the winding stairway that led to the first floor.
Sindy had never been more nervous as she walked down the long foyer that led to Angel Garcia’s office. She had only spoken to him a few times, and she was still enamored by his presence, which made her twice as anxious. When she walked into his office, she expected to see Angel sitting behind the desk, but the room was empty.
“He’ll be here in a minute,” Tessa said, as if reading Sindy’s mind.
She fell into one of the chairs facing the ultra-modern black desk and let out a deflated sigh. “I just want to get this over with.”
“Get what over with?” Tessa sat next to her. “That’s the second time you’ve said that.”
“I failed the background check. He’s not going to offer me a contract.”
Tessa looked at her as if she were crazy. “Don’t be ridiculous. My papi has a heart as big as the universe.”
Lucas pulled up a chair and sat on the other side of Sindy. “And we’re offering you a recording contact. Not my papi. You’re gonna get through this Sindy. If it’s the last thing I do, I’m going to make sure you’re OK.”
His words and the kindness and compassion in his voice, and in his expression, filled her with solace. How could this sweet, sweet man be the same person who she thought was cocky and overbearing? She placed the palm of her hand on his cheek and whispered a barely audible, “Thank you.”
The door to the office opened, and not only did Angel Garcia enter, but Tommy Blade followed. Sindy sucked in a breath. Sitting in the same room with these two icons left her stupefied. And then the shame hit her. Again.
