“Realist,” I retorted, chuckling despite my doubts as the plane took off.
Three hours later, we arrived in the city and headed straight to our Airbnb—the Penthouse Suite at Smyth Tribeca, Inaya’s choice. Its sleek design and panoramic views lifted our spirits, offering a brief escape from our chaotic mission.
After settling in, we rushed to meet with the Eminence team. Though our lawyers had already green-lit the proposal, I refused to leave anything to chance. I personally delivered the documents, navigating their online portal and confirming every detail until I was satisfied that everything was exactly as it should be.
That was when Ronan slipped back into my thoughts.
I remembered his laughter, the two of us sprawled on a blanket beside a lake, sharing strawberries and sparkling water. The way his fingers had brushed a loose strand of hair from my face. The moment felt endless.
Then I jolted awake.
My heart raced as I took in the sunlight spilling through the curtains. Late afternoon. I grabbed my phone. I slept the entireday away.
“Inaya?” I called, pushing the covers aside. No answer. The suite was quiet. In the living room, the dining table was scattered with my design sketches and fabric swatches, proof that she had been busy while I had been lost in my own head.
I sat, still half caught in the dream, and picked up a pencil. I tried to sketch, to find the same spark that had driven me earlier, but Ronan lingered in every line I drew. That memory by the lake would not let go, and suddenly it felt less like a dream and more like a nudge.
A reminder of what could be.
Before I could talk myself out of it, I grabbed my phone.
Me:
Hi.
Me:
It’s Nina. Let’s do that date.
His reply came almost immediately.
RR:
Hey. Does Friday work?
Me:
It’s perfect.
RR:
Thank you.
Me:
For what?
RR:
For giving me this chance.
I stared at the screen, a nervous, electric warmth spreading through me.
“I hope it’s worth it,” I whispered.
Turning back to my sketches, I focused on my designs, pouring my emotions into the intricate lines and shapes on the paper.The hours passed in a blur until I realized it was late. With a sigh, I set aside my work and dialed my mom’s number.
“Ciao mamma!” I greeted warmly as she picked up. “I landed earlier but fell asleep right away. How are you?”
