Page 32 of Taking A Chance

* * *

Two hours later, I can feel the fatigue consuming my whole body, and I can barely keep my eyes open.

“Come on Cade, you’re beat,” Isaac says, getting up from his seat and walking around to the opposite side of the desk where I sit. “Why don’t you go get some sleep and we can talk again tomorrow.”

“Hell,” I push myself up to a standing position. “Not until you show me around. I’ve always wondered what was so special about this place that made you want to invest.”

“To get the girl,” he smiles as he rubs the back of his neck. I look at him, waiting for more of an explanation. “Long story,” he laughs. “Come on, let me give you a guided tour.”

I’m really not that interested, but by the sounds of it, Isaac is looking for me to get involved with the companies he owns. I play along, but the only reason I want to look around is that I’ll get to see Petra. Fuck waiting until tonight. I’m desperate to have something, albeit a quick glance of those deep brown eyes, sun kissed olive skin and pout of her lush mouth.

We go from office to office, as he introduces me to colleague after colleague, not one of the nameplates on the doors showing the one that I’m looking for. I’m about to lose my shit when I see it. ‘Personnel/Payroll Department’. She’s just beyond this door. I stop next to the door, but Isaac keeps on walking.

“Hey buddy, you missed one!” I almost shout without thinking.

“No point, there’s no one in there today.”

“Yeah, don’t tell me you have them on one of those pointless team-building exercises,” I laugh lightly.

“Unfortunately, no,” he sighs. “Judy has left us. Caroline is on vacation. I told the trainee to go home as she has no one to supervise her because Petra… you know Petra, she was at the wedding, she’s had to take emergency leave.”

“Is she okay?” My gut feels like it’s been hit with a ten-pound hammer.

“I don’t know the full story, but Kat… you know Kat, she was at the wedding too. She said that Petra’s mother is sick, and she had to fly back to Slovakia.”

“Oh, poor girl.” I mumble, trying not to show my mixed-up feelings of concern and disappointment.

“Yeah, I’m sure Amy will know more. Look, it’s nearly 4pm, why don’t we call it a day. Come back to the house, have a couple of beers, dinner and then I’ll get you a cab to drop you at your friends later?”

“Sounds good to me,” I plaster a fake smile on my face. “In fact, if the offer to stay with you is still open, then I’d like to take you up on that, for tonight.”

“Fucking A,” Isaac smacks me hard on the back. “Brother, you’re more than welcome. I miss your sorry ass. It’s good to have you here.”

* * *

Isaac and Amy are the most gracious of hosts, and I can’t help laughing along with them. Their happiness is as contagious as a dose of influenza. It helps me handle the fact that after many attempts to contact Petra; I keep coming up blank. It’s not until late the next day that I finally get a response. It’s only a text, but it’s better than nothing.

Petra: Sorry. Family emergency. Talk soon.

I text her back asking if it’s convenient to call her, because to be honest, however pissed I am that she’s taken so long to respond, I need to know what’s going on. I want to support her anyway I can. According to Amy, who doesn’t have that much more information than Isaac, Petra’s mum is not good and being the only child, she’s having to handle this on her own. The response is almost immediate.

Petra: Not now. I’ll call you soon.

It’s the night before I fly back to Miami, and I still haven’t spoken to Petra. I’ve stayed the whole time with Isaac and Amy, and I’m sure by now they’ll be glad to see the back of me when I board the early flight in the morning.

Amy has been a godsend, with her constant chatter and positivity. It’s distracted me from thoughts of Petra that infiltrate my mind. Well, sometimes.

I send another text, telling her I’m going to call and that she better pickup. It’s a little harsh, but I don’t really care anymore. I can’t stand the not knowing. I need to know what the fuck is going on. She replies…

Petra. Okay.

I read the one-word message several times while I calm myself, then hit the call button.

“Hello.” There’s an unusual hardness to her normally soft voice.

“Hi,” is all I say although a mountain of questions goes through my head.

“Cade, I’m sorry but I can’t do this.”