Chapter 25: Closing Deals

Rosa's POV

“Miss Morales, you remind me so much of my daughter. Same fire in the eyes, same way of cutting through the nonsense,” Mr. Creston said, shaking my hand firmly.

I smiled warmly, squeezing his hand back. “Thank you, sir. That means a lot coming from you. I’m really glad we could find common ground today.”

“You’ve got a good head on your shoulders. Not many young people do these days. Keep that up, and you’ll go far,” he replied, nodding with approval.

“I’ll do my best. Thank you again for trusting us with this,” I said softly.

The moment the door closed behind him, I let the smile drop completely. I started gathering my files and notes when Andres’s voice came from across the table.

“Good work.”

I looked up and found him already staring at me. For a second, neither of us moved. The air felt thick, heavy with everything we weren’t saying. I held his gaze, my heart beating a little faster.

“Thank you, sir,” I said quietly, breaking the moment. I looked back down at my papers. “Just doing what needed to be done.”

“You read him perfectly, Rosa. The way you brought up his father’s legacy… that was smart. Really smart,” Andres continued, his voice low and even.

I slipped the last folder into my bag. “I noticed how he kept mentioning stability. Figured respect would work better than pushing numbers. He’s old school. He doesn’t want to feel like some young team is trying to outsmart him.”

“And you made him feel understood,” Andres said. “Not many people can do that in the first meeting. You made him laugh. You made him listen.”

I zipped my bag shut. “I was nervous at first. He has that look like he can see right through you. But once I mentioned building something that lasts… his whole face changed. I just went with it.”

“You handled it better than I expected,” he admitted. “Better than most of the team would have. Creston doesn’t shake hands like that with just anyone.”

I glanced up again, offering a small smile. “Thank you. That means something coming from you. I know how important this deal is.”

Andres nodded once. “You did well today. Go home and rest. You earned it.”

“I will. Good night, sir,” I said, turning toward the door.

I settled into the back of the taxi, watching the city lights blur past the window as we drove. The streets were getting darker, softer. I pulled out my phone and dialled Quinn.

“Hey Quinn, it’s me,” I said when she picked up.

“Rosa! Finally. How did the big meeting go?” Quinn asked, her voice warm.

“It went really well, actually. The Creston deal is basically closed. He shook my hand at the end and everything. Told me I reminded him of his daughter,” I told her, leaning my head against the seat.

“Wow, that’s huge! Old man Creston doesn’t hand out compliments like candy. You must have really impressed him. Tell me everything. What did you say that turned it around?” she asked excitedly.

“I just listened mostly. He kept talking about legacy and protecting what his father built. So I leaned into that. Asked about the old ways they used to do things. He opened up after that. It felt…so natural,” I explained softly.

“I’m proud of you. Seriously. And what about Gary? Is he still circling or has he backed off a bit?” Quinn asked.

“He’s still around like a dog that he is. But we’re ahead of him right now. Everything is moving the way it should. The papers should be ready soon, and Creston seems solid,” I replied, watching a streetlight shine by.

Quinn paused for a moment. “That’s good. Really good. But Rosa… how are you doing? Not the plan, not Gary, not the company. Just you. How are you holding up with all of this?”

I stared out the window. “I’m fine, Quinn. Really. Today went well; I did my part. I’m just tired from the long day.”

“You always say you’re fine,” she said gently. “But I hear it in your voice. That little edge. Talk to me. Is it the job? Is it Andres? Or is it everything piling up?”

I let out a slow breath. “It’s… complicated. Andres told me good work today. We had this moment after the meeting. Just looking at each other. Nothing happened, but it felt like something. I don’t know. Maybe I’m overthinking it.”

“You’re allowed to overthink it. He’s not just your boss anymore, is he? Not after the lagoon and that whole secret deal you two made,” Quinn said softly.

“Yeah… It’s weird now. Every time he looks at me, I remember pulling him out of the water. And today in the boardroom, watching him watch me handle Creston. It makes my stomach twist. But we have an agreement. Secrets stay secrets. We act normal,” I murmured.

“Normal,” Quinn repeated with a small laugh. “Nothing about this sounds normal, babe. You saved his life. He knows about me. You’re playing a dangerous game at that office. Are you sure you’re okay? Be honest with me.”

“I’m managing. Some days I feel strong, like I can handle whatever comes. Other days, I just want to run away from all of it. The plan, the secrets, the way Andres looks at me sometimes… " It’s a lot,” I admitted, my voice quieter.

Quinn stayed silent for a long moment.

“Rosa,” she said finally, gentle but serious. “You don’t have to carry everything alone. I’m here. If it gets too heavy, you tell me. Promise?”

“I promise,” I whispered. “Thanks for asking about me. Not just the deal. It means a lot.”

“Always. I worry about you, you know? You jump into lagoons for ungrateful men and close million-dollar deals like it’s nothing. But I see you. The real you,” she said warmly.

I smiled a little, even though she couldn’t see it. “I see you too. I’ll be home soon. We can talk more if you want.”

“Yeah, I’d like that. Come home safe, okay? And rest. You sound exhausted,” Quinn replied.

“I am waiting up for you.”

“Thank you, Quinn. You know I love you, right?

“I love you too,”  she said softly before hanging up.