Chapter 29: Restless

Andres's POV

“Monday morning and I’m already on edge,” I muttered, gripping the steering wheel. “The medicine took forever to settle this weekend. It kept me staring at the ceiling for hours. And Billy’s words keep replaying… ‘Talk to her. You deserve something good.’ Talk to her? How? I’ve been turning that over for two days straight, and I’m still stuck.”

I parked the car and headed inside the building. “Just breathe. Get through the day. One step at a time.”

Jefferson was waiting near my office. “Morning, boss. You good? You look like the weekend kicked your ass.”

“Morning, Jeff. Rough weekend, yeah. The medication settled more slowly than usual. What’s the latest on Meridian?” I asked, dropping into my chair.

Jefferson sat across from me. “Update looks really clean and strong. Projections are up, client feedback is positive, and the risk section is tighter than last week. We’re in a good spot.”

“That’s solid news. Walk me through the numbers again,” I said.

“Revenue forecast is looking twelve percent better. Conservative growth angle is landing well with them. Rosa’s research notes helped a lot. She caught some details we almost missed,” he replied.

“Rosa keeps showing up,” I said quietly. “Alright, keep pushing it forward. Make sure we stay ahead.”

“Will do. You sure you’re okay? You seem a little off this morning,” Jefferson asked.

“I’m fine. Just Monday hitting hard. Keep me posted if anything changes,” I said, and he nodded.

 I felt that familiar presence immediately, “Gary’s here. I can always tell when the energy changes like this.”

I hadn't finished talking when Gary strolled into my office without knocking and dropped into the chair like it his office. I instantly felt that irritating energy fill the room.

“Gary, still no manners, I muttered.

Gary shook his head with a smile. “Andres, always so welcoming.”

“What exactly do you want from me this morning?” I rolled my eyes, putting on a frowny face so he won't suspect anything. 

“Andres! Looking sharp as always. How’s my big brother doing this morning?” Gary asked with that easy grin.

“Meanwhile, relax, I only came to check on the family business. Heard Creston closed beautifully. Numbers must be looking sweet. You feeling good about it?” he asked.

“Yeah, Creston closed strong. The team did solid work. Quarter results are better than expected,” I answered.

Gary leaned back comfortably. “That’s what I like to hear. That means the old man`s happy? The whole team is shining lately. Especially Rosa. Man, she’s impressive. She got that real energy. I’ve been enjoying getting to know her better. Taking her out, talking, laughing. She’s something else.”

I kept my face still. “Gary, Rosa works for the company, don’t drag her into your nonsense.” 

“Beside the team is locked in on Meridian right now. We don’t need any distractions. Especially personal ones. Keep it professional.” I said coldly, trying to adjust my seat.

Gary smiled slowly, with a knowing look in his eyes. “Did you say nonsense? Distractions?”

“Come on, Andres. Rosa is a grown woman. She can choose who she spends time with. And between us, I think she’s enjoying it. We had a really good time last time. Chemistry’s there, you know?”

“I’m serious. I know how you operate. You play around, you get tired, then you leave people to clean up your mess. Stay away from Rosa,” I said, firmly pointing my pen at his face.

He chuckled. “You’re really protective of her, huh? Interesting. Since when do you draw lines like this for your assistants? Or is there something more going on?”

“She deserves better than being another name on your list of women.”

“Oh, please spare me the sermon, Andres,” he said with a grin. “That's funny coming from you, though.”

“What do you mean by that, Gary?” I gave him a weird look

“Do you think you are better than I am?” He paused, then replied to himself, “I don’t think so.” 

“Well, so you know, it’s about business, Gary. That’s all. We have big targets this quarter. I need everyone’s head in the game,” I replied.

“Business. Sure,” Gary said, still smiling like he knew better. “Well, I won’t take up too much of your time. But Rosa’s special. Someone’s going to appreciate that fully soon. Catch you later, brother.”

He walked toward the door, clicked open, and turned.” You should probably tell her how you feel before someone else takes her from you. Trust me, I won`t wait for you.” 

He walked out and shut the door behind him. I sat there with both hands flat on the desk.

“Breathe, Andres. In… two… three… four. Out… two… three… four. Just like Billy taught you,” I whispered slowly. “Not the medicine this time. This thing in my chest. It's so hot.”

I rubbed my face. “Why does he always do this? Shows up smiling, drops Rosa’s name like he owns her.

I stood up and walked to the window. “Billy’s voice is still in my head. ‘Talk to her. You deserve something good.’ But what would I even say? ‘Hey, Rosa, stay away from Gary.’ She’d look at me like I had lost my mind. We have our deal. Secrets stay buried. That’s it.”

I stood up, walking to my shelf, “but… that smile Gary gave me. Like he knows he’s winning. And Rosa’s been going out with him. Laughing with him. Gosh!! I'm finally going crazy.

I picked up the Meridian file. “Focus. These numbers are good. Client likes the direction. We can build something real here. Rosa would know exactly how to present the legacy side. Damn it, stop. Stay on track.”

I flipped a page. “Gary thinks this is all a game. He always does. But this doesn’t feel like a game to me. Not anymore. This feels real. And I hate how much it’s getting to me.”

My phone beeped suddenly on my desk, and when I checked it was a text, but from an unknown number. Then the message popped in.

“If you care about Rosa, you need to help her. She is in trouble.”