My Lost Querencia

Chapter 4: Shadows at Dawn

The morning sun cast a golden hue over the city as Nixie and Aia prepared for the day's big meeting. Nixie opted for a striking red business coat over a sleek halter top and pencil skirt, her dark brown hair styled in a half-updo. Aia, always stylish yet understated, wore her usual coat and tank top with pants, her black hair cascading freely.

As the minutes ticked by, Molly arrived with the company driver. The air was filled with a mix of excitement and nervous energy as they drove through the bustling streets of the UAE. The city's skyscrapers and vibrant lights created a mesmerizing backdrop, but Nixie couldn't shake the unsettling feeling creeping back into her stomach.

Nixie turned to Aia, her voice soft and tinged with worry. "Tangi, I'm feeling weird again, like something's off."

Aia, sitting beside her wife, glanced over with a concerned frown. "Is it your PCOS? Maybe you're just anxious about the deal?" She hoped it was just anxiety and not some sixth sense, as she wasn't sure how to ease her wife's potential discomfort.

Nixie shook her head, gripping the edge of her seat. "It doesn't feel like that... it's like something bad might happen."

Aia, feeling the weight of Nixie's distress, placed a comforting hand on her knee. "Look, Molly and Michael wouldn't have brought us here if they didn't believe this partner was a good fit. Breathe, love. Everything's gonna be alright."

Added with a supportive nod, "And we're in this together. No matter what happens, just let me know if you need to go back to the hotel and rest. I, Molly, and Michael can handle the rest of the meeting."

Nixie took a deep breath, trying to calm the fluttering sensation in her stomach. Despite Aia's reassurances and support, the sense of foreboding didn't entirely dissipate.

Aia reached into their small bag and pulled out Nixie's disposable vape, knowing it might help her calm down. 

"You might need a little help with this, Tangi," she said, offering the vape with a gentle smile. They both laughed at Aia's little joke as Nixie took an inhale.

Nixie managed a small, grateful smile, squeezing Aia's hand in return. She appreciated the support but couldn't fully shake the gnawing feeling that the day ahead held more than just business matters.

As the car approached the meeting venue, Nixie glanced out the window, trying to steady her nerves. The sensation that something significant was looming just beyond her grasp grew stronger.

Upon arriving, they noticed a man outside the meeting room, talking on the phone, visibly annoyed but trying to calm the person on the other end.

"Babe, ano ba gusto mo gawin? Gusto mo sumunod ka dito kumalma ka lang," they overheard him say.

Molly raised an eyebrow and subtly gestured towards the man. Nixie shrugged, assuming it was just relationship drama. They entered the meeting room, greeted by three men.

As they began to settle in, Aia asked in a low voice, "I thought there were four of them?"

Michael responded, "Yes, just a moment," and inquired about the missing team member. One of the men replied, "He's on a call; he'll join us shortly."

One of the men pointed outside the room, and they assumed it was the same person who had been on the phone. "Let's give him some time; it sounds like he's dealing with a problem," Molly said.