Every Rose has a Thorne (last chapter being redrafted & all editing being done)

Chapter 17

I climbed into my car, deciding to pop in to the shop instead of calling Kim again. I always trusted my gut and my gut was telling me something was going on. As I pulled out of the Thorne Mansion grounds, my phone started ringing. Unknown number, I hate them.

"Hello?" I answered tentatively, hoping it wasn't another marketing call.

"Mrs Thorne?" a gruff manly voice came over the line.

"Speaking, how can I help?"

"This is Gregory, we met twice in my Taxi." 

"Oh yes, Hi Gregory. How are you?" I remembered I'd given him my card the first time we'd met. 

"I think we need to talk Roxanne, could we meet somewhere for a coffee?"

"Um, sure. I was just on my way out but I can postpone. How about the coffee shop on the corner of 5th and Main?"

"I do apologize for this, thank you for being accommodating. I will meet you there in the next half an hour."

"Not a problem, see you there."

I ended the call even more confused than when I had answered. I'd almost forgotten about Gregory Thorne. Clearly he hadn't forgotten about me. Maybe I should let someone know where I'm going. He did seem like a gentle soul, but these days a lady on her own can never be too careful.

I decided to give Kim a call to let her know where I was going and that I would pop in at the shop later in the afternoon. The call went straight to voicemail. I left a short message, just so that they knew where to start looking if I went missing. I'm a worst case scenario person, rather safe than sorry.

The coffee shop I'd suggested was at least not far from the Thorne Mansion, and was 4 blocks down from my shop. They also made a divine Cafe Mocha, which was just what my system needed after last night.

Pulling up in front of the coffee shop, I saw they had packed tables on the balcony due to the stunning weather we were having. That's perfect. I walked in and went straight to the balcony. Taking a seat as soon as the waiter approached. 

"Good morning Ma'am, could I offer you one of our specialty coffee's?"

"Thank you, but I'd like a Cafe Mocha."

He smiled at me and went off to make the coffee. Caffeine, milk and chocolate all in one mug was definitely my way of starting a new day.

The waiter was quick with my coffee, as he placed it down I saw Gregory enter the coffee shop. He walked over to the balcony as soon as he spotted me. 

"Morning Gregory, sorry I ordered already. I wasn't sure what time you'd get here."

"Good morning Roxanne, not a problem." he looked over to the waiter, "I'll have a Macchiato, thank you."

I watched as Gregory spoke with an eloquence not usually heard from Taxi drivers. He was also dressed more business-like than the last time I had seen him.

"I do apologize for pulling you away from your appointment. I promise not to take too much of your time.”

“It’s not a problem Gregory, good coffee is the way I like to start my day.” I smiled at him, although I was still nervous and confused about this meeting.

“I can see why Marco likes you, you are a strong, independent woman and you have a good soul.”

“Thank you. I don’t mean to be forward but what is the reason for this meeting?”

“Roxanne, I was hoping to go straight to Marco with the information I have, but by the looks of things he is going through a rough time at the moment.”