Runaway

Chapter 25 (Part 1)

Author's note:

Hey guys! I hope you all have a good day. Because of the length, I've had to split this chapter into two parts. I'm not quite satisfied with part 2 so it's coming up tomorrow when I finish with editing.

I hope you're going to enjoy this chapter. We're coming to the end.

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Nikki was sitting on the counter in the shop while Brian was arranging the shelves. She played with her phone which, during these days, was quiet. There was no trace or voice from Daniel. She wondered how much time he actually needed because three days had already passed and she still hadn't heard a word from him. The only positive thing was the fact that she also hadn't heard from Darnell. Was it possible that the drama in the hotel convinced him to go back home? Nikki only hoped so. Everything she wanted now was to hear from Daniel.

„Why don't you call him?" Brian asked.

The woman looked up at his sympathetic eyes, shrugging her shoulders.

„He said he needs time to compose himself. I don't want to impose," she replied.

He grabbed her hand in sympathy, which caused her becoming emotional. A tear instantly fell down her face.

„Nikki, don't be sad. Nothing terrible happened. Dan is going to call you," he tried to convince and somewhat console her. „He changed, We've all seen that change in him."

„But what if the old Daniel comes back?" Nikki asked in a shaky voice. „What if again...Darnell mentioned Sofia."

Her gaze went to the big picture on the opposite wall. It seemed to her that each day Sofia was more and more beautiful. And that's what was killing her. Brian followed her gaze.

„Sofia isn't your enemy, Nikki. She was a good girl but Dan's with you now, isn't he?"

„Yeah, but he's with me because she told him he has to move on. In that letter," she exclaimed, making Brian smile.

„You should be even happier because of it. That only means Sofia herself is a fan of you. You have to learn how to trust Dan. He'll call you."

Nikki wiped traces of tears from her face, trying to smile at her friend.

„I know you're right."

„Come here. Help me with these things. It'll occupy your attention for a bit and you'll stop thinking about bad things."

Both of them dived in arranging shelves. Brian jumped to help a few customers but the morning was mostly quiet. Around lunchtime, Diego and Patricia appeared, carrying bags full of Chinese food. The smell of chicken in a brown sauce immediately made Nikki smile. The food helped her to feel a bit better than before.

As soon as they finished eating, Patricia invited Brian and Nikki to drink. Diego, unfortunately, had to keep working. The trio went to the beach cafe. After a short walk, they sat down in the shadow of the terrace and ordered some non-alcoholic cocktails.

„When are you leaving for Mexico again?" Brian asked Patricia.

The Latina sighed. Nikki looked at her well. It was amazing how much she was alike to Sofia. There were almost no differences between them if somebody was looking at her from afar.

„I'll have to leave soon. Mom is having a really hard time here," she replied, twisting her glass between her fingers. „I told her about Nikki and Daniel and honestly, she went crazy. I started screaming how we all betrayed Sofia."

The other woman gasped. She almost couldn't believe Patricia admitted everything to Zamira. Just like that.

„You're kidding, right? You told her?" she asked, shocked.