CHAPTER EIGHT – OLD FLAMES OF LOVE

The weekend couldn't come soon enough for Nia. After the intense encounter with Leon in the executive office, she was desperate for a break from the constant tension at work. But her hopes for a relaxing weekend were dashed when she received an unexpected message on Saturday morning. It was from David, her ex-fiancé. Nia stared at her phone in disbelief, reading and re-reading the message: "Hey Nia, I know it's been a while, but I was hoping we could meet up and talk. There's a lot I want to say. How about coffee tomorrow at The Grind? Let me know. - David" Her first instinct was to ignore the message. After all, David had abandoned her when she needed him most, cutting off all contact after her arrest. But as the day wore on, curiosity began to gnaw at her. What could he possibly want to say after all this time? Unable to make a decision on her own, Nia ran to Maria’s room to tell her the situation. "He wants to meet?" Maria exclaimed when Nia explained the situation. "After everything he put you through? The nerve of that man!" "I know," Nia sighed. "But part of me wants to hear what he has to say. Is that crazy?" Maria was quiet for a moment before responding. "No, it's not crazy. You two have history, and closure can be important. Just... be careful, okay? Don't let him hurt you again." "You think I should go?" "I think you need to do what feels right for you," Maria said gently. "But if you do go, remember how strong you are. You've been through so much, Nia. You're not the same person he left behind." Nia nodded. "Thanks, Maria. I think... I think I'm going to meet him." "Okay, honey. Just promise me you'll tell me all about it right after, no matter how it goes." "I promise," Nia said, feeling a surge of gratitude for her friend's unwavering support. The next day, Nia found herself standing outside The Grind, a quaint coffee shop nestled between a bookstore and a vintage clothing boutique. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever was about to happen, and pushed open the door. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped her as she stepped inside. Her eyes scanned the room, quickly spotting David at a corner table. He looked up, their eyes meeting, and Nia felt a jolt of conflicting emotions—anger, hurt, and a lingering trace of the love she once felt for him. David stood as she approached, looking as handsome as ever in a crisp button-down shirt and tailored slacks. His hair was neatly styled, and he wore the expensive watch Nia had given him for their last anniversary together. "Nia," he said, his voice soft and uncertain. "Thank you for coming. You look... good." Nia slid into the seat across from him, her posture stiff. "Hello, David. You wanted to talk?" David nodded, looking uncomfortable. "Yes, I... Can I get you a coffee first?" "I can get my own, thanks," Nia replied, her tone clipped. "Please," David insisted. "It's the least I can do. Still a caramel latte?" Nia hesitated before nodding. As David went to place their order, she took a moment to collect her thoughts. What did he want? Why now, after all this time? When David returned with their drinks, an awkward silence settled over the table. Finally, he cleared his throat and spoke. "Nia, I... I owe you an apology. The way I handled things when you were arrested... it wasn't right." Nia raised an eyebrow. "You think?" David winced at her sarcasm. "I know. I was a coward. I was overwhelmed and scared, and instead of standing by you, I ran. I've regretted it every day since." "You left me when I needed you most," Nia said, her voice trembling slightly. "Do you have any idea what that did to me? On top of everything else I was going through?" David reached across the table, as if to take her hand, but Nia pulled back. He let his hand fall, looking dejected. "I can't even imagine what you went through," he said softly. "I've spent the last few years trying to understand why I reacted the way I did. I was selfish, Nia. I was thinking about how your arrest would affect my career, my reputation. I'm not proud of it." Nia took a sip of her latte, using the moment to compose herself. "So why are you telling me this now? What do you want, David?" He leaned forward, his eyes intense. "I want to make amends. I've changed, Nia. I've done a lot of soul-searching, and I realize now what really matters in life. I miss you. I miss us." Nia felt her heart skip a beat. "What are you saying?" "I'm saying... I want another chance. I know I don't deserve it, but I want to try to make things right between us. We were good together, Nia. We could be again." Nia sat back, stunned. Of all the things she had expected from this meeting, this wasn't one of them. She searched David's face, looking for any sign of insincerity, but all she saw was hope and regret. "David, I..." she began, then paused, unsure of what to say. Part of her, the part that still remembered the good times they had shared, wanted to say yes. But another part, the part that had been forged in the fires of her experiences since their breakup, hesitated. "You don't have to answer now," David said quickly. "I know it's a lot to process. I just... I wanted you to know how I feel. That I'm sorry, and that I still care about you." Nia nodded slowly. "I appreciate your honesty, David. And your apology. But I'm not the same person I was back then. A lot has changed." "I understand," David replied, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face. "But people can change together, can't they? We could try, at least?" Nia stood up, suddenly feeling overwhelmed. "I need time to think about this, David. It's... it's a lot to take in." David rose as well, hope rekindling in his eyes. "Of course. Take all the time you need. Just... promise you'll think about it?" "I will," Nia said, her mind already racing with the implications of this conversation. As she left the coffee shop, Nia felt a whirlwind of emotions. David's apology and offer hung in the air, a tempting glimpse of the life she once thought she would have. But as she walked home, her thoughts drifted to Leon, to the spark of something dangerous and exciting that flickered between them. Nia knew she had a decision to make, one that would shape her future in ways she couldn't yet imagine. But for now, she let the crisp autumn air clear her head as she made her way home, leaving both David and thoughts of Leon behind her, if only for a moment.