Coffee daa...
598 Words
Caitlin’s voice slipped out before she could stop it.
“…A daddy?”
The word hung softly in the air, almost swallowed by the quiet sounds of the room. But Raffelo didn’t react. He hadn’t even heard her.
He was too focused.
Standing there, calm and composed, he gently fed the baby with careful attention — as if nothing else in the world mattered at that moment. There was something unexpectedly warm about the way he handled the child, something that didn’t match the mysterious, slightly arrogant man she had met the night before.
Caitlin stood frozen, watching.
A different side of him.
A real side.
After a few minutes, Raffelo finished feeding the baby. He pressed a soft napkin against the child’s lips, then called out—
“Take him,” he said to the nanny who had just entered. “Put him in the pram. He needs to sleep.”
The nanny nodded and quietly took the baby away.
Only then did Raffelo turn toward Caitlin fully, as if remembering why she was there.
RAFFELO
Sorry. Shall we get back to the interview?
Caitlin straightened herself immediately.
CAITLIN
Yes… of course.
She stepped forward, trying to regain her composure, but her mind was still catching up with everything she had just seen.
Raffelo moved behind his desk, his tone now completely professional.
RAFFELO
What are you looking for in this job? We need a dance trainer for our upcoming shows. And most importantly, we need someone who can match the footsteps of our past success. I hope you understand what I mean.
Caitlin met his gaze — steady, confident now.
CAITLIN
Yes, I understand. But I’d like you to watch my performance video that I submitted earlier.
And… I’m not someone who follows footsteps.
She paused, her voice gaining strength.
CAITLIN
I create them.
For a moment, silence filled the room.
Their eyes locked.
Not just interviewer and candidate anymore — something else lingered there. Curiosity. Challenge. Maybe even a spark neither of them was ready to admit.
The air grew heavier.
Caitlin broke it first.
CAITLIN
So… what will be your decision, Mr. Sohilyo?
Raffelo leaned back slightly, studying her.
RAFFELO
I don’t trust videos.
A pause.
RAFFELO (cont’d)
I need to see you dance. In real.
Caitlin frowned slightly, thinking.
CAITLIN
But… this is salsa. It’s a partner dance. I can’t arrange a partner on such short notice.
Raffelo’s lips curved into a faint, confident smile.
RAFFELO
Why do you need someone else…
He stepped closer.
RAFFELO
…when I’m here?
Caitlin blinked, surprised.
RAFFELO
I’m a salsa dancer too. I can match anyone’s steps.
There it was again — that quiet intensity between them.
CAITLIN
Alright… no problem, Mr. Sohilyo. When do you want to see my performance?
Raffelo glanced at his watch.
RAFFELO
I have another meeting in ten minutes. Let’s do this instead—
We’ll meet in the evening. 5 PM. Coffee.
He picked up a file, already shifting his attention.
RAFFELO
My PA will send you the location.
Caitlin nodded, then hesitated slightly.
CAITLIN
Okay… no problem. But is it a coffee meeting or a coffee da—
She didn’t finish.
RAFFELO (cutting in, already moving)
Sorry, Ms. Caitlin. I’m in a hurry.
He headed toward the door.
RAFFELO
We’ll talk in the evening.
And just like that, he was gone.
Caitlin stood there alone.
A slow smile appeared on her face.
“Interesting…” she whispered.
Because now, this wasn’t just an interview anymore.
It felt like the beginning of something unpredictable.
Something exciting.
Something she couldn’t walk away from.
- Writer
