Shadows of the Past

7. GRIEF

Chapter 4

GRIEF

Daniela opened the front door nervously to see a tall man with jet-black hair in a crew cut that brought out his dark, piercing brown eyes. His large hands held a manila folder, and the way his tight black jeans and white, fitted shirt pressed against his well-toned muscles made her stomach tingle. His awkward smile brought out the dimples in his cheeks.

What was she doing? This guy was the enemy, and she was checking him out like he was a piece of meat to be eaten.

Where was Blanca? She had organised this meeting. Daniela needed support and refused to talk to this arrogant man on her own. Taking a deep breath, she was about to shut the door when Blanca came out from within the house, giving her a reassuring smile.

Blanca pushed forward and hugged the tall man. “Rafael. Good to see you. Come in.” She brought him to their sofa and sat beside him while Daniela sat on the armchair opposite. “This is my dear friend, Daniela.” She faced her colleague. “This is Rafael Martin.”

Rafael rose slightly and put out his hand. “Pleased to meet you, Daniela. I am sorry for your loss” She turned away and ignored it. His eyes bore into her own.

“Just say your damn piece and then leave,” Daniela said.

Blanca cleared her throat. “Why don’t I make us a cup of coffee.” She went to the kitchen, leaving them alone.

Daniela’s body shook as if she was cold, but the air in the room was warm. “Kindly explain to me why you’d tarnish a dead man’s name when his family is grieving?”

Rafael pressed his hands into his legs, glancing after Blanca as if she could rescue him. “I apologise, but I was just doing my job. It’s the name of the game, and I had facts to back it up. It was not a baseless article, but a factual one.” He shifted. “It’s my job and I do it well.” He played with the collar of his shirt and avoided her eyes.

Daniela couldn’t believe the arrogance that seemed to ooze from him. He does it well? “You know, it could have waited until we’d processed the news. My father had his faults, but he was a good man. And I wonder if you do have your facts straight.”

He angled his head. “So good that he left his family. Interesting perspective.”

Daniela pushed down her rage, clenching her hands and gritting her teeth. She had to compose herself or she didn’t know what she’d say. What was taking Blanca so long? “You do not know anything about my father. Not a clue, Mr. Martin.”

He pressed his lips together and narrowed his eyes. Rubbing the back of his neck, he fixed his eyes hard on Daniela. “I know how to do my job, Ms. Lopez, and that is reporting the facts. I don’t need you telling me what I should and shouldn’t write.”

Blanca returned with a tray and set it on the table. She handed both Rafael and Daniela cups of coffee. The doorbell rang and she rushed to the door. “That’ll be Carlos.”

Carlos walked in, pressed his body against Blanca’s and kissed her long and hard. He pulled away from her and flicked his dark hair out of his eyes. “Hi, Daniela.” She smiled at him and he kissed her on the cheek. He was a man with principles, and his love for Blanca shone through. Then he slapped Rafael on the shoulder. “It’s good to see you, man.”

Rafael stood up and shook Carlos’s hand. “Hey, Carlos. How’s the photography business going?” Daniela wasn’t surprised that they knew each other, as Carlos visited Blanca at the newspaper often.

“It’s doing well. Luiz is keeping it going in Brazil. We make it work.” He cleared his throat. “We might consider expanding the business soon into other countries. You can join us if you like.” He sat next to Blanca and brought her hand to his lips. She blushed.

Oh, young love. Daniela remembered how she thought she had loved her ex-boyfriend, Esteban. But he had proved to be like her father. Abandoned her without a reason, other than saying he needed to find himself and wasn’t ready to commit. He had broken her heart, but she recovered well, resolving that she would no longer let herself be pulled into love without following her intuition.

Rafael laughed. “I have a marketing background, Carlos, but those days are long behind me. I love investigative reporting.”

“Speaking of marketing …” Blanca turned to Daniela. “My friend here is planning to expand her business. She has a dance school that’s doing well. You might be able to give her some pointers on how to promote it better.”

Daniela glared at her friend. How could she do such a thing? “I do not need help. Especially from a man who doesn’t have any principles.”

Rafael’s face tightened and he crossed his arms. “I have principles, but I write about the facts. Emotions do not play a part in good reporting. I believe you should know that.”

Daniela scoffed. “But how about providing a balanced perspective regarding a man who had a family and worked hard in his job? Why not report on that?” She didn’t let him respond. “Oh, I know. Because that wouldn’t sell newspapers, would it?”

Carlos looked at Blanca with a raised eyebrow. “Daniela, I know I have said this before, but I am so sorry for your loss. Emotions are running high now. We need to take a breather here.”

Blanca frowned. “I am sorry, guys. I shouldn’t have done this so soon. Daniela, you’re still grieving, and I rushed this meeting.” She gave Rafael a reassuring smile. “Maybe we can do this another time, Rafael. I’m sorry, but Daniela needs time.”

Daniela got up and put her hands on her hips, fighting back tears. “I do not need time, Blanca. I know a self-absorbed, egotistical man when I see one. He’s just like—” Why was she about to mention Esteban? It was none of this creep’s business. If she never saw him again, it would be too soon. “Sorry, Blanca, Carlos, but I can’t do this.” She scurried out of the living room, down the corridor and into her room, and slammed the door behind her. Throwing herself on the bed, she let the tears fall.