Chapter 10

Ivy allowed herself into the shop, her features lighting up with a smile as she inhaled the fragrant aroma that filled the air. Her stomach growled and she chuckled. She believed that was only a signal to finish what she had started by going there. As she walked to the counter to place her order, she noticed that there were very few people in the shop, unlike the last time she had been there and the soft orchestra music that played in the background was perfect, setting the right mood- a cheerful and soothing ambiance, perfect for her morning.

“Good morning.” she greeted with a sing-songy voice.

Her attendant just so happened to be the same black lady from yesterday. Now that Ivy saw her up close, the attendant seemed to be very young, probably in her early twenties. “Good morning ma’am.” the lady replied, absentmindedly.  

“Oh my God!” she suddenly gasped as soon as their eyes met, startling Ivy.

A frown formed quickly on Ivy’s forehead as she observed the attendant. The attendant was staring at her like she had seen a ghost. The shock was evident in her eyes and the way she clasped her hands on her mouth to muffle the gasp she had already let out.  “I’m so sorry ma’am. I didn’t mean to frighten you.” She apologized, clearly embarrassed. 

“It… it just occurred to me that you’re the woman that man came looking for, just moments ago.” 

 The frown on Ivy’s face deepened. “What man are you talking about?” 

“Well, you know….” she hesitated, and then added, “the man that had a seizure yesterday, he came here looking for you.” 

Ivy blinked, surprised “The man from yesterday? Did he say why he was looking for me?”

The attendant shrugged slightly. “Not exactly. He didn’t say much, just that he needed to find you. He seemed disappointed when we couldn’t be of any help to him.”

The news was unexpected and Ivy did not know how to react to it. “Where is he now?”

“He left almost as soon as you arrived.” the attendant said, “I’m surprised you missed him.”

Ivy glanced back as if the man might reappear. It truly was strange that they had missed each other if he left no later than she arrived. Under different circumstances, her curiosity would get the better part of her and she would begin creating a list of possible reasons he came looking for her but she could not be bothered by any of that. Thankfully, he was alright and that was all there was to be known.

Turning back to the attendant, Ivy went on to place her order, and just as she finished paying and turned to settle down in a seat, she received yet another shocker that would last her the entire day. A customer had walked into the shop and it was none other than her former secretary, Jane.

The last time she saw Jane was when she hurriedly left to attend to Carlos’ call after meeting with Mr. Moore. That one call succeeded in turning her life upside down. Ivy stood rooted to the spot as Jane walked past her to the counter. Of course, Jane did not recognize her, not with her new look.

Jane was the first Juan she had ever truly known in her entire life. Jane was more than just a secretary to her, she was a friend, a confidant. “Do you mind moving out of the way?” an angry voice said from behind her, snapping Ivy back to the present.

“I’m sorry.” Ivy apologized.

She found a seat that gave her a proper view of Jane from the distance. Her legs itched to walk up to her like the old times and catch up on life. Most importantly, she desired to know why Jane never visited her or even went looking for her when she was locked up. Recounting that thought brought back painful memories to her mind. 

“This is for the best, Ivy.” she whispered to herself, “you cannot risk your plans for something so trivial. You don't need to have the answer to everything.” 

“Deep breaths, Ivy. Deep breaths,” she murmured, trying to steady herself as she turned her attention to her meal. 

The rest of her time in the shop, Ivy kept stealing glances at Jane who was very much oblivious until it was time to leave. 

Summoning her courage, Ivy walked over to Jane’s table. “Excuse me, miss.” 

Jane turned, clearly surprised. “Can I help you?”

Ivy hesitated for a moment, then smiled warmly. “Not really. I just wanted to say that you look very beautiful but I’m sure you’ll look even prettier with a smile.” 

Jane looked flustered, visibly unsure of how to respond. Ivy, noticing her reaction, quickly added, “I could tell you aren’t exactly having a splendid morning with the way you kept sighing and barely touched your meal. I just wanted to make you smile. I’m sorry if I overstepped.”

A warm smile brightened Jane’s features, clearly touched by Ivy’s words. “It’s alright. Thank you.” She said gently.  "I just…. used to know someone who would go crazy whenever she smelled pastries. I make it a point to stop by any pastry shop I can find and have a meal in her honor. Her favorite was Quesitos.” her voice cracked slightly, tears forming in her eyes. 

Ivy’s heart skipped a beat. Quesitos. It was the exact pastry she had ordered moments ago. And now, standing so close to Jane, she realized Jane had ordered the exact same thing. “Oh my God, I’m sorry.” Jane apologized, wiping off the tears that flowed down her cheeks.

“Is she…. crying?” 

Nothing was making sense. If Jane cared for her that much, why didn’t she show up when she was needed the most? 

“Today is her birthday, you know?” Jane chuckled. “I do this every year on her birthday.” 

Conflicting thoughts riled up Ivy’s mind. She had completely forgotten that the 12th of March was Valerie's birthday. Not that remembering it held any significance to her now. But this act of Jane only provoked more questions. She struggled to keep a neutral expression and not give hints about the turmoil brewing within her, but she feared she was doing a terrible job at it.

“This friend that you speak of, what happened to her?” Ivy asked, her eyes widening with curiosity.

“She died.” Jane replied simply.

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Ivy said, her voice low.

“Thank you. And I’m sorry for boring you with such sad talk.” Jane said, smiling warmly at her. 

Ivy forced a smile in return, “It’s alright. I have to go now, but I hope you enjoy the rest of your day.”

Ivy left the shop without so much as a glance back at Jane. She needed to clear her head and a long drive would help. Luckily, Carlos was not expected to be around today. She had the free time on her hands.