Welcome to Gaia! ::

“Hi Vanessa, I just finished my walk-through with the tenants at 1223 7th Ave E. The inspection went well, there wasn’t any noticeable damage to the house outside of normal wear and tear. They did, however, bring up a couple of concerns.” Phedre spotted an open street parking spot ahead on the right. “Can you call Paul and see if he is available this Thrusday after 5? I’d like him to take a look at the rail outside as well as clean out the air ducts. I was informed that Ms. Pfeiffer has asthma and they believe that something is going on with the HVAC system.”

Once her passenger door was aligned with the car parked ahead of the open spot, Phedre fell silent as she shifted the car into reverse and started parallel parking using the rearview camera for aid. “Is Paul just going out for an estimate?” Vanessa’s voice came through the speaker but was interrupted slightly by the car beeping while it rolled backward.

“If the cost is going to be less than $600 for both, and he has the materials with him, then go ahead and authorize him to do the repairs and services. Otherwise, ask him to send the quote over and the times he’s available that weekend I’ll approve it. One second, let me switch to my phone.” Phedre cut the engine and picked her phone up off the center phone charger and grabbed her purse from the passenger seat.

“Sorry about that.” After checking the side mirror for oncoming traffic, she carefully opened the door and stepped out onto the asphalt. Spring was definitely upon them, still a bit nippy in the shade but oh how the warming sun felt like a much-needed hug.

“I was just going to ask about the renewal contract.”

Phedre had an almost proud look on her face as she reached for the door and stepped inside the cafe. Her volume lowered to not disturb the other patrons. “They said once these items have been taken care of they would be happy to sign another two-year term. They’ve been great tenants for the last four years so when you draft the contract, keep rent the same.”

“I can get that taken care of, no problem.”


“Perfect, thank you. I just got to the cafe, send me a text for what you want and I’ll be back to the office in about fifteen minutes.” She waited a moment for confirmation from Vanessa that she’d send a message shortly before hanging up so she could fish her wallet out of her purse.

“Well hello stranger,” the barista waved from behind the counter. “Back so soon?”

Phedre looked up sheepishly, a soft pink blush swept high across her cheeks. “Yeah…” she combed her fingers through rose-colored hair as she approached the register. “It’s been one of those days.”

“Same drink as earlier?”

“Yes, please. But iced.” At that moment Phe’s phone buzzed with Vanessa’s order. “Can I also get a grande white chocolate mocha with toasted marshmallow?” her tone sounded a mix of curious and confused. “Sounds like a smore’s drink.”

“Yeah, I can do that, no problem.” The barista entered the order and then turned the tablet around on the stand for payment and tip.

Phedre finished processing the payment, tapping the screen for the tip then scribbling a random line for her signature where the only discernable letter was a ‘P’. “Hopefully today’s been treating you well.” She turned the tablet around after selecting 'e-mail' for where she wanted the receipt to be sent.

“No Karens yet today if that’s what you’re asking,” the barista flashed a joking grin to which Phedre chuckled and shook her head. “Honestly things have been going well so far. Had a pretty good morning rush.” The first cup was set on the pick-up counter, a tall double-shot iced latte. “What about you?”

“Can’t complain,” Well, she probably could- at least about the poor choice in shoes or being on her feet too long, or even about the bad drivers she had to deal with this morning, but those were comments best left for Vanessa who could laugh it off with her. “I have one more meeting at three then I’m done for the week.”

Behind her the bell that hung above the door chimed as a small group of people casually walked in. “Welcome in, I’ll be with you in just a moment.” A scoop of ice was added to the second drink before a lid was securely placed on top. “It looks like you still got a couple more hours, hopefully it goes well.”

“I hope so too,” Phedre picked up both drinks as the bell chimed once more. “Take care Jesse,” She turned to head back out to her car but the space between tables was narrow as the first set of people stood in a huddled group, “Pardon me-”

“Oh, sorry.” One of them took a step back and moved to stand behind one of their co-workers or friends.

In the brief moment there was space between them, Phedre caught a fleeting sight of someone with their gaze upon her sitting at a table near the far wall. Her friendly expression faltered, falling into something indiscernible. A mix of disbelief… worry… concern… and perhaps a bit of hopefulness, because there’s no way that person was who she thought they were. There wasn’t enough time to make out any definable features before the gap between the line began to fill. All she saw was a sliver of familiar blue, not uncommon but- when you know you know. and her heart tripped, slamming against her chest at the thought of who she initially thought she saw. But as Phedre cautiously leaned forward to peer around the last person in line, the second wave of customers filed in behind him creating a barrier that someone of her height simply could not see over.

A defeated sigh escaped her.

Sure, she could ask them to let her by but it would be far too embarrassing to be wrong and inconvenience, or interrupt, other people who were here waiting. ’I need to get back to the office anyway.’ Phedre skirted around a chair and exited the cafe when a third couple approached and held the door open for her.

She paused, glancing over her shoulder towards the store front but the gleam of sunlight across the smooth glass kept her from seeing inside. “I really need to stop this wishful thinking…” She turned around then and proceeded to get into her car.