Kayla zipped up her leather jacket and stepped out of her car, the morning air cool against her skin. She glanced at her watch and grimaced. Just enough time to grab a quick coffee before heading to work.
The small coffee shop sat nestled between a bakery and a laundromat, its neon sign flickering faintly. It was one of those places that somehow managed to always have a line no matter the time of day. She sighed but joined the queue, scrolling through her phone as the line inched forward.
When it was finally her turn, she ordered her usual—a classic boba tea with extra tapioca—and watched the baristas move in practiced rhythm, steaming milk and shaking teas. As she waited, Kayla allowed her mind to wander, imagining the taste of the sweet, chewy pearls and the sharp edge of black tea.
Her name was called, and she grabbed the cup, the cold condensation dampening her fingers. "Finally," she muttered, turning to leave.
The street outside was busier now, cars lining up at a red light. Kayla stepped off the curb, her thoughts on her first meeting of the day. She was halfway across the crosswalk when a sleek black car sped around the corner, ignoring the stop sign.
The blaring horn startled her, and she froze, her heart slamming against her ribs. The car screeched to a halt mere inches from her legs.
"What the hell?" Kayla yelled, slamming her palm against the car's hood.
At the exact same moment, another voice rang out, sharp and angry. "¡Imbécil! Watch where you're going!"
Kayla turned her head, startled, to see a woman standing a few feet away on the sidewalk. She was older, perhaps in her fifties, with bronze skin glowing under the sunlight. Her curly hair was streaked with chestnut brown, framing a face that was a curious mix of warmth and sharpness. Her caramel eyes glared at the driver as her hands gestured wildly.
"You almost hit her!" the woman shouted again, her voice like a whip.
Kayla couldn't help it. Her anger dissolved into something close to amusement. She glanced at the woman, their eyes meeting, and before she knew it, they both burst into laughter. The tension in her shoulders eased as the ridiculousness of the situation sank in.
"Guess he didn't need coffee to wake up," Kayla joked, earning a loud chuckle from the woman.
"Clearly not," the woman said, her accent melodic but tinged with annoyance. "People like that shouldn't even be allowed on the road."
Kayla nodded, taking a step closer to her unexpected ally. "You okay? That was wild."
"I'm fine, but my heart might need a minute to stop racing." The woman looked at her with a smile that softened her features. "Let's get some coffee and sit down. I think we've earned it."
"Agreed," Kayla said, feeling an odd but pleasant connection to this stranger.
Inside the coffee shop, the hum of conversation filled the air as Kayla and the woman slid into a corner booth. Kayla sipped her boba tea while the woman cradled a steaming cappuccino.
"So," Kayla began, leaning forward, "what brings you to town? You don't sound like a local."
The woman smiled, a trace of sadness flickering across her face. "I'm visiting from Spain. My name's Calixta, by the way."
"Kayla," she replied, holding out her hand. Calixta shook it firmly, her touch warm.
"Nice to meet you, Kayla." Calixta took a small sip of her coffee, her eyes distant for a moment before refocusing on Kayla. "I'm here to see my son. Though… he doesn't know I'm coming."
Kayla raised an eyebrow. "A surprise visit?"
"Something like that." Calixta set her cup down, tracing its edge with a finger. "The truth is, my son and I… we don't get along. Haven't for years."
Kayla frowned, her curiosity piqued. "Why's that?"
Calixta hesitated, then sighed. "It's a long story. He's been through a lot, and I… we weren't there for him when it mattered most. We were late, and he hates lateness. Now, he hates us."
"That's tough," Kayla said softly. "But you're his mom. Family's… well, it's everything. Whatever happened, if your love for him is genuine, he'll come around."
Calixta shook her head, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. "You're kind to say so, but I know my son. He doesn't forgive easily. Especially not something like this."
Kayla laughed, the sound light but tinged with understanding. "He sounds like an asshole I know. My lovable asshole."
That earned a genuine laugh from Calixta, her caramel eyes brightening for a moment. "Maybe all sons are a little bit like that."
"Probably," Kayla agreed. "But seriously, don't give up. It might take time, but he'll see you're trying. That's what matters."
Calixta's gaze lingered on Kayla, her expression thoughtful. "You remind me of him a little. The way you talk. You have a sharpness but also a kindness."
Kayla grinned. "I'll take that as a compliment."
"You should," Calixta said with a chuckle. "Thank you for listening. It's been… a while since I talked to anyone about this."
"Anytime," Kayla said sincerely. "And hey, if you need backup, I'm great at yelling at people. As you saw."
Calixta laughed again, shaking her head. "You're a delight, Kayla. Your family must adore you."
Kayla's smile faltered briefly, but she covered it by taking a sip of her tea. "Something like that."
By the time Kayla got to the office, the encounter with Calixta still lingered in her mind. She pushed through the glass doors, the bustling energy of the workplace enveloping her.
"Morning, everyone," she called out, dropping her bag onto her desk.
Cherry, her desk mate with perpetually perfect eyeliner, glanced up from her computer. "You're late."
"Blame traffic," Kayla said, plopping into her chair. "And an almost-near-death experience."
That got Rosa's attention. She spun her chair around, her curly hair bouncing. "What happened?"
Kayla leaned back, hands behind her head. "Some idiot almost hit me with his car. But that's not the best part. I met the most beautiful woman in the world."
Jack, their resident office clown, smirked. "Didn't know you were gay, Kay."
Kayla rolled her eyes. "I'm not. But this woman? Gorgeous. Like, model-level gorgeous. And she was fiery too. We yelled at the car together."
Cherry raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like a meet-cute."
"Not like that," Kayla said, laughing. "She's older. From Spain. Visiting her son. We ended up grabbing coffee, and she told me her life story."
Jack whistled. "Strangers just pour their hearts out to you, huh?"
"I have that face," Kayla joked. Then, more seriously, she added, "But honestly, she was sweet. Sad, though. Her son doesn't like her. She's trying to fix things, but… it's complicated."
"Families usually are," Rosa said with a knowing nod.
"True," Kayla agreed. "But she's trying. That's what counts."
Cherry tilted her head. "And this son of hers? What's his deal?"
Kayla shrugged. "Didn't ask. But she said he hates lateness. Reminded me of someone I know."
"Your one and only asshole professor?" Jack teased.
"Exactly. I think if both of them meet, they'll hit it off," Kayla said with a grin. "Anyway, it was a weird morning. But a good one, I think."
"Wait until Felix yells at you for coming late then your beautiful morning will be destroyed." Rosa chimed in, still typing on her keyboard.
"I didn't see him when I came in. The coast is clear."
Cherry and Jack side-glanced each other. "He came by our desk this morning to specifically ask of you and Reigna, the ever-loving witch ratted you out."
Kayla scowled, her eyes throwing daggers at the back of Reigna's head. "She did what now!? That bitch! If I catch her motherfucking sewer face I will…."
"Okay, okay, Kay. We get it!" Jack interrupted before the whole office heard.
"But you don't get it!" She and Oliver didn't leave the house at the same time to avoid suspicion and she was not always late except for today but she had a bad first impression with Felix. "Felix hates me! He has been looking for a reason to kick me out of the internship!"
"Kay, you are overreacting. Felix hates everybody."
"No! If you see the way he behaves towards me, you will think otherwise. He is always looking at me like I killed his wife or something!" she huffed, eyes searching for the man.
"Felix is not married and I don't think he even wants to," Cherry said, lightly.
"With that scowl on his face, I doubt he will ever find a wife." Rosa scoffed.
"But since he's always looking at Kay, maybe.." Jack wiggled his brows and Kay threw her pen at him.
"Ew…. I'd rather date the turtles in TMNT than date him!" She scrunched up her nose.
As her coworkers laughed and went back to their tasks, Kayla turned to her computer, the image of Calixta's kind smile and sharp caramel eyes lingering in her mind. Family might be complicated, but sometimes, even strangers can remind you of what matters most.