Patrick befriends Claire Simmons, the journalist investigating Amelia's story. Their candid conversation provides Patrick with new insights into Amelia's pressures and inspires him to reevaluate his approach to their relationship.
The early morning air in Silicon Valley was crisp, carrying the faint scent of coffee and exhaust as Patrick Walsh sat outside a corner café, absently stirring a cup of black coffee. His calloused hands, more accustomed to wrenches and grease than delicate porcelain, dwarfed the cup as he gazed down at the swirling liquid, lost in thought. The hum of city life had long since stopped fazing him, but the unfamiliarity of it all still weighed heavily on him.
Across from him, Claire Simmons sat with a notebook open, pen tapping idly against the lined pages. The journalist had reached out to him a few days prior, expressing interest in speaking about Amelia. Initially wary, Patrick had nearly refused, but something about Claire's approach had convinced him otherwise. She wasn't a vulture, circling for a sensational headline. She was here for the truth.
"So," Claire began, pushing a stray strand of auburn hair behind her ear. "You don't really do interviews."
Patrick huffed a quiet laugh. "You could say that. Never had much to say that people wanted to hear."
Claire raised an eyebrow. "I find that hard to believe. You built a successful business from scratch. That doesn't happen without a story worth telling."
He exhaled slowly, leaning back. "I didn't come here to talk about myself."
Claire nodded. "Fair enough. Let's talk about Amelia, then."
Patrick's fingers tightened around the coffee cup. "She's strong. Always has been. Stubborn too. But I don't think I ever really understood what she was up against until now."
Claire's pen hovered over the page. "What changed?"
Patrick hesitated. The words felt foreign in his mouth, but he pushed through. "I see how much she's fighting. How much pressure she's under. I always thought success would mean she had it easy, but it's the opposite. She's got enemies waiting for her to slip. Investors breathing down her neck. People like Victor are trying to tear her down."
Claire nodded, her expression thoughtful. "It's a brutal world, especially for someone like her who is young, ambitious, and unwilling to play by the old rules."
Patrick's jaw tightened. "And I wasn't helping. Hell, I might've made it worse."
Silence settled between them, punctuated only by the distant honking of traffic. Claire set her pen down, folding her hands over her notebook. "I don't think that's true. Amelia wouldn't have kept you around if she didn't need you."
Patrick scoffed. "You think she needs me? I'm a mechanic from Rustwood. She's building the future."
Claire leaned forward slightly. "And yet, here you are, in the middle of it all. Maybe Amelia doesn't just need investors or strategists. Maybe she needs someone who reminds her who she is."
Patrick looked at her, really looked at her, for the first time. There was no manipulation in her words, no agenda beyond understanding. He sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. "I just don't want to be another problem she has to solve."
Claire tilted her head. "Then don't be. Be someone who listens. Someone who stands beside her, not in her way."
Patrick sat with that thought for a long moment before nodding. "Have you ever thought about switching careers? You're a hell of a counselor."
Claire chuckled. "I'll stick to journalism. But I appreciate the compliment."
Their conversation drifted into quieter topics, small talk about Rustwood, the differences between small-town life and Silicon Valley's relentless pace. Patrick found himself easing into the dialogue in a way he hadn't expected. Claire was sharp, observant, but most of all, she listened without judgment. It was a rare quality, and one he respected.
As they finished their coffee, Claire flipped her notebook closed and glanced at Patrick. "I have to ask what do you want for Amelia? Not just as her father, but as someone who's seen both worlds?"
Patrick exhaled, gazing out at the city skyline. "I want her to be happy. And I don't think she is. Not really."
Claire watched him carefully. "Maybe that's something you can help her figure out."
Patrick's lips pressed into a thin line. He wasn't sure if he had any wisdom left to offer Amelia, but for the first time in a long while, he wasn't ready to walk away either.
As he stood, Claire extended her hand. "Thanks for the conversation, Patrick."
He shook it, her grip firm and sure. "You too, Claire. And… thanks for giving her a fair shot."
Claire smiled. "She deserves it."
As Patrick walked away, he felt a strange sense of clarity settling in. Maybe he wasn't meant to fix Amelia's problems. Maybe he was just supposed to be there, reminding her that she didn't have to face them alone.