Olivia paused when the coffee stand was in her sight. She was still expecting to see him. He always beat her there. One more work-related ritual she had taken for granted. She didn't have enough warning to stop the sob that tore from her throat. She may still have him in the best way possible, but that didn't stop the keen sense of loss. Especially after she'd cried herself to sleep once he'd gone home. She felt pathetic, but he had said his line was open to her 24/7. When she was calm enough, she had her phone in hand.
"Everything alright, Liv?"
She hated that he was a voice over the phone rather than standing beside her. "I have to get my coffee alone now," she choked out. "It's stupid, but I don't want to."
"Aw, Liv…" It was touching and simultaneously made his heart ache to hear the tears in her voice. "You won't be alone after today, okay? Until I figure something else out, I have all the time in the world to meet you for coffee and walk you to work."
The immense relief Olivia felt was a tad embarrassing. "You'd really do that for me?"
"I'll do anything for you."
Olivia knew he would. "God, I miss you. I barely got any sleep."
"Me either. But we'll get through the day, and then I'll see you in the morning."
Olivia smiled. "You're so sweet, Rafa. When the hell did that happen?"
Barba laughed. "Fair question. Have a good day, Liv. Good luck."
"Thank you." Olivia hung up and shook her head, wondering how in the world she deserved him. Once she was presentable, she pushed forward to the fuel of her day.