Poor Dad Waited With A Woman Until Her Taxi Arrived In The Night, Not Knowing She Was A CEO In Love
The Unexpected Encounter
Victor Talden didn’t expect a woman in heels and a power suit to be standing alone in the pouring rain. She was next to the busted street light in front of his building at midnight.
He shifted his sleeping six-year-old daughter, Nora, higher on his shoulder. He held the umbrella tighter over both of them.
The woman had no umbrella and no jacket. She looked like she belonged somewhere with velvet ropes and champagne flutes.
She was outside a 20-year-old walk up with cracked steps. “You waiting for a ride?” Victor asked, pausing beside her.
She looked up startled. Her eyes were sharp but tired, like she hadn’t slept in days.
“Yeah, taxi should be here any second.” But her voice wavered.
He saw her glance at her phone screen. “No signal,” Victor noted.
He nodded toward the awning of the corner store a few feet away. “You’ll stay drier under there. I’ll wait with you.”
“You don’t have to,” she started. He cut her off with a shrug.
“I’ve got nowhere to be. Norah fell asleep on the way back from her grandma’s. We’re just headed up.”
The woman looked at Norah, then back at him. Something softened in her expression.
“I’m Phoebe Orland,” she said finally. “Victor Talden,” he replied.
He adjusted the umbrella as the rain picked up. “You sure your cab’s coming?”
Phoebe hesitated. “I had a car service booked. It bailed.”
“My phone’s dead. I didn’t think it’d get this bad out.”
He glanced at the stormy street, completely empty. “You don’t live around here, do you?”
She huffed a tired laugh. “Not even close.”
“Then you’re stuck until I call one for you,” Victor said. He shifted again, trying to keep Norah dry.
“Come inside just to wait. I’ve got a landline.” Phoebe hesitated.
“You’re inviting a stranger into your home?” “You’re the one in heels and no coat at midnight,” he said.
“I think I’ve got the advantage.” She let out a breath, then followed him inside.
The building was old. It smelled faintly of paint and lemon cleaner.
His apartment was small with two bedrooms and a narrow kitchen. The couch had patches on the arms but was clean and warm.
He laid Nora gently on the couch, covering her with a blanket. Phoebe stood awkwardly near the door, dripping onto his mat.
“Here,” he said, handing her a towel. “You’ll catch a cold.”
Phoebe took it, drying her hair. “Thanks.”
He picked up the landline and called a local car service. Then he turned back to her.
“They’ll be here in 20 minutes. You want coffee?”
Phoebe blinked at him like he just offered her gold. “Yeah,” she said quietly. “That would be nice.”
He poured two mugs and handed her one. She sat stiffly at the edge of the armchair.
“This your place?” she asked. “Yeah, moved in 3 years ago after the divorce.”
“Rents manageable. Norah’s school is down the block.” Phoebe nodded, sipping.
“She’s beautiful.” “She’s got her mom’s eyes,” he said.
“But the stubbornness, that’s all me.” Phoebe smiled.
For the first time, it reached her eyes. “What about you?” he asked.
“What brings you to my sorry side of town?” “Meeting,” she said. “Work ran late.”
“My assistant was supposed to handle the ride, but…” She shook her head. “Doesn’t matter.”
Victor raised an eyebrow. “What do you do?”
There was a brief flicker of something in her expression. “I run a company.”
He didn’t press. “Must be a stressful job.”
“Only on days that end in Y,” she said dryly. Victor laughed.
Phoebe looked at him again, this time longer. “You’re calm,” she said.
“Most people would have walked past.” “I’ve been broke, tired, and stranded before,” he said.
“I know what it’s like to need someone to just be kind.” Phoebe looked down at her coffee.
She didn’t know how to respond to that. Outside, headlights flashed through the window.
“That’s your ride,” Victor said. Phoebe stood then paused.
“Thanks for everything.” “Anytime,” he said.
“You okay getting in?” She nodded and hesitated.
She reached into her purse. “No,” he said gently.
“Don’t try to pay me. Just get home safe.”
Phoebe blinked, startled. “I wasn’t… I wasn’t trying to pay you.”
“I was going to give you my card in case you ever need a favor.” He chuckled.
“Can’t imagine what kind of favor a guy like me would need from someone like you.” She looked at him, her expression unreadable.
“You’d be surprised.” Victor held the door open for her.
She stepped out, then turned back. “I’m really glad you waited,” she said quietly.
He nodded. “So am I.”
The cab doors closed. She was gone.
