Page 19 of Until You Came Along

“If you're not in love, you're one step away from being so,” she stated, and looked at me, waiting for my reaction.

“You've gone completely crazy!”

“You wanted me to tell you what I thought, well, that's what I think.”

“But you're wrong about that. How could I be in love with a man I've only argued with? We haven't even kissed, it's impossible for me to be in love!” I exclaimed.

“That has nothing to do with it and you know it. In fact, I think you think the same as I do, but you're trying to fool yourself, that's why you're telling me all this. This is the first time someone has confused you this way.”

“On that we agree, I am confused, but nothing more.”

“Delfi, I feel obligated to tell you something,” she clarified, taking my hands across the table. “He's a man who must have a lot of experience and, from what his brother told you, his experience with love wasn't good and he wants nothing to do with that feeling, so I think if you try something with him, you'll probably end up hurt.”

“I don’t think he wants anything with me. You should have seen the woman he was with yesterday, she was stunning and very sensual.”

“Have you looked at yourself in the mirror?” she asked, irritated. “You’re beautiful, you have an incredible body, and you know perfectly well that your list of admirers is quite long, not to say endless.”

“Don’t exaggerate.”

“Wait, he was with a woman at the party in his house? Does he have a girlfriend?” she asked, more surprised than before.

“I don’t know what kind of relationship they have, but they definitely have one. Baco gave me the impression that he only had ‘female friends,’ but I don’t know,” I commented, completely bewildered.

“This is more complicated than I thought,” she reflected.

“But, going back to Hermes, I’m sure he’s not going to try anything with me, although his behavior has me confused. He doesn’t use the informal ‘you’ with me, obviously to keep his distance, but last night he asked me to dance and seemed veryinterested in my relationship with Baco. Assuming his interest was because he’s concerned about his brother’s relationships, then why did he call me to ask why I didn’t enjoy his company? I swear, Seri, that man is going to drive me crazy.”

“I think he wants to have something with you and, to be more specific, I think he wants to get between your legs. The issue is that, from what you’ve told me, the guy must be used to always getting his way and he’ll pursue you until he achieves it. I’m afraid that after he does, his interest will end. Those types are always like that.”

“You might be right,” I commented.

“Delfi, be careful, I’m begging you. We’re talking about an older man, a man with many resources, and what’s more, according to what you told me, he’s gorgeous and considered the golden bachelor. All of that is a very dangerous combination.”

“I understand that clearly.”

“Do you promise me you’ll be careful?”

“I promise. Thank you, friend.”

“And I thought this was about Baco.”

“You weren’t that far from reality, it’s his brother.”

“Did he notice?”

“I don’t think so,” I responded, but without being very sure.

“What if you tell him?” she suggested.

“I’d rather not. Besides, I don’t think I’ll see him again, and after today’s conversation, I don’t think he’ll call me anymore either.”

“Even you don’t believe that. Plus, he told you he was going to collect for the stain on his shirt. He’ll keep insisting,” she stated confidently.

“In that case, I’ll be the one to put him in his place.”

“Good luck,” was all she said.

After lunch, we went out for a walk along the promenade. While we were walking, admiring the coast and enjoying the air and sun, we received messages in our WhatsApp group with our friends inviting us to a dance club called “Heaven” that night. I wasn’t very eager to stay up late again, but Seri insisted that it would do me good to spend some time with all of them, and we both confirmed we would attend.