Love In Between
Chapter 11

After that photo session, reality fell on me like raindrops fall on the pavement on a grey afternoon. My heart had shed its armour and it had done so with the least convenient person.

I review once more the photographs I have taken of Gael and I think I have the necessary ones and the best possible quality for what I need. -Any more pictures Miss Hausser,” his voice interrupts me and as I look away from the camera screen, I realise he is too close to me.

-I don’t think so, Mr. Martin,” I answer following his game and he laughs.

I let my hair down as I don’t need to keep it up and before my hands can do it, he tangles his fingers and does it for me. -I like it better when you have your hair down, although you looked very sexy with it up and working on what you like. – He glares at me and my stomach knots.

-Gael, our game ended the day you left my house that morning. – I inform him in case he doesn’t remember what happened.

His half smile appears and he makes a strange grimace that makes me laugh. “Does that include me not being able to tell you that you look pretty,” he asks, making me take a deep breath.

-That means that you should try to avoid this kind of situation when you’re with her. – I reply immediately and she takes a step back.

-You’re right, I’m not a free man anymore,” he says strangely, “When are we going to do the second stage of the campaign,” he asks, changing the subject completely.

-If you can next week. I will tell you the location as we have to shoot a commercial and there will be some actors involved. I was thinking it would be at night, I hope you don’t mind. – I explain and he just nods.

-You tell me, I’m available. I have a lot of free time right now and I love working with you,” he says leaving me on edge.

-Okay, I’ll see you next week. – I just tell him and without further ado I walk towards the exit of the studio so that he follows me until I get to the entrance door. -Thank you for everything. – I say and give him two k****s on the cheek and then I go to my office and lock myself in there.

-Serena, you’re in serious trouble. – I say to myself as I sit down in the chair behind my desk. -You like Gael,” I continue. -You like him a little… you love him, but that man is not for you. He already has a mistress. – I let myself know, and it’s a truth I didn’t want to face. -You fell into your own game and that wasn’t supposed to happen. You didn’t have to feel like that again. Forget about him – I have to say it out loud to myself so I can realise what I should and shouldn’t do.

A knock on the door interrupts my interesting conversation with myself and as I let myself in, there is Joel looking at me expectantly. -Are you all right?” he asks me and there is doubt in his tone of voice.

I’m not sure what he’s talking about… -Yes, why do you ask,” I ask.

-May I?” He asks, walking a little further into the office and I nod. He closes the door behind him and sits down in the chair opposite me, “I noticed you knew each other before. – He says taking me by complete surprise.

-What are you talking about?” I ask trying to pretend to be oblivious and his charming smile comes on.

-Flaca, either Gael fell at your feet as soon as he saw you, or you and he knew each other before and that’s why he looked at you like that, do you think I didn’t see the way he looked at me when I called you skinny? – He asks me, leaving me with no arguments.

-You’re unbearable, I hate it when you play Sherlock Holmes,” I answer between laughs making him laugh too.

-I’ve known you for a thousand years, and I’ve learned all your looks and smiles. – He says and I feel really uncomfortable when he talks to me like that. I don’t want to hurt him.

-Joel, I don’t want to hurt you, you know what I think.

-We’re not talking about you and me here. We’re talking about you and Gael. You know that I know perfectly well that you don’t love me, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t want you to be happy, and if you allow me, men like him don’t fall in love that easily,” he says and I know he’s right.

-I know, and he’s in love with his girlfriend. So much so that when she left him he went back to look for her and ask for a second chance. –

-So if they’ve known each other before. – He interrupts.

-Yes, Joel, I knew him before I knew he was going to be the face of the advertising campaign. He and I have had a few noncommittal encounters; you know what I’m talking about. – I say embarrassed.

-I understand, and you know I won’t judge you. I never did even when you were with that a*****e Pedro. I just want you to know that you’re worth too much to let them treat you like an object when he’s bad with his girlfriend. You deserve someone who really loves you,” he says without taking his eyes off mine.

-Someone like you,” I ask trying to be serious.

-It would be perfect, but I just want you to be happy and I’ll understand if it’s not with you,” he replies and I can only stand up and go to him.

-You know I adore you, don’t you,” I ask him before hugging him.

-And I adore you, skinny. Please don’t let them hurt you again,” he asks and I know he’s right, but I also know it’s hard because I think my heart has fallen back into situations it shouldn’t have.

I know Joel is right. I know you weren’t the best choice, but I also know that the heart is not in charge. In that hug I wanted so badly to fall in love with my best friend, but I guess that’s not enough, is it?