Love In Between
Chapter 13

**After that we didn’t say a word. As the lyrics of a song said, the nerves took over the calm. I know I can’t get into your story, but my heart goes round and round about what happened in that place. **

His gaze barely meets mine as I give the directions before filming the first scene. Damien and Anahi are already in position, but Gael looks confused.

-Gael, look at your mobile phone while you’re walking and then look at them while they’re kissing,” I yell at him when I see that he doesn’t move.

-I’m sorry, I’ll be right back. – He says out of nowhere and walks towards the bar.

Lucca is about to go after his friend, but I raise my hand to let him know that I’ll be the one to go. He leaves everything aside and enters the bar following his steps and I manage to stop him before he enters the bathroom.

-Gael, what’s wrong with you? – I ask firmly and his deep breathing answers several of my questions without even saying a word.

-I feel guilt Serena. I didn’t think of anything out there. I cornered you against a wall and f****d you like we were animals… like you were just a random. I haven’t even cared about my girlfriend, I don’t recognize myself. I can’t find the man I once was. – He says without taking a breath between his sentences, and boy, I didn’t expect him to feel that way.

-Gael, it was an outburst. One we’ll never repeat, and it was also partly my fault for getting carried away. I think we’ve talked it over and it won’t happen again. – I explain, trying to talk some sense into him.

-I don’t want to talk about this any more. I need us to pretend that nothing has happened. – He asks and I guess all I can do is nod.

-Don’t be late, we’ll wait for you outside,” I inform him following his request; one that of course hurts me, but do I have a choice?

I leave the bar and make the announcement that in a few moments we will resume while Lucca approaches me -At the end you never told me if you accepted to have dinner with me…- He comments and I would really like to say yes. I’d like to give myself a chance to get to know him and maybe he could get into my heart, but unfortunately it’s too late for that.

-Lucca, don’t take this the wrong way but I can’t accept. Honestly, I’m not in a position to meet anyone…” I try to say, but he puts his index finger on my lips.

-Hey, I’m not asking you to be my girlfriend, let alone marry me. I’m just asking for dinner. I’m asking you to talk, to get to know each other… who knows, maybe we can be good friends. – He clarifies, making me smile.

-Okay, but… don’t fall in love with me, okay? – I ask her.

-You heard her. – His voice says and I didn’t realize that Gael was close behind me.

-Let’s get back to work. – I say rudely and completely ignore what he’s said.

It’s been a long day at work, but Lucca’s insistence has convinced me, and here I am walking into a beachfront restaurant with him. We decide to sit on the terrace and take advantage of the beautiful weather, he pulls my chair aside like a gentleman and then sits in the chair right in front of me.

I honestly don’t really know what to talk to him about other than his bar and my work. He’s a good man, hardworking, intelligent, and of course he’s handsome, but my mind and heart have stayed with Gael; even against my own will.

-Can I ask you something?” he suddenly speaks in a tone of voice that catches my attention.

-Of course…” I reply hesitantly, and the truth is that I don’t know what I can come up with.

-I noticed that something has happened between you and Gael, is that so? – He asks bluntly, and it wasn’t what I expected him to ask.

-You should have asked him,” I reply firmly and take a sip from the glass of wine in front of me.

-But I’m asking you,” he answers immediately.

-I’m sorry Lucca, but I really don’t want to talk about your friend,” I explain and just hope he gets the message.

-All right, I just want you to know that it would hurt me a lot to see you getting your hopes up for him,” she says out of the blue.

“His words confuse me.

-Why do you say that?” I ask, trying not to sound too interested in the matter.

-Because on Saturday Gael asked Delfina to marry him, and she accepted,” he explains and at this moment I feel like I’m falling into an endless abyss.

The man I’ve fallen in love with is getting married…. That’s why he’s been like this after what happened.

I can’t believe it… Maybe it’s best that I stay away from him until I can forget him completely.

“Since then my life has been changing. I couldn’t tear you away from the past. I couldn’t help falling in love with your hands. That carelessness made me love you so much”