*Andrea*
What was Nora and Lucas doing here? Why were they with Alejandro? Why did he want me to come if he knew he would bring them with him? I stopped on my track and quickly hid behind one of the waiter’s backs when Alejandro turned in my direction. I couldn’t afford to allow him to see me.
Not when he was with Lucas. How do I explain that I had dated his son?
Things may not be official between us, but it was clear that we have feelings for each other. The last thing I want is for things to end before they truly begin.
I turned and walked to the side of the hall. I stood facing them with my back. I picked a glass of drink from one of the waiters and took a small sip. I don’t want to look like I wasn’t busy or get unwanted attention.
I turned to look at my back from time to time. Alejandro was walking around the hall, and Nora seemed to be perched beside him, Not leaving his side for a moment. I had a problem with that, but I could let that slide for now.
What was more important was making sure I could avoid Lucas all through the night. I looked behind me again, but Lucas wasn’t there.
My heart thudded loudly behind my chest. I have never been so scared in my entire life. I felt like he was going to leap on me from behind and expose me in front of everyone that I had tried to seduce his dad after dating him.
I imagined Alejandro’s disappointed look. Pain and anger etched on his face. I would be in the middle, and they would all point their fingers at me and talk, and I would…
My phone beeped, bringing me back from my reverie. I shook my head roughly. No, this could not happen. My sweaty hands shook as I opened my phone.
It was a message from Alejandro, “Where are you?” The message read. I inhaled sharply and then slowly looked around. My eyes were quick to spot Alejandro, whose eyes were pinned to his screen, before turning to look at the message.
He must be anticipating my reply.
Maybe I should tell him something came up, so I was unable to make it, then I’ll just sneak out.
That’s the perfect plan, right?
I wondered, but I shook my head. I had already texted him when I left the house. My phone beeped for a second time.
“I would like you to meet my son. I told him about you, and he wants to meet you.” Another message popped up immediately, “Nora is here. You don’t have to worry about her. I spoke to her so she would not be a bother.” My eyes quickly scanned the message.
What should I do?
My breath hastened. I quickly typed, and then I wiped it off. I typed again and wiped it off.
I placed the glass of wine on the tray of a moving waiter and asked him to point out the directions to the restroom. He did, and I started walking towards there, vigilant with each step I took. I still couldn’t wash away the feeling that Lucas would jump on me.
I walked into the hallway, which led to the restroom. There were two doors, one with the inscription “men” and the other “women.”
There were two women in the restroom. They were both in front of the mirror, applying lipstick to their already-painted lips.
“I didn’t think Alejandro would bring his ex-wife.” One of the women says.
“Do you think they are back together?” The other one asked. The first woman smacked her lips together, “I don’t know.” I walked past them, entering into one of the cubicles, but I could still hear them chat.
I don’t want to believe Alejandro is off the market. I thought I’d have a chance with him, at least. Who would have known his wife would be back.”
“But he hasn’t said anything about accepting her. They are still divorced, and he is still the most eligible bachelor in the city.” The second woman said.
They chatted for a little while before they left. I guessed I was the only one left. I wasn’t pressed or anything. I quickly sent a text to Alison, telling her my predicament.
“What should I do?” I asked.
I was yet to reply to Alejandro’s text, and I feared he would start calling soon. “Try to avoid Lucas.” She said.
I groaned. Is that even possible? Alejandro was set on introducing me to him. “Maybe you should come clean to him.” She said.
My hands typed briskly on the screen, “Even if I decide to tell him anything, this is not the right time. What would he think if I were to tell him that I lied before he introduced me to his son?” The more I thought of it, the more it didn’t make any sense.
A call came in immediately after I sent the text.
It was Alejandro. My already beating heart accelerated when I saw his name on my screen. I took a deep breath and contemplated accepting the call but decided not to.
The call ended.
I placed my phone on airplane mode immediately.
I wasn’t ready to lose Alejandro. But at the same time, I didn’t want to lie to him, nor did I want to get caught. It’s settled, I’ll leave.
I’ll call him when I get home; I’ll tell him anything. I’d have thought of something by then.
Breathe in, out. In, out.
I flushed the toilet so it would not seem odd that I have been here for so long without doing anything.
I stepped out of the cubicle, walked to the mirror, and washed my hands.
The hall was minted with people. All chatting, while some were dancing. I would have loved to stay here and enjoy the time, but I knew I had to go.
I walked towards the door, looking around and careful not to bump into Alejandro or Nora. Especially Lucas. I would give Nora the chance to be with Alejandro tonight. Then I’ll have him. He belonged to me in the first place.
I was still trying to make my way through the crowd when I heard a not-so-familiar voice behind me.
I stood rooted to the ground, my hands coming in front of me to grab my purse as tightly as possible.
My hands shook violently. “If it is the best p. a., who else will it be?” The voice was clearer now, and I wondered how she could speak so loudly in such a crowded place.
I turned around to come face to face with Clara.
“What are you doing here? Don’t tell me Alejandro invited you over,” she said, glazing at me with a look of contempt.
I wanted to roll my eyes and tell her it was none of her business, but this was the worst time to do so. It wasn’t even possible to leave now. She will tell Alejandro she saw me.
I gritted my teeth and wondered why I was being put through so much. I should have just stayed back at home.
“Aren’t you the one I am speaking to, or did the cat catch your tongue?” She asked.
“I don’t know what to say to such a question,” I said plainly, my eyes still surfing around the crowd. It didn’t take long before I found him.
He was in the midst of other men, and of course, Nora was still beside him. From time to time, Alejandro peeped on his phone’s screen.
“You are a bold one.” She said; she picked up a glass of wine from a passing waiter.
“But don’t be so brave. You never know what may happen if you hang your shoulder too high. And Alejandro treating you right today doesn’t mean he would do so forever. One word from me, and you are fired.” She said.
My eyes flicker between her and Alejandro.
I swallowed the lump in my throat when I saw Lucas coming to stand close to his dad. He had a wide smile. Seeing all three of them together, I couldn’t help but get jealous. They looked perfect, and for a moment, I felt I was snatching something important away.
“Well, I shouldn’t spend any more time dealing with a peasant like you,” Clara said when she noticed I wasn’t paying attention to her or whatever she was saying.
“Where is Alejandro?” She asked, her eyes moving across the hall. “He is over there,” I said, pointing to him. I want her out of my sight.
It took a moment before her eyes squinted, and a frown settled on her face. It soon dissolved into a smile, “I guess I have more than a peasant to worry about. When did this one come.” She pushed the glass of wine into my hands and rushed off.
I released a breath I didn’t know I was holding. She should keep him busy for some time.
A thought hit me. Maybe I should talk to Lucas.
If I explain and apologize, will he agree to keep his mouth shut for now?
I was still lost in my thoughts when I heard the voice I had dreaded up till now.
“Andrea?” Lucas called me.
I turned, flipping my hair sideways, “Lucas. How are you doing? It’s been quite some time.” I said, trying to fake a smile, but he seemed to be able to tell it was shaking.
“I didn’t expect to see you here.” He said.
I chuckled, a little too loud and long to be a chuckle, “Me too.” I said.
My hands were shaking, and I placed them behind me.
The last thing I wanted was for him to notice how nervous I was. Lucas had not changed one bit. He was still looking as handsome as he had always looked.
It’s just that I was in love with someone else.
“Are you perhaps following me around?” He asked, “a stalker?” I scoffed. Was he drunk or something? I stalk him?
“And why should I?” I asked him.
“Maybe you want to get back together. Else, why should you be here? A person of your caliber will only be allowed here as a waiter or one of the cleaners.” He said.
My eyes moved behind him to look for Alejandro. He was no longer at the place he was before.
“So tell me, why are you here?” Lucas asked. I met his gaze.
“Well,…” I racked my head about what I should say. Find an excuse. I ordered my brain, but nothing came out. “Why should I tell you? We are no longer together, so I don’t owe you anything.” I said.
I was still unable to find Alejandro. What if he sees me here with Lucas, conversing like I knew him before? Was this how it was going to end between us?
My heart broke into tiny pieces.
I had not told him I loved him yet. We still had a lot of time to spend together and a lot of things to do together.
Deciding not to allow Alejandro to slip through my fingers, I turned to Lucas. “I’m sorry, but I need to leave. It was nice meeting you.” I said.
He pulled me back, and the glass I held fell, breaking into tiny pieces that danced around before stopping. Some drops of wine landed on my dress.
I was grateful there were not many people around me, and I bowed slightly to apologize to those who had noticed what had happened.
“What do you think you are doing?” I asked him.
“What does it look like I am doing?” He asked.
This was already turning into a scene, and people were already turning to look at us, and it was uncomfortable.
Lucas didn’t seem ready to let me go. What should I do?