Déjà Vu
Then the big day arrived, finally meeting the main financier of the MAMA AFRICA NGO, and if he indeed provides financial help, our NGO will soon be able to help the children of Lac Rose and other places in Senegal have a better future. I spent the night awake thinking of ways to express gratitude, an inspiring speech, something that would come close to conveying my gratitude and convincing him to continue funding us. My alarm clock tries to do its job, but I'm quicker and shut it off. Carlos turns to my side and hugs me.
"Where are you going, love?" asks my husband, still with his eyes closed. "It's still early..."
"I have a lot to do today, I need to stop by the salon, go to Filomena's house, and then meet with the person who will kickstart MAMA AFRICA. Without him, our NGO wouldn't exist."
"Dália, the NGO wouldn't exist without you. He's just betting on something that has already proven successful and will be a success."
"Thank you for your support, love," I reply, kissing his lips. Then I look at the clock and see that time is flying. I get up and go to the bathroom. "Now I need to hurry, I have a long and incredible day ahead."
***
I honk frantically in front of Filomena's house, while my watch tells me we have less than half an hour to get to Uma, and there's no sign of her. I look at my reflection in the car mirror once again to make sure I've dressed appropriately for this meeting: I chose a slightly low-cut white long-sleeved shirt, black pants, and a simple necklace with brownstones. I fix my hair once more, trying to avoid biting my nails.
Finally, Filomena shows up wearing a fiery red dress, very revealing, drawing attention from everyone who sees her on the street... just the way Filomena is. She gets into the car with a smile, fixing her hair as I give her an annoyed look.
"What's the matter, Dália?" she asks as if her lateness is no big deal.
"What's the matter? We're practically late for lunch," I reply, starting the car. I glance at my friend, who looks more like she's dressed for a hot date than a business meeting. "Are you sure this is the ideal look for meeting our financier?"
"Without a doubt, Dália. In case he's not convinced by our ideals, we'll have an extra weapon," says Filomena, adjusting her breasts. "And don't worry about being late, he's a perfect gentleman, and he'll definitely love it."
"I hope he doesn't give up on this idea because of our delay," I grumble, driving as fast as I can toward Uma.
***
Uma is one of the most sought-after restaurants in Barcelona, even though it's the simplest of them all. Its entrance is so modest that you can barely tell it's a restaurant unless you're a local... which makes me deduce that since the financier of the NGO requested this place for our meeting, maybe he's from Barcelona. As soon as we enter the restaurant, we are greeted by Anna, who is not only the owner but also works in the salon, while her husband, Iker, runs the kitchen.
Anna leads us to our table, and I feel my stomach churning with nerves. I walk alongside Filomena until we reach our table... empty. He hasn't arrived yet. Filomena and I sit at our reserved table, where Anna kindly brings us the menus. I absentmindedly look at the menu, thinking about what could have happened.
"Maybe he left because of our delay, or perhaps something happened on the way and he ended up running late. Or, worst-case scenario, he gave up," I say, my gaze still on the menu.
"Relax, friend," says Filomena, placing her menu on the table. "He didn't give up."
"Do you know where Richard met him?" I ask, curious, still looking at my menu.
"Well, they actually met last year in Senegal, and then they crossed paths in another country, and Richard told him about the project... something like that. I didn't ask too many questions because now is not the time to be picky about people who want to help us," Filomena responds, her expression quickly changing. By the way, her face lights up, I already know what words are coming next. "He's here!"
Filomena starts waving her arm frantically in the opposite direction of me. I try my best to hold back from turning around and showing my relief and desperation upon seeing him, as my friend is already doing it for both of us. She lowers her arm as he approaches, indicating how close he is to our table. Then his cologne fills my nostrils... This cologne... I know this cologne... but from where? Filomena stands up as he arrives at our table. My body trembles... It can't be... this can't be happening.
"Hello," Filomena greets, hugging our financier. "Pleasure to finally meet you. I want you to meet Dália. Dália, this is our wonderful financier, or rather, soon-to-be official partner of MAMA AFRICA."
I slowly let go of the menu... I feel like my life is in slow motion... I raise my eyes slowly towards that man... praying that it's not... that man I know so well.
A biracial man, 6'3" tall, black hair with a few graying strands, slightly longer than usual, framing his face, almost touching the collar of his charcoal gray suit, giving him an air of seriousness but at the same time exuding his sensuality. His face exudes calmness, and tranquility, despite the lines of stress. Although he looks serious, the lines around his mouth indicate that he smiles... and his smile is enviable, especially when he's relaxed and carefree. His brown eyes lock directly with mine, not allowing me to look away. I'm lost... again. That moment feels like a great and unforgettable déjà vu. X is standing right in front of me, and once again, I'm not breathing.
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