Rekindling with the Past

"Dália," Filomena said, drawing my attention. She tilted her head slightly towards X, who was intensely staring at me. "Aren't you going to greet him?"



I stood up from the table but kept my distance. I couldn't believe he was right there in front of me. The man who abandoned me and dismissed me with a letter. My hands were cold, and my heart was racing. This must be a dream, or rather, a nightmare.



"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Dália," X said, raising his hand toward me. I lifted mine, and he held it firmly, sending shivers down my spine. He brought my hand to his lips, touching it gently, making it difficult for me not to close my eyes. "I've heard a lot of good things about you."



I bit my lip and couldn't think straight enough to utter a coherent sentence. His presence shattered any defenses I had against him. X was contrary to all the possibilities of a reunion, and I was defenseless against him. And the worst part is, the scoundrel knows it.



"Undoubtedly, it's a pleasure for her to meet you too, but she's too overwhelmed to say so, isn't that right, Dália?" Filomena commented, making me snap out of it. I pulled my hand away abruptly and nodded, leaving Filomena somewhat satisfied. "Let's sit down."



"I need to go to the bathroom," I said with difficulty, almost fleeing from the table where we were seated.



Inside the bathroom, I walked toward the sink, wetting my hands and passing them over my neck. I looked at my trembling hands...



"Dália, are you okay?" Filomena asked from behind me. I was so nervous that I didn't even notice she had followed me. "Why did you run off from the table like that?"



"Sorry, Filó, I started feeling unwell... I think my blood pressure dropped," I lied, staring at my friend's reflection. "Give me a few minutes, and I'll be back."



"Alright, but be quick, or else he'll think you're crazy," Filomena said, suspiciously.



I nodded and waited for Filomena to leave before I closed my eyes, trying to recall the image I had just seen. How could he look even more impressive after almost two years? I stared at my reflection in the mirror, trying to control my emotions and organize my thoughts. I need to accept that he's here, that he's the one financing... I practiced some happy and surprised expressions, then dried my hands and composed myself. He can't affect me; things have changed... right?



I returned to the table and found Filomena chatting and practically throwing herself into his arms, trying to maintain a certain distance. He turned towards me, continuing to stare at me from head to toe as if he could undress me right there. Then Filo turned to see who was stealing her "good in bed" man's attention. I sat at the table with a forced smile, placing the menu in front of my face to avoid looking at him, but the sensation of him watching me made me blush and feel like I was on fire.



"Dália, we were talking about the wonders of Catalonia... Dália," Filomena called, taking the menu away from me. She looked at X, who was smiling, pleased with my immaturity, and my friend gave both of us a suspicious look. "Sorry, but am I missing something here?"



"Not that I know of..." X replied, still with that smirk on his face. He then leaned closer to the table, analyzing me deeply, and I was already breathless. "I have a slight feeling that I know Dália from somewhere, but I can't remember where..."



"Dália's face has common features with the women here in Barcelona. Maybe you saw someone who looks like her," Filo explained. Then she held onto X's arm, rubbing her breasts against him, fulfilling what she said in the car. Since he wasn't interested in her ideals, at least he could enjoy her pair of droopy breasts. "As I wasn't born here, I never had this problem. All the men who know me say I'm unforgettable."



"No, her face is not that common..." X argued, slowly pulling his arm away from Filomena, who pouted her lips. "And I know she knows where we met."



"Does she?" Filomena asked, raising an eyebrow and looking at me.



"Since you don't remember me, we met in Senegal... when you visited Richard," I said, looking at X.



"Oh, right," X pretended to remember. "I apologize for not recalling you."



"It's okay. I know it was only two days, and it was difficult to remember everyone involved in the organization. But I'm glad that someone from there genuinely cares about helping others."



"I only do what Jesus taught us: love your neighbor as yourself," X said, staring at me intensely. Unbelievable how he could play so low, loving your neighbor as yourself? Sure...



Silence settled at the table, Filo stared at X, who stared at me, and I stared back at him. Until the sound of a cell phone ringing broke the silence, and each of us searched for our phone.



"It's mine," Filomena said, looking at the screen with a smile. "It's Richard, excuse me, I'll answer it." She stood up and turned to us. "Behave."



"I promise I won't bite," X said, crossing his fingers against his lips, making Filomena sigh, and not just her.



"What do you think you're doing?" I asked as soon as Filomena left.



"Me?" X asked, confused. "Well, I was invited to participate in the lunch regarding the NGO I'm financing. You would know if you read the emails I sent you."



"That's great news," Filomena said, returning to the table. She sat back down, excited. "Richard managed to close another project, and some missionaries will visit the headquarters this week to receive instructions. By the way..." Filo held onto X's arm again. What's her problem? It's like she's about to do a pole dance on his arm... Not that I mind, but she could at least stop rubbing against him. "You could come with us to visit the headquarters. There are many rooms there, and I think it's important for you to see firsthand what we're doing."



"If it doesn't bother you," X said, looking at me. I downed my glass of wine in one go and smiled. "Would you mind if I go in the same car as you?"



"YES!" I replied quickly.



"Not at all," Filomena responded almost at the same time as me, looking at me disapprovingly. Then she turned to him. "Of course, you can come with us. I'm sure it will be an honor for us to have you in the car, right, Dália? Or if you prefer, I can go with you. I'm a great guide and a perfect companion."



"I don't mind you coming with us; I think you don't have to go with your driver," I said, interrupting Filomena's lascivious plans.



"Great, I'm glad you think that way. I just need to call and dismiss my driver," X said, leaving the table with his phone, while Filomena was devouring him with her eyes.



"Can you stop that?" I asked, irritated.



"What's wrong, Dália? Are you jealous?" Filomena questioned, suspiciously.



"Of course not, Filó. Despite your attraction to him, this is still a business meeting. Work first, then pleasure. I don't want him to think we're two horny vixens, so let the flirting wait until after lunch."



"Alright, Mom," Filomena replied, annoyed.