Unwanted Reunion
Enrico
Dinner with Hannah was quite enjoyable, even though we were complete opposites. However, we shared something fundamentally important: a lack of interest in serious commitments or complications arising from romantic relationships. It was just a casual and fun connection, someone with whom I could enjoy a nice meal followed by moments of passionate bliss without any pressure. In other words, she was the perfect company for what I was seeking at that moment, and the fact that we had been good friends in the past wouldn't hinder that.
Hannah knew me very well, especially the challenges I always faced regarding my father and how tense and conflict-ridden our relationship was. This made me comfortable discussing the subject.
"Your father has always been a difficult man, Enrico," she commented as we were on our way to the hotel where she was staying. "But if there's one thing I never doubted, it's that Joseph loves you a lot! He just doesn't know how to deal with that feeling."
"I don't agree with you, and that's exactly why I think it's better to talk about more pleasant subjects," I tried to deflect. "How about I go up with you and we have some tea?"
"I know exactly what kind of tea you're referring to, you pervert," Hannah quickly joined in the playful mood.
"Don't you want me to come up with you?" I put on my best puppy-dog face. "I'm disappointed..."
She burst into a hearty laugh and said what I hoped to hear.
"But of course, I want you to come up, Enrico," she replied with a mischievous smile. "I'll love to have your company in my room tonight."
I was pleased with Hannah's lighthearted response. I needed some lightness in my life. The recent events had not been easy. I was still saddened by the fact that Sarah was now in a wheelchair, and I couldn't accept that I had fallen for someone as petty and cold as Rachel had turned out to be.
Finally, we arrived in front of Hannah's modest hotel. Despite its simplicity, it was well-organized and had efficient staff. I handed the keys to the valet, and we walked together along the sidewalk toward the main entrance.
"I'm curious about something," Hannah said, and we stopped walking for a moment. "Won't you be penalized in any way in the races? After all, we're right in the middle of the Formula One season."
I knew Hannah had never been a fan of this sport, so I wasn't surprised by her question. I was about to answer when something caught my attention, or rather, someone caught my attention.
"Rachel!?" I couldn't contain myself and ended up saying her name out loud.
"Who is Rachel?" Hannah asked, looking at me with confusion. "I didn't understand what you meant, Enrico."
I deeply wished not to feel my heart racing, along with a flood of anxiety that had taken over me, all, because I suspected that the woman walking slowly and with a bowed head toward the hotel door, was indeed Rachel. However, that was exactly what was happening now.
As strange as it might seem, I had an almost absolute certainty that this woman could only be her. It was incredibly difficult to stand there, waiting for her to lift her head and look in my direction.
"Enrico!" Hannah tried once again to get my attention. "Why aren't you answering me?"
"Sorry, Hannah," I apologized, feeling horrible for my behavior. "What were you saying?"
I couldn't treat Hannah that way, and it was even more unacceptable when the person who had completely diverted my focus was someone like Rachel. Hannah repeated her question, and I held her hand so that we could continue walking toward the lobby entrance, not expecting the woman I believed to be Rachel to finally reach us.
I explained to Hannah how my days off and training worked until we finally reached the elevator that would take us to her suite, where I intended to completely forget what had happened on the sidewalk a few minutes ago.
Already inside the elevator cabin, someone pressed the button, preventing the doors from closing, and, to my utter displeasure, it was the woman I believed to be Rachel.
I wasn't mistaken.
"Enrico?" She asked, entering the elevator with uncertainty.
I just nodded in acknowledgment of the call and continued my explanation, pretending that Rachel wasn't there with me and Hannah. I wouldn't allow myself to be consumed again by the feelings I had for her. The best thing to do was to act as if she didn't exist, although I was still shocked to see her in Seattle.
"I'm glad you won't be penalized in the championship, dear," said Hannah, using an unusual term that made me raise an eyebrow.
Rachel was in front of us, staring intently at the closed elevator doors while we were further back. When the elevator stopped on the floor she had selected, I observed her silhouette closely, noting how dirty her feet seemed inside the high-heeled shoes. It was strange.
When the doors opened, and she hurriedly exited, I noticed she wasn't carrying anything in her hands, which also appeared dirty. Immediately, I became concerned. Had something bad happened to Rachel?
"Who is she, Enrico?" Hannah asked with visible curiosity. "Is that the Rachel you mentioned?"
"Yes... Rachel," I confirmed, but without providing further explanations.
I was thankful that the elevator stopped on Hannah's floor, as she now focused on getting out and indicating where her suite was.
"I hope she's not someone important," she commented while opening the door.
"She's not," I spoke with enough conviction to make her smile more tranquility. "You don't need to worry about her, Hannah."
After making sure Hannah was safe in her suite, I gave her a quick hug goodbye and left, my mind still preoccupied with Rachel. As I walked back to my car, I couldn't shake the thoughts of what might have happened to her and why she was rushing and dirty.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
