Terrible Liar
**Sarah**
When I saw a man approaching the group formed by Rachel, Lorenzo, and Hilary, I instantly deduced that he must be the dreaded Enrico Bianchi.
I interrupted my conversation with the person I was speaking to at that moment, an engineer from Lorenzo's team, and made my way over to them. My assumption was correct; the atmosphere around me was tense, but I smiled at Enrico, feigning a camaraderie that didn't exist.
"Hello!" I greeted him. "Can we talk in private?"
I had no idea what to say to this unfamiliar man, but I needed to salvage the situation and steer him away from Rachel. I briefly thought he might refuse my request for a private conversation, but he nodded in agreement, a relief to me.
"What a coincidence to run into you again," I started the conversation, simulating enthusiasm. "What brings you here?"
"I'm a pilot," he replied curtly.
I might have considered his response rude if I didn't need his cooperation so badly. So, I chose to remain silent until we were alone.
"How about we go to that balcony?" I pointed to a spacious and seemingly empty terrace.
He agreed, and we headed to the indicated terrace. He leaned against the railing, his back to it, and crossed his arms over his chest, clearly assuming a defensive posture.
"So, you're the sister I met a while back at a club in Seattle," he spoke with a tone of irony that instantly made me dislike him.
This was proving to be more complicated than I imagined when I agreed to help Rachel in this situation. It was also clear why Rachel was so concerned about being recognized by him.
"Yes," I confirmed, preparing to repeat everything I had rehearsed during the afternoon. "I was actually at the bar, drinking alone when you offered to buy me a drink."
"That's true," he confirmed my words. "I liked you from the moment I saw you."
I smiled back in response to the compliment, but I couldn't do more than that. He hadn't elicited even a shred of sympathy from me, and I had to make a significant effort to stay there and engage in conversation with him.
"I was quite drunk when I met you," I repeated the line Rachel had told me several times during the afternoon. "After that, everything became blurry, and I only remember waking up next to you in the same bed."
"You don't remember anything, absolutely nothing?" He persisted, his smile making it clear he wasn't buying my words.
"Nothing!" Once again, I was merely echoing what my sister had told me.
He studied me for a while, and I wasn't sure if it was because he didn't believe I didn't remember our night together or if he doubted I was Rachel.
"And now your sister is dating Fiori," he pointed out, dripping sarcasm into the statement. "You're right, this is all just a big coincidence."
"I have to get back," I said, wanting to get out of the situation as quickly as possible.
He stepped away from the railing quickly, coming closer to me and taking my hand, something I didn't appreciate, although I tried to control myself not to mess things up.
"Could we at least dance to one song together?" He asked, and I hesitated about agreeing. "Just one song, and then you'll be free of me."
I thought about refusing, wanting to distance myself from him, but Enrico didn't seem naive, so I thought it would be wiser to cooperate one last time. After that, I wanted nothing more to do with him.
"Yes, let's go," I agreed.
One dance would pass quickly, and I could move away afterward.
Despite the initial impressions not being the best, Enrico was an excellent dancer and knew how to lead the dance in a way that ignited the desire to continue. However, after the second song, I indicated that I wanted to end our dance, and he agreed without questioning, simply nodding in agreement.
When he wasn't being ironic, he could be pleasant, and I started to feel a bit guilty for deceiving him that way.
Returning to the group where Rachel was animatedly conversing with Hilary, she barely glanced at me when I arrived, almost turning her back on me. On the other hand, Lorenzo was watching me with an analytical gaze, his expression revealing clear disapproval, something I didn't understand. I even thought he might have had a disagreement with Rachel, but changed my mind when he said:
"It seems like you and Enrico have matters to resolve. I was surprised to see you so close. Where did you meet Bianchi?" he asked quite directly.
"In Seattle, some time ago," I lied, feeling uncomfortable with how he was staring at me now.
"I can't believe you got involved with someone as rude and ill-mannered as him, Sarah." He was scolding me!
I smiled, feeling unsure about how to react to Lorenzo's behavior. He had no right to interfere with my choices, and he was getting into a relationship with Rachel, so the way he acted was entirely inappropriate.
"I believe it's not appropriate for you to insinuate that, Lorenzo," I let out, feeling pressured by his attitude. "We barely know each other!"
Lorenzo and I had a few moments together at the club, but he doesn't know that fact. Therefore, his attitude was completely uncalled for.
"What's going on here?" Rachel asked, suddenly interrupting her conversation with Hilary. It was clear that she had sensed the heavy atmosphere that had settled between us.
"Hello, everyone!" A friendly and very beautiful woman greeted us, holding a professional camera. "Could you pose for an official photo?"
The opportunity to divert my attention from the tension that seemed to hang in the air came unexpectedly, brought by the presence of the photographer who was capturing the moments of the night. I mentally thanked them for this welcome distraction. However, even with the temporary change, Enrico Bianchi didn't give up on inviting me to more dances. To protect Rachel and avoid potential complications with Lorenzo, I decided to accept his invitation.
Between dances and drinks, a surprising shift began to insinuate itself into my life. At one point, Enrico smiled unexpectedly, seeming pleased with himself, and steered the conversation into a different realm, one I wasn't fully prepared to explore.
"I've been observing you since the beginning of the night, and I've been intrigued," he remarked.
Taken aback by the unexpected comment, my heart raced, but my caution remained intact.
"Intrigued by what?" I asked, curious and cautious at the same time.
His smile persisted, carrying a touch of suspense.
"By you, Sarah. Your determination is evident. You're intelligent and decisive. We're always on the lookout for talent in the team, and I'm certain I can open doors."
"Why would you do that?" I asked with suspicion.
"Come with me," Enrico took my hand and began walking through the hall. "I'll introduce you to someone."
Enrico's words echoed in my mind and stirred great curiosity within me. He led me to an elegant man who was conversing with other guests. Enrico introduced him as Maxwell Smith, one of the executives of the team and in charge of the accounts department. The man seemed quite kind and looked at me with curiosity, extending his hand for a firm handshake.
"Maxwell, I want to introduce you to Sarah. She's remarkable in many ways, and I'm sure you'd like to meet her."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sarah."
It was at that moment that Enrico made a suggestion that caught me somewhat by surprise.
"Maxwell, I've been wondering if you're still in need of a competent secretary for the team. I believe Sarah could be an excellent addition."
Smith appeared to ponder for a moment and then nodded with interest.
"The coincidence is remarkable. Indeed, we're looking for someone for that role. And you, Sarah, are you interested in working with us?"
His words echoed in my mind as I processed the magnitude of what was happening.
"I'd love to be a part of Nessyscar," I managed to articulate that response, unsure of how.
The subsequent question caught me off guard.
"And how do you feel about living in London and traveling constantly for work? This position will require mobility."
I smiled, a mixture of excitement and determination.
"Nothing is tying me to Seattle, and the opportunity is excellent."
The job offer was a revelation that rocked my world. Accepting that offer would mean a proximity that could become dangerous, given the complications involving Rachel and Lorenzo. However, something within me longed for this opportunity.
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