— Ahh, how I missed all of this, of being myself. I missed you.
I stared at him with a "Poker Face." I blinked several times and wasn't sure if I had heard correctly.
— You must be kidding, right? — I said, furrowing my brow.
— No, I'm not. I know it's not the best time for me to open up to you, and I apologize for that. Nothing came out the way I wanted back then.
— Yes, and there was also the fact that I moved, right? But one thing is puzzling me: Why did Diana hide what really happened back then all this time and only decide to tell me now?
— Actually, I got really drunk last week and ended up spilling the beans to Dominic.
— Ahh, now it all makes sense! — I said, leaning back in my chair and clapping my hands, a gesture resembling someone having a brilliant idea.
— What makes sense? — Dante asked, confused.
— Let me explain: Diana and Dominic took 5 years to uncover the truth about what happened between us back then, and that's why they didn't give you my address earlier. They were being sweet, trying to protect me.
— I agree, but it wasn't just them... Nick and Lucy were involved too. I begged them like crazy, but they always said they couldn't meddle in something that wasn't their business. I assumed you hated me and would never forgive me for what I did in the past. I knew it wasn't right, and that's why I tried to accept it, but not anymore.
— I never really managed to hate you, even if I wanted to... I couldn't keep in touch with you because I knew I would suffer, so I got rid of everything I had received that reminded me of what we went through together.
— Is that why you returned the contact break money?
— Yes, I didn't think it was fair, and I felt bad seeing it in my bank account.
— I was shocked when you returned it because I knew you weren't in such good condition and that you had fought for it. I also tried to find you back then to tell you that you could keep the money and that I could help you buy an apartment or at least help you choose a good one.
— I understand, but I didn't want that. In truth, I just wanted to have you close to me because I really fell in love with you back then, and just having you by my side would have been enough. — I said, looking away from him so he wouldn't notice I was feeling sad.
— Do you know what I would have done if I had found you sooner? I would have taken you to live with me and tried to take care of you in a clumsy way, but I would have tried to make you feel at home.
— You'd make a good romance novel writer! Ever thought about it before? — I said sarcastically.
— Okay, I deserve your lack of trust. But tell me, do you still rent an apartment, or have you managed to get one?
— Well, I'm still renting because I'm saving up to buy the apartment I'm living in soon.
— Is the apartment you live in up for sale? — Dante looked surprised and intrigued at the same time.
— Yes, luckily no buyer has come forward. I'd hate to have to move because I love that place, and nothing bothers me there.
— Yes, oh, I forgot to answer about the favor you asked. Of course, I can pick you up. I'll draft the contract and send it to you by email.
Anne came back with the orders. I smiled when I saw her; I was starving, and that cake was making my mouth water.
— Sorry to interrupt, but I'll just quickly leave your orders here so you can be more comfortable.
— No problem, Anne, you're not interrupting anything; on the contrary, you brought delicious things for us to enjoy!
Anne smiled at me and gave me a thumbs-up, which I understood immediately: she was hoping we'd get back together. I smiled at her, trying not to dampen her spirits, but failed because she looked at me, losing all her excitement. Only then did I realize that Dante had been observing the situation from the beginning.
— Poor friend of yours, if it's up to you to cheer her up, she won't be laughing for a while. — Dante said, laughing at the situation.
— Well, yeah, she's more excited than I am.
— I noticed, the way you smiled, you looked like someone with gas.
— Was it that bad? — I started to laugh.
— Awful... But, on the other hand, this cake is wonderful! How I missed this coffee, it's the best coffee I've ever had.
— I understand, I missed it too; it's really good! Oh, thank you so much for helping me with the wedding.
— Don't mention it, have you seen how the outfits will be, or if we need to match or anything?
— Yes, it seems you'll need to wear an indigo blue suit with a rose tie, and I'll wear a dress in the same color as the tie.
— Ahhh, got it... I'll have to buy the tie.
— And I the dress. — I said, totally unenthusiastic.
— Not a big fan of weddings?
— It's not that I don't like them, I just feel uncomfortable, but I'll do my best not to disappoint them.
Dante looked at his watch and widened his eyes.
— Kyra, I've enjoyed the time we spent together, but I have a commitment with the people from the event sponsoring our books, so I can't extend our conversation any longer.
— I'm glad we had time to finish your coffee, but no worries, go ahead. — I was a little disappointed, but I didn't want to show it.
— Can I send you the information through a message? — He asked, standing up.
— Yes, I've unblocked you already. — I said, smiling.
— Perfect then! See you later. — He almost ran to the counter to pay the bill.
Dante paid the bill, chatted with Anne for a bit, walked to the door, stopped, looked at me, smiled, waved goodbye, and left.
For a moment, I let myself get carried away, and it was so nice and warm for my heart. I know what I've been through, all the suffering, but I couldn't say he wasn't trying. The worst part was that I felt disheartened when he said he had to leave... The only thing that consoled me was the fact that I could take another slice of cake home to eat. I stood up, sighing deeply, grabbed my belongings, and went to the counter to pay the bill.
— Kyra, no need to worry. Dante already paid the bill! — Anne said with a smile.
— What? Well... He always manages to surprise me.
— You two look lovely together!
— Anne, he hurt me in the past...
— I know, dear, but he looks at you with love... Give him a chance, who knows, maybe he truly realized he loves you...
— I don't want to get my hopes up, Anne, but I'd like another slice of your cake to take with me, if you could, please?
— Of course! This one's on the house. Would you like anything else?
— Aww, you're so sweet! I'll also take 6 cheese breads.
— Perfect! I'll get those ready.
While Anne was preparing my orders, I received a message and went to check what it was about.
"Kyra, I apologize for leaving so abruptly. I've already communicated your conditions to Trish, who will arrange the contract. Anything you need, if you don't want to talk to me directly, feel free to ask Trish, and she'll assist you. We're counting on you and your creative mind! Welcome to Vadema Inc!"
I felt somewhat disappointed reading the message because it was so formal, and at the same time, I didn't know how to respond, so I decided to reply later once I got home.
I left the café, hailed a taxi, and went back home. When I arrived, I received a call from the real estate agency informing me that the apartment had been sold and that they would provide more details via email. I leaned against the door, and slid down to sit on the cold floor, feeling utterly disheartened by the news.