Desserts & Dramas

Chapter 18

On Sunday, Gabriel was torn between staying home or going for a walk and perhaps passing that newsstand again where he had met Sofia. Maybe she would buy flowers again? And why was he thinking about her? Something that Cecilia had said yesterday touched him, because he was not used to thinking so much about a single woman.

His heart really was a block of ice, but only because he was intent on not letting anyone get close or develop feelings. The women he used to date knew this and seemed satisfied with the arrangement. He took them to expensive restaurants, lavish parties, and boat trips. They enjoyed what each body could offer and went their separate ways. But Sofia was different, Cecilia was right. She would not be impressed by just any dinner in a restaurant, she was a chef, in fact, she should cook better than many of the places he often went to.

It seemed he had a challenge ahead of him. Whether he was bored or not, he decided to face it. He could have some fun with his conquest, he just had to wear a stain"proof black outfit, because around that girl he never knew what could fall on him. He quickly got out of bed, got dressed, and went to the newsstand for coffee while he waited for the opportunity to present itself.

He was right.

This time, Gabriel arrived earlier than her, which ensured that no drinks were in Sofia's hands. The yellow dress seemed to brighten her and, although loose, enhanced her shapes. He would have to be blind not to notice how beautiful she was. Not the obvious beauty of models and actresses, often made by skillful surgeons. Sofia had a glow of her own, which emerged in her determined eyes and spread to the rest of her body. A glow that made him want to get closer, like a moth enchanted by the light. What was happening to him? He was not a poet or a madman in love, he did not create odes to his muse. So why did he think of Sophie with such flattering words? It could only be curiosity. That's right. She was different from the women he used to date, no wonder he was suddenly interested.

Well, he was already there, he would not back down because of a few impertinent remarks. While she was picking the flowers, he approached her.

"I see that our paths have crossed again.

"Not by force of will on my part, believe me," Sofia retorted. "Do you always begin your lines with "I see that"?

"Only when I don't get wet first," Gabriel quipped. " Do you live nearby?"

"A little early to be asking that kind of question, don't you think?"

Sofia handed the chosen flowers to the seller to pack and paid him. She walked toward the newsstand while Gabriel continued to explain himself.

"Maybe if we were strangers, which we are not. And since we will see each other more often until the wedding, we can leave animosity aside," he added in the same tone as her, "don't you think so?"

"For Alice and Tomás's sake, I have to agree." Sofia nodded.

"Just keep the drinks away from me and everything will be fine." he mocked.

He had a talent for irritating her, even when he was trying to be her friend. He was unbelievable, and Sofia was not going to let herself be beaten.

"I see you're wearing black to avoid the stain from the next drink. Can I choose any coffee?" And she looked at the menu behind the counter.

"I am sure that your very skilled hands for sweets will not allow a single drop to fall on me." He managed to tease her by disguising it as a compliment. She looked at her hands and then at him, answering suggestively.

"They really have the ability to do anything" and completed with a smile " that I think is necessary to scare off rude people."

"I don't think your timeline is right. You dropped the wine before I could say anything. The coffee, I can even understand as revenge."

"It wasn't revenge, it was another accident."

"So these hands are not pushing people away, only attracting them." It was his turn to give her a suggestively look. She gave up, he won.

"If this is your way of proposing a cease"fire, you are quite mistaken." Sofia pointed out.

He decided to lighten up.

"You're right, we're not going in the right direction. Shall we start again? Nice to meet you, I am Gabriel Lanvini."

Sofia looked doubtfully at him, wondering if there was something funny about the innocent gesture of extending his hand. She stared long enough to feel uncomfortable.

"Sofia MacLean." and shook the hand he held out to her.

"Now that we have that settled, can I get you something to drink?"

"A cappuccino, please."

"Very well. I'll have the cup protected so you don't spill it." He couldn't resist teasing her one more time. Sofia turned to leave when he held her by the arm.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't control myself." Sofia just stared at him, and he added, "But I promise I will do my best from now on."

Gabriel tried to put on his best innocent face, but he wasn't sure he had convinced her.

"You have only one chance."

"It's the only one I need." His smile widened.