Mr. Imperfectionist 2

6 - Rex

I tried to avoid the fact that I was at the Barcelona airport. I'd been in the same airport four years ago, crying my eyes out while returning to India. I held hands with Arman as we strolled through the airport. He never once let go of my hand. I was certain that my relationship with him was being discussed by others. They may have thought Arman was my boyfriend, but I didn't care. He was making it so simple for me to deal with this circumstance, and I was glad he was by my side. I'd be lying if I said my eyes didn't scan the airport hoping to see Sabil. I yearned to see him only once.

I kept looking around while waiting at the baggage claim to see a familiar face. If not Sabil, then possibly Enrique, Julio, or Guzman. Someone would find me at the airport and inform Sabil so that he would come running to meet me. I'm sure they'd recognise me. But I'm not sure if they'd be happy to see me.

We reached the Estela Hotel and checked in. Arman took a room next to mine to stay close to me. I went for a team meeting over dinner. Arman went to explore Sitges with a girl he found on a dating app. Rex was in the forum too. He waved at me and sat next to me during the meeting.

"So how are you liking Spain?" Asked Rex.

His accent reminded me of Sabil. I forced a big gulp and made an effort not to think of him. "I've been to Spain before. I like it", I maintained a contented grin.

He raised his eyebrows. "Yeah,I remember your friend mentioning it. When did you visit last?"

"Four years ago. I was in Barcelona for a magazine shoot."

"Lovely. I am from Barcelona too." He said.

I sipped some of my wine. "It's a beautiful city," I said.

"Certainly is. So please let me know when you have some free time. If you want to see more of Barcelona, I can take you there." Rex's gaze was fixed on mine. It was hard to look away.

'Is he hitting on me? I'm so not ready for another Spanish man in my life.' I said to myself.

Returning to Barcelona was a nightmare I had been trying to avoid for the last four years. I really wish I could tell Rex that.

I answered, breaking eye contact with a light grin, "Well, I've already been there, so I'm not sure whether I want to revisit those areas." I made an effort to sound polite.

"Well then, how about we explore Sitges?" Rex suggested with a casual shrug of the shoulders.

Going out with a Spanish man was a bad idea, but it's also hard to be rude to someone so courteous. Sadly, Arman wasn't here to get me out of this predicament. I nod my head and say, "Okay."

Rex grinned widely, and we carried on with dinner.

Rex asked me if I wanted to go for a walk after the meeting and dinner. I wanted to make an excuse and go to my room, but I'd overeaten. After four years, I was finally able to enjoy real Spanish cuisine, so I wasn't too concerned about my diet. I agreed to go for a walk with him. I first went to my room to change out of my red dress and into something more comfortable. I wore grey sweatpants and white sneakers and left the room.

Rex was waiting for me behind the hotel. There was a sizable pool with chaise lounges surrounding it. Kids were playing in the swimming pool under the supervision of their parents, who were passing them toys and swimming goggles. We walked past the swimming pool and entered the park, which was covered in lush green grass, tall trees, and white lampposts.

"So Saanj, how long have you been in this business?" Rex inqueried.

"It has been almost eight years. I started my career with ramp walks when I was nineteen."