𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐑𝐄 | 𝓟𝓮𝓭𝓻𝓸 𝓟𝓪𝓼𝓬𝓪𝓵 |

9

[NARRATOR'S POV]

The evening unfolded in a blend of warmth and nostalgia as dinner progressed. The atmosphere was buoyant, lifted by the wine and lively conversations between Pedro and Catherine's parents, also with Coco, the family's dog, wandering around. Louis recounted tales from his early days as a director, weaving humor into every anecdote, eliciting laughter from everyone.

Nathalie's grace added depth to the conversation, her eyes flicking between Pedro and Catherine with an understanding smile. "Pedro, dear, have you been long in the film industry?" she inquired, her curiosity genuine.

Pedro nodded with a smile, his eyes bright with fond memories. "Yes, I've had the fortune to work in some big roles in the past few years. It's a challenging yet rewarding journey."

Louis leaned in with mischief dancing in his eyes. "Any interesting on-set stories you can share?"

Pedro obliged, sharing a humorous incident that had everyone at the table in stitches. Catherine observed him with a soft smile, her eyes reflecting admiration for his easy charm and storytelling skills.

As dessert arrived, Nathalie's gaze turned thoughtful. "You seem quite fond of Catherine," she remarked casually, her tone inviting further conversation.

Pedro's gaze shifted to Catherine briefly, a hint of a blush coloring his cheeks. "Yes, Catherine is not only a talented colleague but also a wonderful person to work alongside. Her dedication to her craft is truly admirable."

Nathalie's smile widened knowingly, her eyes twinkling. "It's heartening to see big talents like you supporting each other."

Catherine joined in with a playful nudge to Pedro. "Pedro is actually really annoying sometimes."

Pedro laughed, responding with equal playfulness. "Well, Catherine's won't listen to me, so I have to follow her everywhere, talking to her, thinking that she's listening to me"

The evening flowed with easy banter, shared stories, and gentle teasing. Amidst the laughter and warmth, Pedro couldn't help stealing glances at Catherine, his heart echoing desires unspoken yet deeply felt.

After dinner, Louis suggested they enjoy the cool breeze in the garden.

It was a really cozy garden featuring some wooden furniture—a bench, a couple of chairs, and a low table—as well as a barbecue area with a big table with chairs near it, at the moment covered so that it wouldn't get dirty; and a medium-sized pool, creating a cozy and inviting outdoor space for relaxation and entertainment.

"I love your garden," says Pedro, sitting on the bench next to Catherine.

"I've had so many experiences here, and I've missed it so much," he explains. "I haven't been here since I was in my twenties, when I moved to Miami to study," he says, taking a sip from his glass. "And I wanted to make my garden just as beautiful, but it will never have as many stories as this one."

Pedro spreads his legs a little, trying to hide the fact that he can bump his knee against Catherine's, a gesture that unintentionally makes Catherine's skin crawl.

Pedro looks up. "And who's to say you won't make up stories in your garden?"

Catherine smiles, her eyes fixed on her glass. "I don't think I'll find any more love in my life, this house is just a hobby for me, I realize, a place to sleep and that's it."

"Who's to say that there isn't a man out there who wants to build a life with you," this comment causes Catherine to avert her gaze to Pedro's eyes.

"It's not that there's a man out there for me, it's that I'm capable of trying something like that again," she confesses with some sadness in her eyes. "I am afraid of falling in love again and that it will bring me pain instead of happiness

Out under the soft glow of string lights, Pedro's hand, fueled by wine and a yearning heart, lingered on Catherine's cheek in a gentle caress. The touch held a world of unspoken words, desires, and questions, suspended in the quiet night.

Their gazes locked, words hanging on the cusp of expression, until reality intervened, and Pedro withdrew, leaving behind a subtle yet lingering tension.

Pedro's heart raced, his thoughts a chaotic whirlwind of longing and uncertainty. "Cath," he began, his voice a soft murmur laden with unspoken confessions.

Catherine's breath hitched at the intensity in Pedro's gaze. "Yes?," her voice trembled, mirroring the emotions swirling within her.

"I..." Pedro's words faltered, his gaze shifting between her lips and eyes, a silent plea echoing between them.

Catherine's heart pounded in her chest, caught between hope and hesitation. "Pedro," she whispered, her hand covering his briefly, a silent reassurance of understanding.

The moment stretched, their unspoken truths and desires weaving a delicate tapestry of emotions in the cool night air. But reality crashed in, breaking the fragile spell between them.

"I... I should go, I think I drank too much wine." Pedro's voice, though steady, carried a weight of regret and longing. He stood up abruptly, needing the distance to gather his thoughts. "Thank you for the lovely dinner and evening."

Catherine's eyes, a mix of confusion and longing, followed Pedro's movements. "Wait..." she managed, her own emotions swirling in the night's breeze.

Pedro's steps echoed in the silent house as he made his way to his car, each footfall a reminder of the unspoken, of desires restrained and words left unsaid. Sitting behind the wheel, his hands gripped the steering wheel, knuckles white with tension.

"What am I doing?". Pedro whispered to the empty car, the weight of the night settling heavily on his shoulders. His heart ached with the unspoken truths and the fear of what lay beyond the fragile boundaries they danced upon.

Back in the garden, Catherine sat alone, her fingers tracing the spot on her cheek where Pedro's touch lingered. Confusion warred with a growing warmth that spread through her, the unspoken moment a testament to emotions too complex to name. The night wore on, stars blinking in the sky as a gentle breeze whispered through the garden, carrying with it the echoes of a conversation unfinished, and feelings left unspoken.

To be continued...