6- Inner peace? Who has?

After Dante left, I found myself lost in thoughts, still sitting in the café and having no idea what I would do once I left the place. Dante had sucked all my inner peace with that peck, and now I couldn't think of anything else but what had just happened and the lingering sensation it left on me. Focus, woman! You have to snap out of it. This isn't a real relationship, it can't be. He doesn't even like you, and this way you'll get hurt because you'll fall in love. Unrequited love is not healthy! - I said to myself.

I shook my head, gesturing with my hands as if shooing something away from my face, and stood up. I went to the counter to pay the bill, and the cashier said that Dante had already paid. I thanked him and left the café, expecting the worst because the reporters could still be there, but to my surprise, they had all left, and the most they could do was take unwanted photos. I walked along the street, looking at the shop windows, imagining how things had happened so quickly, without any control, and had left me feeling discouraged. I walked somewhat aimlessly until I reached a library, where I decided to go inside. I love books; in this kind of environment, my heart calms down, and surprisingly, I got a little excited and forgot about my problems for a moment. The library wasn't grand like in the movies. You entered through the central glass door, there was a brown counter for the attendant on the left, and in front of me, the large brown bookshelves began, divided alphabetically, with white signs hanging in each aisle specifying the literary genre of each section in black. The walls and floor were ice white, and at the back, there was a staircase that led up to the second floor, where the romance novels were, and guess where, dear reader, I went without hesitation? Of course, to the romance section, specifically the romantic comedies, because they distracted me from reality. I found several books with synopses that I loved, but one in particular caught my attention, "Unexpected Love," where the main character Leila was going through a situation similar to what I'm going through with Erick. Well, I can say that, yes, I picked up about 10 books to take home, I would have a distraction for the whole month.

I lost track of time, and before I knew it, when I looked at the library clock, it was 20 minutes to 5 o'clock in the afternoon. I was startled and left the library to catch the last bus on Saturday, which was at 5:20. I ran to the bus stop with a big bag of books, and despite its weight, I was proud of myself for having such refined tastes to spend my weekend, except for the fact that I would have to study, right? I managed to reach the bus stop before the bus arrived and started thinking about what I would have for dinner when I got home; a sandwich would be perfect.

Finally, I arrived home after a 40-minute bus ride. I sat on the small balcony in front of the living room, and as there was a cool breeze, I grabbed a blanket to watch the sunset, something I loved to do. I watched the last rays of sunlight disappear, stretched out on the reclining chair, and got startled by the sound of my phone ringing. I almost threw it up in the air.

— Hello? - I said, trying to calm my heart from the scare I had.

— Hello, sweetheart, did you miss me? - It was Dante.

— Not a chance, you almost scared me to death.

— My trip? Oh, it was good, but I miss you.

— What? - My brain got tangled up.

— I really like you too, next time you'll come with me.

— Oh, is Lola there?

— Yes, but don't worry... She's just signing the termination agreement.

— I see, and are you okay?

— I can't say for sure, but it's a relief to talk to you. I had no one else to turn to.

— I understand, here's what you should do: after she finishes signing, leave the room and go get a juice or coffee to help calm yourself. Ignore her, being ignored is the best option as a lesson.

— I'll do that, I really need some fresh air. Oh, by the way, I'll be back in about two hours, do you want to have dinner with me?

— If it makes you feel good, sure.

— Where do you want to go?

— Nowhere, I just want to cook dinner and drink wine on my balcony.

— Sounds great. Would you mind having dinner around 10 p.m.?

— Perfect, that gives me time to go to the small grocery store nearby and buy the groceries.

— See you later, sweetheart.

After Dante hung up, I stretched again, changed my clothes, and went downstairs to the grocery store. The plans for the evening were pasta with white sauce and bacon, and wine. I didn't even ask if he liked it, but it was what I had in mind and was craving. Why should I worry if he's not even my real boyfriend? - I thought to myself. I bought all the ingredients I needed and returned to my apartment. I left the balcony open for a well-ventilated cooking experience and went to take a shower, it was already past 8 p.m. With a shower taken, I went to prepare dinner. Everything was ready, the table was set for two, with a sweet and smooth red wine. I decided to fill my glass and sip the wine on the balcony with a blanket until Dante arrived. I ended up falling asleep, and when I woke up, it was past 1 a.m. I checked my phone and there wasn't a single call from Dante. I decided to call and check if everything was okay with his return trip.

— Hello? - He said.

— Is everything okay?

— He's perfectly fine. - Lola said.

— Give me that phone. - I heard him say. - Kyra, it's not what you're thinking.

— And what was I supposed to think? Have fun. - I hung up the phone.

— How foolish you are, Kyra! What did you expect? He traveled just to sort things out with Lola. You were hoping for something that will never happen! - I said to myself out loud. - But damn it! He could have at least called and let me know he wouldn't come. I wasted my time cooking, but you know what? I'll eat and enjoy my wine peacefully. Dante can go to hell along with Lola.