16- The Ticket

Dante read the note. I was a little confused by his actions, but I wasn't in the mood to talk to him or think about him. I decided to ignore the message because I had a lot to do, my afternoon was just beginning, and there was no place for Dante in my thoughts.

I gathered my things from the table, went to change into my uniform, brushed my teeth to start my shift. The afternoon flew by because it was busy, and I didn't notice the time passing.

— Kyra, it's past your shift. Go home, girl! - Anne said.

— Are you sure? The café is still busy. - I said, concerned.

— It's no problem, you can go. Everything is under control. - She smiled at me and sent me off.

— Alright then, see you tomorrow, Anne.

I went to the back to change my uniform. I changed, grabbed my things, and left the café. As I turned right to head to the bus stop, right in front of the café window, someone grabbed my arm. I looked up and saw the last person I wanted to see at that moment.

— Good afternoon to you too. - I said.

Dante was leaning against the café wall, wearing a light gray suit, a white shirt, and black shoes. He looked handsome.

— You were so lost in your thoughts that you didn't hear me calling you, so I had to resort to this. - Dante said.

— Can't you leave me alone? - I said with a discouraged tone.

— Should I? After that "damn" note, I got worried that you would throw everything away.

— What was in the note that got you so concerned? - I stared at him, raising one eyebrow.

— Well, you replied: "I won't take a taxi, as I'm getting a ride with a friend. You don't need to avoid me because of what happened yesterday, I'm fine. There's coffee in the thermos.".

— You memorized it well. Congratulations! And what's there to be so concerned about? - I said sarcastically.

— You're impossible, you know that? Making fun of me even when I'm worried about how you're feeling.

— I told you, I'm fine.

— It doesn't seem like it, especially since you came here with a "friend." If anyone sees you, they'll think you're having an affair. You have to be careful.

— I can guarantee you, there's no danger there. - I said, laughing.

— How can you say that? Besides, I didn't like it. - He said with a serious expression.

— You're only worried about me because you're afraid I'll give up, aren't you? Admit it.

— Let's talk somewhere else. We don't have privacy here. - He looked at some paparazzi.

— Alright. Where do you want to go? - I asked innocently.

— To my apartment.

I abruptly stopped following him.

— What? Why there? - I asked, astonished.

— It's closer from here, and I can talk to you without worrying about paparazzi and all that.

— I refuse! I'm going home.

— Why are you running away, Kyra? Are you afraid of what might happen at my apartment? - He said, smiling slyly.

— Wow, you're full of yourself! Afraid of you? What for?

— Specifically, afraid of me. - He said, getting closer and caressing my face. - Pretend to enjoy it because we're being watched.

— I have the feeling that you enjoy being forced to touch me in public.

— I'm starting to get used to the idea. - He said, kissing me.

It was just a peck, but it was enough to set off an explosion inside me. He won that round, but he shouldn't underestimate me... When he pulled away, I seized the opportunity.

— If you want to talk to me, it has to be at my place! - I whispered triumphantly.

— Fine, I'll take you there. - He said as we walked toward the car, placing one hand on my back.

We got into the car, Dante started the engine, and we headed towards my apartment. At the beginning of the journey, I remained silent, just observing the sunset. I didn't have the energy to start a new argument.

— What are you thinking about? - He asked, trying to start a conversation.

— How beautiful the sunset is. - I said, enchanted by the view.

— You know, I wanted to explain the unresolved situation.

— Our relationship is unresolved, there's nothing to explain.

— Kyra, your reaction is scaring me.

— My reaction? - I said, confused.

— Yes, you don't freak out like other women, you act cold (even though it seems otherwise), you try to be strong and not need anyone... I don't know how to deal with it.

— You, one of the greatest executives of our time, telling me you don't know how to deal with people? That's new to me. - I said, laughing.

— I know how to deal with people, I'm excellent at it... But you're personal.

— Personal? I said, looking at him with wide eyes.

— I mean that you've involved my personal life in a way I didn't expect.

— What are you talking about? I still don't understand where you're going with this.

— Let's say I hadn't had this connection with any other woman who has come into my life.

— Connection? We've been "killing" each other most of the time. - I said, laughing.

— Yes, I think that's why I don't know how to deal with you.

— Now all that's left is for you to say you're in love, then it will truly be unbelievable. - Sarcasm got the best of me.

Dante became pensive and didn't say anything for a while. I didn't know what to think; it was impossible for him to be in love with me, especially since he still had feelings for Lola.

— Who was the guy you got a ride with? - He said, serious.

Taking me completely out of my train of thought.

— Are you still insisting on that? - I said, raising my eyebrows.

— Of course, and why are you making things difficult? Do you like him? - He asked, irritated.

— Of course, I like him! He's my best friend.

— Are you in love with him?

— What's your problem? Why am I being interrogated?

— I see, you don't want to admit that you're in love.

— Dante, João is gay.

Dante abruptly hit the brakes and pulled over. He looked at me very seriously and seemed incredulous.

— Are you okay? - I asked, concerned.

— I can't tell.

I placed my hand on his forehead to check for a fever and noticed that he was quite warm.

— Dante, I think you have a fever. Fortunately, we're almost there.