RED True Love

Daniel Busch checked his watch for the third time, anxiety and anticipation gnawing at him. He was about to meet his former business rival, and to make matters worse, his ex-lover, Karen Hastings; she had summoned him for an important meeting.

The last time they spoke was at a conference in New York, and it didn't end well. Now, they were meeting at an elegant restaurant in the heart of Barcelona, and he wasn't looking forward to it. He knew she had something up her sleeve.

As he entered the restaurant, he was greeted by the aroma of delicious food, the clinking of glasses, and the sound of a beautiful piano melody in the background. The hostess directed him to a table near the window, from where he could see the bustling street outside. Daniel sat down and waited for Karen Hastings, his mind filled with thoughts of the past and the present.

Suddenly, he noticed a young woman approaching his table. She was petite and beautiful, with long, curly hair and a warm smile.

"Good evening, sir. My name is Ava López, and I'll be your server tonight. Can I start you off with something to drink?" she asked.

Daniel was momentarily taken aback by her beauty, but quickly composed himself.

"Uh, yes, please. A glass of red wine," he replied, trying to maintain his composure.

The girl nodded and took his order, but as she turned to leave, Daniel noticed her trembling hands and a hint of desperation in her eyes. He couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy that bordered on attraction for her.

While he waited for his drink, he noticed Karen entering the restaurant, dressed in an impressive black dress and heels that accentuated her curves. He watched as she approached his table, their eyes meeting.

"Dani, it's good to see you again," she said in a seductive voice, taking a seat across from him.

"Karen," he responded, his voice lacking enthusiasm. "Let's get straight to the point, shall we?"

"But how abrupt... I thought seeing me, even if just for old times' sake, would please you," she said in her sensual voice.

Daniel raised an eyebrow, not wanting to revisit those times.

"How about we talk business?" he suggested, and Karen laughed brazenly.

As they delved into the details of their meeting, Daniel became distracted by Ava's presence.

He couldn't help but glance at her from time to time, intrigued by her beauty and curious about her story.

He noticed her struggling with a group of unruly customers at a nearby table and couldn't help feeling protective of her.

Amidst their discussion, Karen leaned closer, her lips almost touching Daniel's ear.

"I know you still feel something for me, Daniel. Let's forget about business for a moment and relive what we once had," she whispered seductively.

He instinctively pulled back at her words, a mix of anger and disgust welling up in him. She had promised a different kind of conversation, especially given the financial mess she was in.

"Karen, we're here to talk business. Nothing more, nothing less. Never mention that again. I warned you before agreeing to this meeting," he replied sternly, and she pouted rebelliously.

"Well... It's clear then that you don't want to do business with me. I hope your company goes under soon. You know rebellion doesn't suit you. Enjoy your bankruptcy," she retorted, getting up abruptly. "Goodnight."

When the meeting came to an end, Daniel noticed Ava struggling with a tray full of dishes, trying to navigate through the crowded restaurant. He got up from his seat and approached the young woman who had captured his attention.

"Let me help you with that," he offered, taking the tray from her hands.

Ava smiled gratefully, and Daniel couldn't help feeling a sense of warmth and happiness in her smile. But no... He thought he had rid himself of those Cupid-like sentiments. This couldn't be happening again. A part of him wouldn't forgive himself, yet he had undeniably been swept away by what this young woman evoked in him.

Daniel decided to wait for the young woman to finish her shift, and in the meantime, he ordered another appetizer. He couldn't take his eyes off Ava as she served customers in the restaurant. Every time she approached his table, his heart beat faster, and his mind went blank.

Finally, the moment came for Ava to approach his table to deliver the bill. Daniel seized the opportunity to inquire about her.