Chapter 48: Bright Lights

It was a relief because that first encounter with the writer had been a terrible mistake that still embarrassed Sara and reduced her to a few stammers throughout dinner. Oliver was probably in his early 50s, Sara knew beforehand that he had never been married and that he was a professor at a prestigious University in Wales. She was unaware of the sweetness he conveyed when he smiled at Amanda's jokes, but he had been distant with her throughout the entire dinner. And that affected her. Hadn't they established a close communication during the two years of translating his works? A small incident that morning couldn't ruin a "friendship" of that kind, could it? How impulsive and rude she had been, why had she done it?

That morning Sara had been reading the latest translation she did for Oliver. She remembered how during the course of that project, her then-husband had been flirting with the students at the University Institute. Rumors had reached her, but she didn't give them any importance. A man of Andrés' stature didn't seem capable of falling into such a cliché. So when she was translating that work and received a call from her husband, who was supposedly at a conference, saying that he was leaving her and that she should take care of the divorce proceedings because he was going to have a child with his young female thesis student, Sara was in shock. Unable to understand what was being revealed to her, she could only think that her life was a aesthetic and boring lie. Denial, frustration, and eventual acceptance followed. These were the gloomy thoughts that disturbed her when Oliver Wood approached her to say hello that morning.

She couldn't turn back time, she felt bad for her dismissive attitude, but she needed to sleep. The next day would bring literary activities and she needed to rest. There would be time for apologies later.

The morning's first session had gone wonderfully well. Everyone was excited and the dynamics had been very fruitful. It was truly a very creative group, a bit competitive, yes, but it was just a matter of adjusting the times or egos.

At noon, Amanda appeared and Sara wasted no time in asking her about Oliver. Both sat at the hotel bar to have a snack before the next session with the writers.

What did you think? It's a dream, a gentleman, I love Oliver. By email, he used to be a bit pedantic and always wanted to stay informed about the translation and know all the details, a real headache for the team," Amanda said.

Actually, he has been very polite… Yes, I didn't imagine it like this," Sara hesitated. "Is he going to join the dynamics?"

Yes, of course, he has three interventions throughout the week, a space we opened up at the last minute about playwriting, we didn't know he was going to come… he's really on vacation here.

I see… And do you have his contact information? Because I need to consult him about some details on the latest publication," Sara lied.

No, remember he only uses email… but if you want, I can give you the room number where he is staying, it's suite 5-7 on your same floor," Amanda continued, winking. "You know, he's very private."

Thanks Amanda, and also thank you for giving me this opportunity, it's been a tough few months," Sara changed the subject. "But it has allowed me to reflect, our marriage was really stagnant.

We were all surprised by what happened with Andres, you shouldn't blame yourself that way, he could have chosen to change the situation for the better, he chose the easy way out, he fell for the illusion of novelty and got caught up in the responsibility," Amanda said. "Don't blame yourself, focus on yourself, come on! You have a whole half of your life ahead of you hahaha…

Brief introduction to this new scene:

Stephanie, the goal of this exercise is to create a piece of text that defines and engages the story in three sentences," Sara corrected.

I know, but it's getting complicated for me. Either I get blocked or I write a torrent of explanations that are not relevant," Stephanie said, one of the aspiring novice writers whose rich father fulfilled any whim she had. And who preferred to sunbathe on the beach with a piña colada rather than being in one of the conference rooms learning something just to follow the current heartthrob.

Dear students, that's all for today, see you tomorrow, remember the exercises, and if you have any other ideas, write them down and we'll discuss them in the next class," Sara said.

Everyone rushed out as if they were going to miss happy hour on the beach. Sara packed up the projector, arranged the chairs, and checked her messages. The sun would soon disappear and the last golden rays of the day filtered through the windows of the small conference room. Oliver Wood peeked through the slightly open door.

Hi, can I come in?" he asked timidly with his characteristic foreign accent.

Oh, of course… I… I was about to leave, I'm done here," Sara said. "I wanted to apologize for yesterday, I wasn't very polite and… I'm sorry.

It's alright… Nothing happened, it wasn't the right time," Oliver responded. "I'm sorry for… interrupting? Is it okay to put it like that?" he said confused.

Hahaha… yes, that's the right word.

Do you have something to do? I wanted to invite you to a very nice place near the hotel, the food is wonderful and I would like you to join me," Oliver said.

Can you wait for me a moment? I'll go change and I'll be ready in a few minutes," Sara said. Why did she feel so strange? She thought.

Alright, I'll wait for you in the lobby," Oliver accepted.

Sara put on a wide green-dyed skirt and a fuchsia-colored blouse matching delicate leather sandals. She tied her hair in a ponytail, added a touch of pink to her cheeks, and applied a spray of tropical fragrance. (Oh, I would be very nervous if I were Sara)

Oliver was waiting in the lobby, wearing Italian sandals, cream-colored fitted pants, and a light blue shirt that highlighted his classic gray hair.

I'm ready," Sara said, and Oliver scrutinized her carefully for the first time.

You're beautiful… You're… I mean… You," he said, stumbling over his words, which made them both laugh. "It's still hard for me to express myself properly.

I understand, don't worry, shall we go?" Sara invited.

Yes, it's just a few blocks away, near the old boardwalk," Oliver said, and they left the hotel walking.

I came here because Amanda told me you were going to come," Oliver blurted out.

Are you stalking me?" Sara asked, amused.

Oliver didn't know what to say, he put his hands in his pockets and started again.

I mean… I've wanted to meet you for a long time, ever since you translated one of my stories for the first time and said you loved it, I felt a strong connection.

A "very" strong connection," Sara interrupted.

Yes, very… and that has helped me keep writing," Oliver continued.

I understand," Sara said, not fully grasping the implications of the comment.