44
Edgar Torn.
When Sarah began reading excerpts from her work in progress, I became quite curious. I couldn't stop looking at her.
Sarah talked about the protagonist's first encounter with her romantic partner.
The encounter was pure coincidence, and she felt something intense for him.
My heart raced... At that moment, I remembered that the same thing had happened to us.
I met Sarah at the bookstore, and that day, everything changed... A flame was lit inside me that had been extinguished for a long time... Six years.
Since that day, I could only think about her... I wanted to be alone with her.
One reason was that she looked like Amanda, but there was something more... I was already obsessed with her.
Her book was very similar to what happened between us.
Ahh, it was too good.
Had she really written a novel like that? Based on us? It only made me more crazy about her.
She read with such warmth and certainty. I couldn't help but smile at the grace of her words.
When all the authors had spoken about their books, the editor spoke, drawing our attention.
"Please help yourselves, make yourselves comfortable," she said, smiling at everyone.
I noticed that on the large table there were quiches, fresh fruit, appetizing-looking cheeses, sandwiches, drinks, and so on.
There were drinks too.
There was plenty for everyone, and the authors gathered around the table to chat. However, only one person caught my attention: Sarah.
I got up, went to the table, chose something to eat, took a sandwich, and sat down.
I smelled something sweet, that aroma I loved... She was there. Sarah came over and sat down next to me.
And that beautiful smile made my heart warm.
"Hi Edgar, I was happy to see you... Really, I want to know... What did you think?" she asked, quite curious.
I put the plate aside and stared at her beautiful face... So close to me.
“It was amazing, Sarah. I'm so glad I came. Hearing you read from your books was incredible.”
I moved closer to her and said, "Sarah, I have to admit that I really want to read your book when it's finished. I loved the excerpt you quoted. I really want to be the first to read it," I said, smiling a little.
She agreed.
"I'm so glad you liked it, Edgar. Don't worry, I'll show it to you. We can go out together, and you can read it." She said, very excited.
I was getting more and more into this girl. This was new, but I was loving it.
I would be the first to read her book.
As I thought about it, Sarah moved her face closer to mine. In an instant, I smelled her perfume. It was so sweet. Her scent was addictive.
She whispered.
“So, what are you doing after the event?”
My mind raced. I wanted to say everything: take her out for coffee, walk hand in hand under the night sky, or even go back to my apartment and lose ourselves again, in bed, me feeling her, us loving each other. I wanted that so badly.
But those thoughts got stuck in my throat. Instead, I shrugged and smiled.
Before I could answer, I saw Peter, her cousin, crossing the room. I waved quickly at him.
“Sarah, sorry to bother you, they're calling you,” he said.
She stood up and looked at me.
“I'll be right back,” she promised and walked away, pulled by Peter toward a group of people—her friends, her family.
That's when I saw him: Pietro, Sarah's ex-boyfriend.
I couldn't believe my eyes...
He was standing in front of her, listening intently to everything Sarah said, smiling, that idiot, looking at her like a madman in love.
What the hell is he doing here?
I clenched my fist tightly; I wanted to punch that son of a bitch.
Sarah, did she invite him? How... how could she?
My chest tightened with anger, a cold wave of jealousy burning inside me.
I grabbed the water bottle on the table and filled my glass. I took a sip. My face reflected pure anger. I tried... I swear I tried to calm down. But it was no use. My heart was still racing.
I kept looking at where Sarah was standing. I heard laughter and conversations, but I didn't understand what they were about.
My mind wouldn't stop... All I could see was Sarah, smiling at everyone, chatting, especially with Pietro.
When I looked to the other side, I noticed someone else approaching. He stopped right next to Sarah.
I couldn't believe it... It was him, Lucas.
He waved and smiled when he saw Sarah, and she returned the wave with a warm smile, even touching his arm as she introduced him. My vision blurred a little.
Lucas? What was he doing there? And why was Sarah so happy to see him?
My world spun. This had to be a joke—some cruel twist of fate. I took another deep breath, trying to calm down. I could feel my pulse pounding in my ears, my hands getting sweaty.
I took one last look at Sarah: radiant, surrounded by old friends, her cousin, and her ex-boyfriend, now welcoming Lucas as well.
This had to be some kind of joke; it had to be...
I needed to understand. But first, I needed to clear my head.
When the applause died down, I got up and approached the buffet, telling myself I was just going to get some more tea.
I was confused about everything. About what was happening there... About why Sarah had awakened all these feelings in me. It was overwhelming.
Because if tonight was her night, it was also the night I would finally ask her... where did I fit in her life?