Love In Between
Chapter 1

How could I forget the night I met you? You were a man with a broken heart and a few too many drinks sitting at the bar of a lonely bar near the beach, and I was just another tourist in the beautiful town of Benalmadena who met you by chance.

July 8th

I had been told many times that this town was beautiful, but I never imagined how much. The landscapes, the people, the food; everything is incredible. I have lived in Spain for years, but I had never visited Benalmádena until now.

The moonlight illuminates the streets in a fascinating way thanks to how immense it looks today and I’m sorry Sara decided to go to the hotel, she’s missing out on some incredible pictures. I can hear the sound of the sea from this alley and I feel freer than ever. Maybe it’s leaving him and Pedro after two years that makes me feel this way. This trip is the key to a new life. One where I don’t want to fall in love anymore. I’m tired of disappointments, of lies, of giving explanations, but they don’t want to give them to me. Enough is enough. It’s time to focus on myself and try to achieve my goal of becoming the best publicist in Spain; I know I can, that’s why I have studied so hard and I strive every day of my life.

On my way, the neon lights of an old bar catch my attention. It is beautiful in its own way, perfect for an advertisement of an alcoholic beverage or even a photo shoot with some models. Without hesitation I photograph the place and decide to go inside to try to contact its owner to replace out if he would be interested in an opportunity to rent his place in the future.

Inside the place looks desolate and the atmosphere feels heavy causing in me a fear that maybe is a sign that there is something wrong with this bar, but, there is the odd customer at some tables and another one just sitting at the bar. I look at the clock and know that I can’t expect to meet many people, since it’s three in the morning and this place doesn’t lend itself to a big party, or does it?

I put my camera in my bag and take a seat at the bar only three stools away from the mysterious customer who is wearing a cap as if he wanted to hide something, I wouldn’t be surprised if he did it in a place like this. A young man with copper hair and green eyes and a face full of freckles appears from the opening between the wall and, I guess, the kitchen, and approaches me.

-Good evening, what can I get you,” he asks in a friendly manner.

-Well, I was actually looking for the owner of this place,” I let him know and he smiles.

-Why are you looking for him,” he asks, and I can see signs of doubt in his face.

-I’m a publicist and I love the façade of this place. I would like to take it into account for an advertising campaign,” I explain and his face changes completely.

-In that case, nice to meet you. I’m Lucca, the owner of this old bar that has belonged to my family for a long time. -He explains and extends his hand.

-A pleasure Lucca, I’m Serena Hauser,” I introduce myself and shake her hand.

-You’re not from here, are you? she asks with a big smile.

-Actually, I’m from an Argentinian father and a Colombian mother, born in Miami, but I’ve been living in Madrid since I was 18.

-What a combination,” he jokes.

-Yes, let’s say I’m not from anywhere,” I say amused and suddenly our conversation is interrupted when the customer at the bar shouts at him asking for another beer.

for another beer.

-He’s coming, man,” Lucca shouts at him. -I’m sorry Serena. My best friend is having a little skirt problem,” he explains and I can’t help but laugh at his explanation.

-Lucky he has a friend who owns a bar. – I joke.

-Fortunately he pays me what he consumes,” he says with a chuckle as he pours him another beer.

-That’s good, can I have one,” I ask and he smiles.

-Of course. I’ll be right back, it’s just that the one I gave you is the last one I had here,” he explains and goes to the back.

I am very concentrated observing the characteristic decoration of the bar, when I feel some arms around my waist making me jump with fright -Let go of me!

-You don’t know how much I love you. – I hear him say and that voice sounds so familiar.

“Where have I heard it before?” I think to myself.

I turn around to see who is behind me, and I am speechless when I see that it is Gael Marti himself, who at this moment is looking deplorable because of the several drinks he has on him. I can’t believe that one of the most important businessmen in the country and the man all women are dying for, is here….

-I ask him in amazement, but I doubt he’s going to answer me.

Apparently, he was expecting to see someone else because his eyes widen, I’m sorry. – He apologizes trying to move away, but I have to hold him so he doesn’t fall and hit the floor – I thought you were Delfi – He explains and looks at me again – I like your eyes… – He comments and I can’t help but laugh.

-Okay… you better sit there, your friend will be right back. – I speak and try to make him sit where he was.

I stare at him carefully and he looks even better in person…. Even drunk he’s handsome and that’s hard to do. If Sara knew he was here, she would come running, this man drives her crazy, when an article about him comes out she doesn’t hesitate to read it and then discuss it with me without being able to stop talking.

-I hear him say to Lucca and when I cross my eyes with him, I notice that something has happened.

-What’s wrong? Why are you wearing that face? I ask confused.

-It’s my sister. She has crashed and I have to go to the hospital. I have to close the bar, I’m sorry,” he says as he comes out from behind the bar and starts to warn the other customers who apparently are not as drunk as Gael because they stand up without any problem.

-What are you doing with him? In this state he can’t go anywhere, should I ask him for a cab and wait for them to come and get him?

-No! He can’t get into a cab, especially not in this state. They would recognize him right away. His car is parked out there, can you take him to his apartment? I’ll pay for the cab to your place,” he proposes.

“Who sent me to get into this situation?”

-Okay, give me the key and the address of where he lives.- I ask him and he approaches Gael to take the keys out of his pocket and give it to me. Then, he takes a napkin from the bar and quickly writes down the address and gives it to me -Don’t tell anyone please. I swear I’ll make this up to you. – He asks me.

-Don’t worry. I’m not another one of the women dying for him and I’m not interested in telling anyone about this. You go to your sister. – I comment and I don’t know why, but I feel I have to help him, even if I don’t know him.

That July 8, something that I did not expect began. Maybe it was a coincidence of life, or maybe destiny doing its thing to teach me a great lesson.