The beginning of a romance

Carlos gave instructions to the staff, reviewed the menu, drinks … everything. He fulfilled his sacred daily routine and finally went to his office. Late at night, Brian Smith appeared at the scene, a very unusual situation since he only visited Mon'tblank during the weekends, so more than one onlooker was attentive, this time he did not request ‘personalized attention’, avoiding having new conflicts with Carlos, so he preferred to keep a ‘low profile’.

He ordered something for dinner, accompanied by a glass of good wine, even so, while he dined, his thoughts and, especially, his eyes were more focused on Sara than on his food.

When she showed up to attend a table, she already knew about the presence of the blond, although in fact, she was excited for him, she remained as calm as possible, focused on her work. Feeling the intensity of his gaze, she turned to see him almost reflexively. Brian winked very mischievously and raised his goblet in greeting, which made her smile, she nodded and continued on her way. Everything very discreet … or so they thought since, as always, Carlos was aware of everything that happened under the shadow of the Mon'tblank.

As soon as Brian entered the bar, he was attentive, so he noticed the exchange of glances between them. He knew that his private life was none of his business, but he knew the Smith well enough to be skeptical of what was happening.

And although he had neither voice nor vote in Sara's decisions, he felt the need to let her know ‘what kind of terrain she was treading on.’ If she decided to continue, it would be her problem, at least he had tried to avoid her a failure, although, of course, he had this consideration only because he knew that she was very young and naive, that she had no family or friends to turn to and because she had proved herself a good person, maybe too much for a fool like Brian.

**«»**

Once the bar was closed …

“I didn't have to strain to realize that Brian is interested in you.”

“I don’t think so—” Sara didn't know what to answer, she was really uncomfortable with the unexpected comment.

“Don't worry, as I always tell you … you don't have to explain anything to me about your private life. Just take it easy, take your time, I don't want this to become a problem.”

“It will not be a problem, believe me, it will not cause any inconvenience, much less to the Mon'tblank,” she replied nervously, at the same time anticipating any scathing comments from her boss, but Carlos clarified.

“I don't mean the bar, keep this from becoming a problem for you.” He kept his gaze on her for a few seconds and, curiously, this time, Sara saw no trace of sarcasm in him. Initially, she thought that, as always, he was defending his business, but soon realized that his intention was to advise and take care of her, which pleasantly surprised her, to the point of having to swallow and clear her throat in order to continue.

“Thanks for caring, I will follow your advice, although there really is nothing between Brian and me.”

Royalty never mixes with commoners.

“You don't have to explain to me”. Yes, she already knew that he did not need an explanation, but for her it was important to make it clear that everything would be fine and that she would take his recommendation into account.

**«»**

On Friday of that same week, one of the Mon'tblank security officers approached Sara and handed her an envelope that had been left for her. When she opened it, she found a business card and a note saying:

“Hello Beautiful. I remind you that there is an invitation pending. What do you think if we see each other this Sunday? Please call me. Brian.”

Sara smiled and looked cautiously around her, she knew it was totally insane, but she couldn't help but get excited about it.

The fact that Brian noticed her made her feel, for the first time, like a woman entitled to be valued and not, as she had always seen herself, as ‘one more boy in the gang’ and is that she had long since forgotten, the most basic traits of finesse and femininity to become someone strong who can resist and adapt to a difficult life, first at the orphanage and then on the streets. She had many doubts, but in the end, she decided to call him and they agreed to meet in the same mall the first time.

**«»**

On Sunday, when Sara arrived at the agreed place, Brian was already in his car waiting for her. She was curious that he had citation her too early for lunch, but he, in his defense, promised that he would take her to a very special place.

When she got into the vehicle, Brian greeted her with an affectionate kiss on the cheek that, although she did not expect it … either she did not find it unpleasant to receive that display of affection.

“Good thing you came beautiful.”

“Did you think I wouldn’t come?”

“You must admit that you are difficult to convince, although I insist that it would have been better to pick you up at your residence.”

“I wasn't going to be there; I had some errands to run early.” The downside of starting a lie was that it always inevitably led to another, there was no way he was going to look for her in her ‘imaginary residence’, so she had to keep lying. “Where will you take me?”

“It is a surprise, but I anticipate that we will be on the road for a while … but it will be worth it. Do not worry about the return time, you will arrive super punctual. I assure you!”

Brian was an excellent companion for a trip, as there was always a joke or funny comment that made the moment enjoyable. With him, everything was so relaxed, jovial, and fun that even the simple act of singing or humming the song they were listening to was a spectacle. They had not arrived at the place and in just a few minutes, Sara felt that she had more fun than in a whole month and, although some faces that crossed her head, threatened to erase her smile, she struggled not to be discouraged.

An hour later, they were still on the road…

“Brian, where are you taking me?”

“We’re almost there, calm down please.”

And suddenly … Sara couldn’t believe what she was seeing.

He had taken her to a beautiful restaurant with large and rudimentary huts that contrasted with elegantly dressed tables, but without achieving sobriety, on the contrary, Sara's eyes shone like never before, jumping from one detail to another, each one more exquisite than the previous one. The rusticity of some elements was in perfect harmony with the exquisiteness of the rest of the decoration and best of all … strategically arranged on the seashore.

The bluest she had ever seen.

For a few minutes, she was trapped by the magnitude of the pleasant sensations that the sight of the immense landscape gave her, filling her soul and her whole being, so much so that she ended up being a prisoner of her own thoughts.

Brian didn't know it, but the first and last time Sara could see the sea she was only 10 years old, during an excursion to which they took all the children from the orphanage. So, being there was so exciting and rewarding that she had to make an effort to contain the emotion that almost made her cry.

“Thank you!! Thank you very much for inviting me to this place!” She thanked him, controlling her broken voice for the great emotion that was overwhelming her.

“I didn’t know you liked the sea so much.”

“I love it … it’s just that I haven’t been able to enjoy it for a long time,” she replied with her eyes lost in the vastness, feeling the breeze hitting her face and messing up her hair, consenting to her lungs with a big breath of air pure. Glimpsing in the distance a small formation of Rocky Mountains and some boats, finally concentrating on the relaxing sound of the bright waves.

“I see you so excited, how long have you been without coming?”

“Much more than you can imagine.”

She did not think it appropriate to answer his question, she just gave him a grateful look and a big smile. It was so obvious that this beautiful place was so far out of reach. She felt it was made only for distinguished and wealthy people like him.

A waiter was in charge of receiving them and placing them at the table that Brian had reserved. Definitely her thing was not the refined dishes with impossible names, so once again, Sara let him take care of selecting the menu for both of them.

“I must return you healthy, safe, and on time for your work, so there, will be no liquor for you. I don't even want to imagine your boss's face if he sees you arrive drunk at work!” He joked.

“That also applies to you, remember that you are the one driving. Besides, I don't like liquor, of any kind.”

“If I had known you would love this place so much, I would have kidnapped you for at least a couple of days.” He replied wagging his eyebrows in amusement.

“Don't invent!”

Brian burst into laughter, seeing Sara’s scared face, making her finally relax and smile for his joke … although deep down, he would be delighted to enjoy more than one day with her in that heavenly place, but he forced himself to keep his desires aside and enjoy the moment. The meal continued between jokes, smiles, and the great view that the sea offered them. Once lunch was over, Brian ordered two new cocktails, alcohol-free and they continued sharing.

“Then, tell me … Were you in jail or what?”

“Jail?!” Sara replied a little agitated.

“I mean … Why hadn’t you seen the sea?”

“Well … to … something like that.” She said, struggling between telling him the truth or continuing to make up her story, but she didn't have the courage, to be honest.

“I lived in a town that has no access to the sea and between work and responsibilities …”

They were almost a couple of hours in a friendly and pleasant conversation. Sara met a slightly more serious and focused Brian, but equally eccentric and vain. Since she had little to tell, most of the anecdotes were about him. Soon it was time to go back, and Brian kept his promise to get her on time for work. She asked him to leave her at the Mon’tblank.

“Just as I promised. Healthy, safe … and sober.”

“Thank God!!” Now she was the one joking.

“It's a shame I can't see you for several days.”

“Because what you say?”

“Tomorrow, I must travel and I will not return until a week. A work commitment that I could not get rid of.” He said with some regret. “Precious, you have my number, you can call me when you need or when you want to laugh a little with my occurrences, although, I would love to have some number to call you.”

“See, I won't lie to you, I don't have a phone … maybe very soon.”

“That is not a problem. If you accept it, tomorrow I will buy you a cell phone.”

“Thanks for your offer, but it's not necessary.”

“Yes, I already imagined you wouldn't accept it, but think about it or at least promise to call me.”

“I promise I'll call you, thanks so much for everything. Brian, I'll never tire of thanking you for this invitation.” By far, the best place she had ever visited.

“I loved your company.” He said goodbye again with a kiss, only this time he made sure to be much more affectionate.

In a carelessness of Sara, the kiss jumped from the cheek to the corner of her lips, this tightened all her muscles to the point that, although her clothes were still intact, she began to feel naked, helpless … totally lost before the intense gaze, full of desire and lust that those green eyes were giving her.

Brian was unleashing a whirlwind of emotions, that she didn't even know existed inside her, but strangely and at the same time, she was not afraid.