12

Cayetana

Two days have passed since Alejandro and I were in Hawaii. We flew back home the very next day. I was really looking forward to the new hotel and construction work started yesterday. And if Ale ever jeopardizes our baby again, I'll wring his neck. I hope he knows that.

What is particularly exciting is that nothing actually happened in the last two days. I was just at home and did nothing but watch my favorite series for what feels like the thousandth time.

And even if I didn't want to admit it, I couldn't stop thinking about Domenico. I wanted to see him again. The last time I heard from him was the evening before last, when we wrote again briefly. But nothing else.

I hesitantly looked at my cell phone, which was right next to me on the bed. I tried hard against phoning Adriana to ask if she was available so I could see him, but I failed miserably. I automatically grabbed my cell phone and called her. After a short ring she answered. "When you talk about the devil!" she greeted me, laughing. I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. "You're talking about me?" I asked, clearly confused. "Sí, with Ángel," she laughed. "He asked if we're a couple now!" She laughed to herself. Now I had to laugh too. His look a few days ago was just legendary.

"But why did you actually call?" she asked after another short laugh. I suddenly had to think back to why I had called. Domenico. "Do you have the speaker on?" I wanted to know to be sure. "No," she replied. "Well, I wanted to ask you if you could cover for me today... well if you could cover for me again today?" I asked her. "Aha," she said, and I could almost imagine her grin. "Okay, when are you coming?" she asked. I love her.

"I don't know yet, I'd have to write to him first. I just wanted to ask you first because you're my alibi," I explained to her. "Good, then see you later. Love you," she said goodbye. I had to smile. "Me too, take care." So we hung up.

I dialed Domenico's number directly. Not that I'm backing down again. Now there's no going back! "Amore mio?" he answered. For some inexplicable reason, I missed his voice. I could hear his breathing quickening. "Oh, are you busy?" I asked. "Sì, but wait a minute," he said quickly before I heard a shot shortly afterwards. My eyes widened in shock. "Merda, quella era una maglietta nuova!" (Shit, that was a new shirt!) he muttered, cursing. "So," he began and took a short breath. "What's up, mia bella?" he asked calmly. My eyes were still wide with shock. "Did you just...did you just kill someone?" I just voiced my thoughts. Domenico laughed briefly. "

Another laugh escaped his lips. "What are you calling about, bellezza?" he asked curiously, while I heard several voices in the background. "Well...you said I should get in touch with you. I wanted to ask...well...I um...I wanted to ask if we could meet up?" I stuttered nervously. Mierda, why am I suddenly so nervous again?! It wasn't that difficult to ask someone to meet up.

"Today?" "Yes, well, if you have time. I mean, we can do it tomorrow, or the day after tomorrow, or-" I couldn't get any further because right in the middle Domenico started laughing again. "Adriano?" he suddenly called. Adriano? One of his brothers? I didn't listen very much to the meal so I had no idea. "I'm not coming tonight after all!" he called afterwards. "Did you want to leave?" I asked automatically. "Yes, but that's not important, amore mio. When do we want to meet?" I thought for a moment. "Maybe in an hour?" I suggested. "Perfect. He asked. "Sí, see you later," I said goodbye. "See you later, mia bella."

Excited, I stood up and ignored the bad feeling inside me. It was just sex. Or?

I walked into my closet wondering what to wear. First, I chose my most attractive lace underwear. Maybe Domenico likes it, I thought to myself with a grin.

Finally, I put on a white summer dress and put on light make-up. I sat down at my dressing table and looked at my reflection. On the one hand I'm happy to see Domenico right away, but on the other hand I have this guilty conscience again. Did he have it too? I made a mental note to ask him later, but for now I had to get ready.

-

I made my way downstairs after I was done with everything. I walked straight to my dad's office. I knocked and after hearing a muffled, "Come in," I turned the handle and entered the office. He was sitting at his desk looking pretty tired. He let out a short sigh before rubbing his face briefly. "Are you okay, papá?" I asked, a little worried. "Sí, there's just a lot of work to do, sweetheart," he smiled softly at me. I nodded understanding. "What are you here for, little one?" he asked. "Just to let you know that I'm going to Adriana's," I explained. Papa gave a short laugh. "You've been with the López quite a bit lately," he noted. "But that's how Álvaro and I used to be," he added. I just smiled and nodded and quickly turned away. I couldn't look him in the eye any longer as that nauseous gut feeling got worse and crappy sentences crept into my head.

You are a disappointment to the family!

You are not Fernández, just a traitor!

When they find out, they will hate you!

Alejandro will despise you!

They will cast you out!

They won't give a damn about you!

Disgusting traitor!

I took a deep breath and leaned against the door I had just closed, my father's office. A few tears made their way down my cheek. With great difficulty, I held back more. What am I doing here? I quickly stormed back up to my room and let the tears flow. I'm just a disappointment to my family. I betray her. What the hell is wrong with me?

In my room, I closed the door behind me and frantically dialed Adriana's number, while tears practically rushed out of my eyes and sob after sob escaped my lips. It beeped briefly until the call was answered. "Amore mio?" Adriana's voice sounded not at all. I formed a shit with my lips, trying to choke back a sob. How could this happen to me? I coughed briefly to get a steady voice. "Cayetana?" I bit my lower lip hard to stop my tears. "I.....I actually wanted to call Adriana and accidentally pressed your number." I forced out. My voice sounded cracked. Great.

"Cayetana, are you crying?" he asked. He sounded worried. I didn't answer. "What's the matter, amore mio?" he asked cautiously. "I...I...I-" "How about we discuss this later when you're with me?" he interrupted, in a soothing voice. Mierda, I couldn't bring myself to say to him that I actually felt guilty towards my family because of him. All I could say was a raucous, "Okay." You're getting your shit on Cayetana! said my inner voice.

You're getting yourself in more and more shit, Cayetana! my inner voice announced.