Page 32 of Stronger Than Fate
“No, because the next day I was traveling to Mykonos and I spent the whole day organizing and finishing work. Those were the vacations when I met Niky,” I pointed out. “But I had been invited to that conference as a speaker; unfortunately, I had to decline the invitation because I didn’t have enough time to do everything.”
“So I’m in the presence of a distinguished and recognized professional,” he stated.
“Not that much, just someone who likes what she does.”
“I think you’re being too humble. I looked you up online and I know that in your field you’re one of the best minds. In fact, you’ve been interviewed several times and given many lectures.”
“Why did you look me up online?” I asked, surprised.
“There’s all kinds of information out there, and I wanted to know more about you.”
“Mmmm, you’re a snoop,” I said, smiling.
“Only when it comes to something that interests me a lot.”
We continued talking until my phone interrupted us. It was Lolo. Henry, without trying to hide it, paid close attention to my conversation.
“Hi, little brother.”
“Hi, Dali, what are you doing?”
“I’m having breakfast. You?”
“I wanted to have lunch with you and Bastián. It’s Sunday and I felt like being with family. Can you make it?”
“I’d love to have lunch with you guys,” I replied, and noticed Henry looking at me seriously.
“Should I pick you up at twelve-thirty?”
Before answering, I checked the time. It was eleven-thirty.
“Ok, I’ll be ready by then.”
“See you, Dali.”
“See you.”
When I hung up, Henry was watching me and drumming his fingers on the table. If I understood anything about body language, that posture indicated something had annoyed him.
“You made plans with your brother,” he stated.
“With both brothers. They invited me to lunch.”
“That means I have to leave,” he said, clearly showing his bad mood.
“Would you have lunch with me and my brothers?” I asked, just to test him, because I knew he wouldn’t accept, nor did I want him to, at least not yet.
“Are you testing me? Let me make this clear, Dalina, I’m a grown man who doesn’t let anything intimidate him. Don’t challenge me because you’ll lose.”
“Would you do it?” I insisted.
He stared at me without blinking.
“No, I wouldn’t. We’re not ready for a family gathering,” he answered confidently.
“I agree, it was just a joke. I apologize for accepting without consulting you. I assumed you were going to leave.”
“You have a habit of assuming things. You shouldn’t do that. Since you have plans, I’m leaving. And just to be clear for future reference, I’m not a joking kind of guy,” he stated dryly.
