Love in Red Numbers

Daniel Busch checked his watch for the third time, anxiety and anticipation gnawing at him. He was about to meet his former business rival, and to make matters worse, his ex-lover, Karen Hastings; she had summoned him for an important meeting. The last time they spoke was at a conference in New York, and it didn't end well. Now, they were meeting at an elegant restaurant in the heart of Barcelona, and he wasn't looking forward to it. He knew she had something up her sleeve. As he entered the restaurant, he was greeted by the aroma of delicious food, the clinking of glasses, and the sound of a beautiful piano melody in the background. The hostess directed him to a table near the window, from where he could see the bustling street outside. Daniel sat down and waited for Karen Hastings, his mind filled with thoughts of the past and the present. Suddenly, he noticed a young woman approaching his table. She was petite and beautiful, with long, curly hair and a warm smile. "Good evening, sir. My name is Ava López, and I'll be your server tonight. Can I start you off with something to drink?" she asked. Daniel was momentarily taken aback by her beauty, but quickly composed himself. "Uh, yes, please. A glass of red wine," he replied, trying to maintain his composure. The girl nodded and took his order, but as she turned to leave, Daniel noticed her trembling hands and a hint of desperation in her eyes. He couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy that bordered on attraction for her. While he waited for his drink, he noticed Karen entering the restaurant, dressed in an impressive black dress and heels that accentuated her curves. He watched as she approached his table, their eyes meeting. "Dani, it's good to see you again," she said in a seductive voice, taking a seat across from him. "Karen," he responded, his voice lacking enthusiasm. "Let's get straight to the point, shall we?" "But how abrupt... I thought seeing me, even if just for old times' sake, would please you," she said in her sensual voice. Daniel raised an eyebrow, not wanting to revisit those times. "How about we talk business?" he suggested, and Karen laughed brazenly. As they delved into the details of their meeting, Daniel became distracted by Ava's presence. He couldn't help but glance at her from time to time, intrigued by her beauty and curious about her story. He noticed her struggling with a group of unruly customers at a nearby table and couldn't help feeling protective of her. Amidst their discussion, Karen leaned closer, her lips almost touching Daniel's ear. "I know you still feel something for me, Daniel. Let's forget about business for a moment and relive what we once had," she whispered seductively. He instinctively pulled back at her words, a mix of anger and disgust welling up in him. She had promised a different kind of conversation, especially given the financial mess she was in. "Karen, we're here to talk business. Nothing more, nothing less. Never mention that again. I warned you before agreeing to this meeting," he replied sternly, and she pouted rebelliously. "Well... It's clear then that you don't want to do business with me. I hope your company goes under soon. You know rebellion doesn't suit you. Enjoy your bankruptcy," she retorted, getting up abruptly. "Goodnight." When the meeting came to an end, Daniel noticed Ava struggling with a tray full of dishes, trying to navigate through the crowded restaurant. He got up from his seat and approached the young woman who had captured his attention. "Let me help you with that," he offered, taking the tray from her hands. Ava smiled gratefully, and Daniel couldn't help feeling a sense of warmth and happiness in her smile. But no... He thought he had rid himself of those Cupid-like sentiments. This couldn't be happening again. A part of him wouldn't forgive himself, yet he had undeniably been swept away by what this young woman evoked in him. Daniel decided to wait for the young woman to finish her shift, and in the meantime, he ordered another appetizer. He couldn't take his eyes off Ava as she served customers in the restaurant. Every time she approached his table, his heart beat faster, and his mind went blank. Finally, the moment came for Ava to approach his table to deliver the bill. Daniel seized the opportunity to inquire about her. "And you? Do you work here full time?" Daniel asked with a broad smile. Ava blushed upon hearing the question, surprised that such an important man would be interested in her. His demeanor said it all; he looked like a man of influence and power. "Yes, I do. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it," she replied with a shy smile. "You do it very well," Daniel replied with a seductive smile. "I know it might sound crazy and hasty, but... could you give me your phone number? I'd like to see you again soon and chat with you more. You've left me impressed with your service." Ava was left speechless. Was this really happening? Was a man like him interested in her? Something urged her to decline firmly. However, for some reason, she didn't want to disappoint Daniel and gave him her phone number with a timid smile. "Thank you. I hope you'll call me soon. I'll be happy to chat a bit," Ava said before leaving, her heart beating faster than ever. Daniel stood there for a moment, running his hand through his sleek black hair, feeling excited for the first time in a long while. There was something about Ava that attracted him powerfully. He knew he wanted, no... he had to see her again no matter what. As Ava walked down the street, her mind filled with questions and doubts. Why would someone like Daniel be interested in her? What did he really want from her? The next afternoon, he arrived and sat in the same spot, but this time, that extravagant woman hadn't shown up. As expected, he patiently waited to talk to her on the bench in front of the restaurant. There, they talked about a bit of everything, and Daniel learned about the chaotic life of this walking beauty. He didn't want to delve too deep into her life because at that moment, he had received a terrifying notification. He had been given an ultimatum regarding his company. "They either increase production numbers at the company, or you commit to Anahí, or alternatively, get back together with Karen. We all depend on this fortune, remember," his mother had warned him. Daniel didn't want any of those options, and most of the wealthy young ladies were already engaged. Moreover, he had sworn not to think about love anymore. He ran his hands through his black hair in despair, with the angelic image of Ava being the only thing crossing his mind. He felt overwhelmed! He had to come up with a plan, something that would help rescue the company while also getting rid of his mother's pressure to settle down with whomever she wanted to impose on him. That night, Daniel pondered his plan, which had to be perfect. Days passed, to be precise, a week during which Ava arrived home tired from work, wondering when things would change. Her life was a mess, and her father's health was deteriorating. To Ava's surprise, one night, as soon as she got home and greeted her mother, who had been alone lately, a phone call surprised her, and she rushed upstairs to answer it better. Daniel, who was already in his luxurious apartment, couldn't resist any longer. He picked up his phone and dialed the girl's number with determination. After several rings, she answered with a timid voice. "Hello? Yes?" that angelic voice reached his ears. "Ava, it's Daniel Busch. Do you remember me? I couldn't wait another day to talk to you about something I have in mind," said the man urgently. Ava was taken aback by his call, but her heart raced as she listened. "But... What's it about, Mr. Busch?" Ava asked curiously. "Please, Daniel is fine. Ava, I've been watching you at the restaurant for a long time, and I can't get you out of my mind. I want to make you a proposal, something that will change your life forever," Daniel said with a soft yet determined voice. Ava fell silent, wondering what could be so important that Daniel would call her in the middle of the night. Suspense hung in the air as she waited for Daniel to reveal his proposal. "Would you... marry me?" Ava was breathless, and in a split second, her phone clattered to the ground.