The Casa Del Castaneda

Shrugging off Doubt

Rogelio sits behind a desk playing with a cell phone. He is considering his intention to contact Sebastian. Rogelio looked at the expensive timepiece that was coiled around his left wrist.

The clock indicates ten o'clock in the morning. That is, in Spain has entered at six o'clock in the afternoon, because Spain is eight hours faster than Mexico. I don't think there's a problem if he calls Sebastian at such an hour.

The first call was ignored. On the second call, Sebastian answered. The handsome man who had tidied his hair and beard, just came out of the walk in closet. He looks neat and fresh. “Hola,” greet Sebastian while sitting in a chair located not far from the bed. The man's body language looked full of authority.

“How are you, Mr Castaneda?” ras Rogelio mince words.

“Very good, Mr. Gallardo. Is there a problem, so you have to bother contacting me directly like this?” ask Sebastian.

“Nothing serious, Mr. Castaneda,” Rogelio said. “Actually, I intend to hold a big banquet at my residence. It would be a very special honor, if you could attend the event. We can strengthen the relationship. I can also introduce you to some colleagues, who are engaged in fields like mine. Who knows they are also interested in working with you.”

“Oh, that's a very interesting offer. When will the banquet be held, Mr Gallardo?” ask Sebastian. Of course, he's going to Mexico to bring a cheerful heart. This became the reason for him, in order to be able to see Paloma freely.

“I want to host it this weekend. However, if you are interested in attending, we can adjust the schedule to your busy life,” bargained Rogelio.

“Oh, Mr. Gallardo. You are very understanding.” Sebastian laughed softly. He was flattered by the humble attitude Rogelio showed towards him. “I'll see my schedule first. Hopefully this weekend there is no important event, so you do not need to adjust it to my busyness. I feel really bad if it has to be like that.”

“No problem at all, Mr. Castaneda. I'm glad to have a business partner like you.”

Light talk continued, until there was a knock on Sebastian's door. A servant came to face. He told her that Tatiana had come to visit.

Sebastian had knitted his eyebrows. Tatiana had never visited at such an hour. Sebastian nodded as a gesture of agreement. Forced, he had to end his conversation with Rogelio. “I'm sorry, Mr. Gallardo. I have to take guests first. I'll call you back later, to confirm the departure time. I will definitely come to Mexico,” Sebastian said before hanging up.

After finishing talking to Rogelio, Sebastian put his phone back on the table by the bed. He then came out of the room. Sebastian stepped gallantly down the long corridor, until he arrived at the living room. There, the man found Tatiana who was waiting for him.

“Goodnight, Sebastian,” greet Tatiana. The rich widow immediately stood up, as the host walked towards her.

“Goodnight, Tatiana,” Reply Sebastian. While talking together like that, they did mention each other by name. There is no formal impression at all. Unless in the presence of other colleagues, then both will speak with a more formal call ‘Tuan and Nyam’.

“Not usually you come at an hour like this,” Sebastian said while sitting in one of the chairs, which was not far from where Tatiana was.

“Yes. Coincidentally, I just returned from attending the invitation of Madam Irene Garcia. You still remember that?” Tatiana sat down while crossing her legs. He took out a cigarette box from inside his expensive bag.

“I quit smoking in front of Rafael. But at the moment he does not exist. I don't think I'll even be back,” said Tatiana as she sucked back her cigarette.

“Didn't he see you yesterday?” ask Sebastian.

Tatiana reflected the smoke from her blushing red lips. The color of lipstick that has always been the hallmark of the rich widow since long ago. Despite her age has stepped on the head of four, but the appearance of Tatiana is still very fashionable. She also always looks beautiful and glamorous.

“Rafael did come to see me. I thought he'd apologize and come back. Moreover, after I blocked all his credit cards,” Tatiana said. He threw cigarette ash in the ashtray.

“Then?” ask Sebastian.

“You know? He came to break our relationship. Really broke up." Tatiana laughed crisply. ”The reason, is because he wants to go back to that woman. His wife is wild and does not know manners.”

“Paloma?” Sebastian scrunched his forehead.

“Yes. I don't want to mention his name.” Tatiana was smoking cigarettes strongly. It was obvious that he was being struck by an extraordinary calamity. The body language of the wealthy widow, illustrates an undisclosed rage. “Rafael is stupid! He ignored me just for the sake of that countrywoman!” Tatiana snorted in annoyance.

“Feel talk, Tatiana!” sergeant Sebastian is firm. “The woman you call a village and do not know the manners is my lover,” said the owner of Casa del Castaneda with full confidence.

Instantly, Tatiana widened her eyes. He doesn't believe what Sebastian says. As far as he is concerned, Sebastian has no interest in opening his heart to any woman after Brishia's departure. “Don't joke, Sebastian. You call that woman your lover?” his protest shakes in disbelief.

“What's wrong? I fell in love with her. We have started a love affair since a few days ago, before Paloma returned to Mexico,”, explained Sebastian.

Unexpectedly, Tatiana responded to Sebastian's words with a sneering laugh. He threw his cigarette ash back in the ashtray. “So, you guys have a long distance relationship?” Smoke billowed from the rich widow's lips.

“Yes, but that's not a problem for me,” Sebastian said calmly.

“Not a problem for now, because you haven't found the truth yet. I'm sure your confidence will be gone soon, after you hear the news of the reference from the stupid couple. Soon enough, Sebastian. You will soon be heartbroken like me.” Tatiana smiled cynically. He put his cigarette out in the ashtray until it was completely extinguished.

Meanwhile, Sebastian was silently pensively staring at Tatiana. He tried to shake off the disturbing feelings that were suddenly present and ruin his mood. Sebastian, recalling his last conversation with Paloma. The woman did sound stiff and somewhat different. Sebastian kept thinking further and further. If what Tatiana said was true, then what about the fate of the new relationship with Paloma?