The next day, Lara came to a restaurant at the scheduled time. Her steps faltered at the entrance, her thoughts rushing back to her encounter with Bruno that day. The brass handle of the restaurant door felt cold under Lara's trembling hand. Hesitation gnawed at her.
She remembered that this restaurant now belonged to Bruno. Her stomach knotted with apprehension at the prospect of running into him. But at the same time, she yearned for him, to catch a glimpse of him. Maybe he would appear in front of her.
'Focus, Lara. Now is not the time to distract,' a voice from within whispered in her ears.
Taking a fortifying breath, Lara steeled herself. Pushing open the door, she entered the restaurant, a professional mask replacing her turmoil. Her gaze swept the room, landing on a familiar figure at the reserved table.
She approached him with a professional smile. "Hello, Mr. Ramirez," she greeted, extending a hand.