- Hello Susana. I was worried when you didn't call me back. Is everything all right?

- Yes, of course I am. I was more tired yesterday and my body ached.

- It's good you got some rest. It's Friday, shall we have dinner?

- Yes, of course.

- I'll pick you up.

- OK They hung up.

She was glad she was quick and could cover it up. She wasn't very good at lying and didn't like to do it, but this time she had to.

She was still in denial about the fact that that beautiful, fantastic young man was still with her. She was clearly better. She'd lost weight. She was working out and looked prettier, but she was still a mature woman 20 years older than him. She was certain that if she were a man, she wouldn't be grappling with these issues. But she was.

She had to stop emphasising something that wasn't worth it and Carpe Diem, as she had so often advised.

But he made her happy.

The phone rang. She didn't answer, as she always did with an unknown number. She receive a high volume of calls from unknown numbers at the weekend. Marketing. She never answered. This number was persistent and never changed, so she blocked it.

She left early that day. She was still on her way out when she heard a voice she immediately recognised:

Susana!

She was stunned. She turned round and looked annoyed.

Matías, you are starting to sound like a harassment,- she said.

He was paralysed and made his position clear with an emphatic:

- Never!

He looked at her with a deep sense of horror and annoyance

- I apologise, but it was never my intention.

Suddenly Susana realised that Matias didn't know what he looked like.

- Ok, Matias, let's have a coffee and talk.

- I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable.

Susana replied angrily

- More? Let's go!

They went into the café and sat down at a discreet table where there were no other people.

- So, Matias, why is it that after I paid you a compliment that I didn't think you'd notice, coming from an old woman like me, you suddenly turn up everywhere?

- It's nothing like that. First of all, you are not old. Secondly, the compliment was just as important to me as if it had come from any other woman. Then because I found you interesting and wanted to get to know you better. I didn't think I'd upset you so much.

It seemed so sincere and innocent that Susana realised she had to take a different approach.

- How could you possibly be interested in a woman of my age? You've got plenty of girls your own age in your job and even more outside, why would you be interested in a 'quota'? - But why do you insist on the age thing? It's got nothing to do with it. Besides, I just want to get to know you, that's all... for now.

And he smiled mischievously.

- Did it never occur to you that I might be engaged?

- I've done my research. I know you're not engaged.

She was astonished.

- But the thing is, I don't want to be unpleasant either. I just thought we could have coffee, dinner and get to know you better...