A NIGHT IN IBIZA

CHAPTER FOUR

Reflecting on it now, he realized how silly he had been to complain about her flawless execution of the tasks he had entrusted her with.

Steve had played the role of matchmaker, introducing him to Isabella seven years ago when she was just 19 and he was 21. At the time, she had been seeking employment after college, and David had offered her the position of his personal assistant. What was initially intended as a temporary six-month arrangement had unexpectedly evolved into a six-year tenure and counting. Isabella's meticulousness and dedication were unparalleled – qualities that, ironically, he often found himself resenting.

Despite their close working relationship, David refused to acknowledge the depth of their bond, preferring to keep their connection strictly professional. In his eyes, Isabella had become his closest female friend, though he would rather burn in hell than admit it to her.

He knew Isabella well enough to predict that she wouldn't be out drinking, but rather tucked away in her bed, likely catching up on the movies she had missed throughout the year. When he had the opportunity, he would speak to her and make amends for his earlier behavior.

The ringing tone chimed, prompting him to reach for his phone. However, he realized it hadn't been ringing at all. Glancing to his left, he noticed a woman seated nearby, her hands cupping a phone to her ear beneath a bucket hat.

“Yes, Ron,” her voice resonated. “Who called? Doug Wick. Patty Jenkins reached out to him. DC wants me? They want me to play Wonder Woman in the new movie?”

She must be an actress, David thought, and a very famous and established one. DC wouldn’t entrust such a significant role to just anyone. He had been informed about a celebrity residing in the neighboring suite who shared the same terrace. It seemed likely that she was the one.

“Please email me the script and all the details. I'll review everything, including the shoot location and schedule. Has she agreed to the fees? Okay, just send all the information and the script, and I'll let you know my decision. Alright, talk to you later. Thanks.”

If this lady was a popular actress, Isabella would definitely be ecstatic when she sees her.

The woman emerged from the left side of the terrace, where her suite was situated, and proceeded toward the center. Shielded by dark sunglasses, her identity remained elusive to David, yet her exquisite figure hinted at her celebrity status. Draped in an elegant gown that accentuated her slender frame, she exuded an undeniable allure. The soft pastel tones of her attire complemented her complexion, radiating a subtle luminosity. With each graceful step, the fabric danced around her, casting an ethereal charm. Pausing by the railings, she became absorbed in her phone.

He rose from his seat, donning his sunglasses and picking up his glass of wine as he approached the railings. Positioning himself beside her, he maintained a small distance between them.

Startled by the sudden movement, she turned to glance at the newcomer, but he was already leaning against the railings, his gaze fixed on the expanse of sea and the dark night sky beyond. Assuming he was lost in contemplation, she returned her attention to her phone, unaware that he was observing her intently from the corner of his eye. “Good evening,” she greeted, turning to him and catching his gaze as she spoke. “Good evening,” he replied, taking a sip from his glass. “I was told my neighbor is a very famous celebrity.” She smiled in response. “I overheard you talking about movie sets on the phone, so I take it that you are an actress.”

“Yes, I am and what about yourself? My personal assistant mentioned that a business mogul occupies the neighboring suite. Are you the one?”

"Well, I'm not quite a mogul, but I can assure you I'm a businessman in the works," he chuckled.

“Oh, I see,” she replied with a nod.

“And might I inquire about your name? Your shades make it a tad difficult to discern,” he added politely.

"Oh," she replied, removing her shades and offering him a smile.

"Wow! This can't be, right?" he exclaimed, gaping in shock. Finally getting a good glimpse of her face, he quickly recognized her. She was Fernanda Olsen, the lead actress, Tris, from the blockbuster movie, Reagent. "Fernanda, is it?" He asked, seeking to confirm if she truly was the renowned 26-year-old actress.

"Yes, it is," she replied, blushing slightly at his animated reaction. "Can I know your name?" she asked.

“I am David Reynolds,” he said, offering a friendly smile.

"David Reynolds," she repeated, the name ringing a bell. "Your name sounds very familiar and famous, like a household name," she remarked, her gaze lingering on him curiously.

"Well, it might be Ryan Reynolds, the actor, that you might be thinking of, but we are not related, by blood at least," he clarified, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.

No, it wasn’t Ryan Reynolds, Fernanda thought. She was certain that she had heard the name, David Reynolds, before, and she made a mental note to search it up on her phone when she got back to her suite.

“Alright, I would see if I would be able to remember later,” she said, giving up momentarily.

"Your dress looks nice on you, it must be quite expensive," he remarked, glancing at the logo behind and instantly recognizing the brand.

"Thanks. It's actually a Reyn dress, and surprisingly, it's quite affordable," she replied.

"Really?" He feigned surprise. "I've heard Reyn dresses are on the pricier side. A friend of mine was just complaining about how expensive WLM products are, particularly the Reyn dresses," he added.

“I don’t think so. I am a fan of Wheels’ latest Aspire 350. It's a sleek car that only costs $42,000. And this dress? It's just $4,500. Compared to other fashion brands' overpriced dresses with low quality and class, Reyn is the leading figure in fashion brands this year, I think,” she said.

"Wow, I never knew you were into cars. It's a pleasure to meet you, Fernanda. I never expected to run into you here in Spain," he said, reaching out to shake her hand. "I'm a big fan of your movies, especially Reagent. I even rewatched it a few weeks ago." "Thanks, it was nice getting to know you, David," she replied.

"Would you mind joining me over there on the sofa so we can continue our conversation over some drinks?" he asked, stepping away from the railings.

"No, I don't mind. Honestly, I was a bit bored before I saw you," she admitted.

As they lounged on the terrace, sipping champagne and enjoying the gentle breeze, their conversation flowed effortlessly.

"So, Fernanda," David began, "tell me about your latest project. Any exciting roles coming up?"

Fernanda smiled, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Actually, I just got offered the lead role in an action thriller. It's a departure from my usual roles, but I'm quite excited about it."

"That sounds incredible," David exclaimed. " I have no doubt you'll nail it."

"Thank you," Fernanda said, a pleased smile gracing her lips. "And what about you, David? What's your line of business?"