Chapter 6: Dinners and Drinks

The city night was perfect: a clear sky, lights shining everywhere, and a crisp breeze inviting people to go out and enjoy. Valeria had had a complicated day, but meeting her friends always managed to lift her spirits. That evening, they were gathering at Sofia’s exclusive restaurant, one of the most prestigious spots in the city and a regular stop for their little singles’ club.

“Tonight is about forgetting our problems,” Valeria told herself as she selected a fitted black dress—elegant yet comfortable — paired with heels that perfectly accentuated her figure.

When she arrived at the restaurant, the place was already buzzing with life. Sofia was waiting at a private table with a panoramic view. The décor, modern and sophisticated, perfectly reflected its owner’s style. Camila, Monica, Lucia, and Emma were already there, laughing and chatting animatedly.

“Valeria, finally!” Monica exclaimed, standing to hug her.

“Sorry, ladies. Got held up with some work matters,” Valeria said, placing her bag on the back of her chair.

“Well, no work talk tonight,” Sofia declared, raising her wine glass. “This evening is for unwinding.”

Emma, who was married with kids, raised her hand in agreement.

“And for hearing everything about that engagement party Camila told me about. What really happened?”

Valeria took a sip of her wine before starting.

“Let’s just say it was a family gathering to remember... but not for the best reasons.”

With a sarcastic tone, she recounted how her family had bombarded her with passive-aggressive comments about her single status. She explained how her mother had inadvertently mentioned her broken engagement, unleashing a flood of awkward questions, and how she had ultimately decided to defend herself, leaving everyone in stunned silence.

“The worst part was when Aunt Clara implied that my life is empty because I don’t have a husband or kids. Please! That woman can’t even manage her own children, and her husband... well, let’s not even go there.”

Everyone laughed, except Lucia, who quietly sipped her wine.

“Well, darling, sometimes people need to be put in their place,” Sofia said, raising her glass.

“Totally,” Camila added. “Although... I must admit your mother has a talent for making you feel guilty about things that make no sense.”

Valeria nodded.

“It’s like she’s programmed to make me second-guess every decision I make.”

Emma, who had been listening attentively, chimed in.

“Look, ladies, I’m happily married and have wonderful kids, but I also get your perspective. Single life has its perks, but I can’t deny there’s something special about sharing your life with someone.”

“‘Special’?” Monica raised an eyebrow. “Are you talking about the arguments over leaving the toilet seat up or the endless debates over what to watch on Netflix?”

Everyone burst out laughing, but Emma continued, smiling.

“That too. But I mean the nights when you end the day with wild sex, your legs trembling, and you fall asleep wrapped in that person’s arms. Those moments make it all worth it.”

The table erupted into laughter again, and Sofia seized the moment to make a comment that made them laugh even harder.

“I’m happy with my eleven-speed vibrator. It’s always available and never complains.”

Valeria joined in the laughter, relishing the relaxed, supportive atmosphere among her friends.

The evening continued with glasses of wine, anecdotes, and confessions. When the restaurant began to empty, Valeria decided it was time to head home. She hugged her friends goodbye, promising another night of fun.

“Remember, Valeria, don’t let anyone tell you how to live your life,” Sofia said as they parted.

“I won’t. Thank you, ladies, for tonight.”

When she arrived at her apartment, Valeria kicked off her heels and dropped her bag on the sofa. She poured herself a glass of wine and sat by the massive windows offering a spectacular view of the illuminated city.

Still, her mind kept circling back to Emma’s comment: “Those moments make it all worth it.”

“Am I really missing out on something?” she murmured to herself.

Valeria had built her life on her own terms. She had decided she didn’t need a man to be happy and had proven it with her success and independence. But, for the first time in a long while, she felt a small doubt growing inside her.

She took a long sip of wine, trying to shake the feeling.

“No. I don’t have time for that nonsense. I’m happy just the way I am.”

But even as she told herself that, she couldn’t ignore the emptiness beginning to take root in her chest.

Valeria spent the rest of the night gazing at the city through her window, recalling her friends’ comments and reflecting on her life. She knew she was proud of everything she had achieved, but she also knew something was missing.

“Maybe it’s not love I miss,” she thought. “Maybe I just want to feel that connection with someone, that spark that makes you feel alive.”

She turned off the lights and went to bed, promising herself she wouldn’t let a single comment make her doubt who she was. But deep down, she knew there was something she couldn’t ignore.

That night, as she tried to sleep, memories of her broken engagement, her mother’s words, and Emma’s reflections kept playing in her mind like a song she couldn’t stop hearing.

Valeria, the strong and determined woman who never let anything affect her, was beginning to question her path. And though she wouldn’t admit it, even to her friends, something inside her had started to change.

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