- Dance
- Dance
Michelle
While Vero runs the flat iron through my hair, she begins to share fragments of her life. Despite always wearing a smile, she’s been through tough times. The most striking thing is how much her story resembles mine.
Like me, she fell in love with and trusted the wrong person. Her boyfriend cheated on her, and when she needed him most, he just wasn’t there. To make things worse, her parents, rather than supporting her, kicked her out without a second thought when they found out about her situation.
A couple of tears roll down her face as she recalls those days.
“And the baby, Vero?” I asked gently.
She lets out a long sigh before answering.
“It didn’t survive. I had a miscarriage shortly after,” she admits, her voice choked. “But I realized that if my parents turned their backs on me during my hardest time, it was because I meant nothing to them.
She pauses, as if to gather the strength to continue.
“My grandmother came to get me at the hospital. She took me to live with her, and since then, she and my grandfather have been my only family. They supported me in continuing my studies, and thanks to my good grades, I got a scholarship. When I had to look for an internship, I went to Mr. Morrison’s company. I worked as hard as I could, and when
I graduated, they offered me a position.”
A small smile forms on her lips as she talks about her job.
“Here, I’ve found a second family. The guys are amazing. Even though life hasn’t been easy for any of us, we’ve all managed to overcome our adversities and move forward with optimism. In the end, only two things are certain: this is the only life we have,” at least, as far as we know, “and death. So we must hold on to the first and live to the fullest.
Her words echo in my mind.
“You’re right, Vero, I tell her sincerely. But sometimes one is so trapped in their own bubble that they don’t stop looking around. Thanks for sharing your story with me. I’ll share mine soon.”
She nods with a slight smile and puts the finishing touches on my hair. When she’s finished, I can’t help but admire the result. It’s so smooth and shiny that it looks longer than it actually is.
I decided to complete the look with slightly heavier makeup. Vero warned me there would be many photographs tonight,
so I want to be prepared. I also choose my outfit carefully.
Last night, my new friend reminded me via text to wear something special, so I took out the dress I never had the chance to wear. It’s a deep blue color, with a subtle shimmer that makes it stand out under the light. It fits my figure perfectly, with an elegant neckline and a flowing fall just below my knees. I look at myself in the mirror and, for the first time in a long time, I feel different… more confident, more ready to enjoy the night.
“You look amazing,” says Vero with an approving smile. “I’m sure you’ll be turning heads.”
I laugh a bit nervously as I finish putting on earrings and a pair of heels that match the dress.
“I hope it’s not too much,” I say, turning to look at myself once more.
“Not at all,” she replies, winking at me. “Come on, they’re waiting for us.”
1/3
< 17. Dance
* Points
We leave the room together and head down to the hotel lobby. The night is lively, and the atmosphere vibrant. In the distance, music and laughter can be heard. As we cross the doors, I see a group gathered at the entrance, chatting and
taking photos.
Among the familiar faces from work, there’s one in particular that makes my heart race, though I’m not sure why.
He’s there.
His relaxed posture and distracted gaze don’t deceive me. The moment our eyes meet, I catch a flicker of surprise in his. It’s as if time stops for a few seconds.
“Come on,” Vero encourages me, taking my hand, “tonight is for enjoyment.”
I take a deep breath and nod. Maybe she’s right. Maybe, after living so long in the shadow of my own fears, this is my
chance to shine.
With a smile that feels increasingly natural on my face, I take the first step into the night that’s about to begin.
“Have you noticed, Mich? The boss can’t stop looking at you. I think he likes you.”
Upon hearing Vero, I finish what’s left in my glass in one gulp and grab another drink.
“No, I don’t think so,” I replied, trying to downplay it. “I’m sure he’s like that with everyone.”
Vero bursts into laughter and shakes her head.
“No way. The boss, who’s quite a catch, by the way, has had plenty of admirers since he became single, but he hasn’t found the right woman. Who knows… maybe he was waiting for you.”
I rolled my eyes, but she didn’t even flinch. She snatches the glass from me and empties it in one go, as if trying to infect
me with her daring. I shake my head, nervous, and she laughs softly.
“I thought he would leave before dinner,” I murmured, more to myself than to her. “At least that’s what I heard.”
“He decided to stay until the end because the guys convinced him,” Vero explains with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
“Although, if you had asked him, he wouldn’t have even thought about leaving.”
I sighed and shook my head. My new friend has definitely read too many romance novels.
But after dinner, when the lights on the dance floor dim and the music begins to envelop the atmosphere, I get a surprise.
Dylan walks directly towards me.
“Michelle… may I have this dance?”
My body tenses and my mind goes blank. I don’t know what to do, but my hands act on their own. I extend one of them,
and he takes it gently. His touch is firm and warm as he guides me to the center of the dance floor.
He places his hand softly on my waist, while the other is interlaced with mine at just the right height.
“I’m not good at dancing,” I confess with a mix of embarrassment and nervousness.
Dylan flashes a sly grin before leaning in closer.
“I have two feet, you can step on them confidently.”
His comment, combined with the effect of alcohol, puts me at ease. I let myself laugh, and before I know it, I’m enjoying
the dance.
1
Ryan
213
17 Dance
I hear Blake throwing a tantrum in the room. Apparently, her period came early, putting her in a foul mood. I asked for a painkiller at reception, and once she took it, the room gradually quieted down. When I peek in, I see her asleep on the bed.
I don’t remember Michelle ever being like this. She usually just took better care of herself, but her mood never changed or stopped her activities. Maybe Blake has a lower pain tolerance, or perhaps she’s just different. I don’t dwell on it further. I see it’s already ten at night and I start to feel hungry. I headed back to the room and tried to wake her up.
“Blake, aren’t you hungry?”
She responds in her sleep:
“No, I don’t want to. Let me rest so I feel better tomorrow. Order something or go down to the restaurant.”
I sigh resignedly. If she’s decided she’s not going down, nothing will change her mind. That’s the Blake Sullivan I know.
“Alright, I’m going down, and I’ll be back soon. Should I bring you something?”
She shakes her head again and falls silent. I left the suite and walked to the elevator to go down to the main floor. There’s the hotel restaurant and bar. A drink would do me good. I find a somewhat secluded spot and order a light meal. While eating, I notice the lights on the dance floor dim; I suppose they’re going to dance. I distracted myself by replying to Candace, who was left crying when I left her at home with a babysitter. She had never been left alone. I thought about leaving her with my mother, but she told me she wasn’t feeling well, so I called a babysitting service. I had never used one, as Michelle always took care of her, but in the rush, it was the best option. Even if I don’t want to, my conscience starts to
bother me. I’ll ask Blake for us to return early tomorrow.
Suddenly, something draws my attention to the dance floor, and my phone slips from my hands. In the center, a woman who looks just like Michelle is laughing happily in the arms of a man. I hear her laughter-it’s her. My blood boils, and just
as I’m about to approach them, the man turns to face me.
No way! What’s Michelle doing with that jerk? He whispers something in her ear, and she looks at him with interest and
admiration. The music suddenly stops, and they walk hand in hand back to their table. I see a group of people smiling and
applauding them, as if they’re the stars of the moment. Dylan looks at her as if she’s the most wonderful woman in the
world. I take a closer look and see she’s beautiful. Her figure is stunning, her hair perfectly styled, and her makeup
highlights her beautiful light eyes and full, soft lips.
I’m about to head over and pull her away when my phone vibrates with a message.
“I feel better… I’m going to meet you downstairs.”
I replied immediately; I didn’t want Blake to make a scene and for Michelle to see us together.
“No, better pack the bags. Candace isn’t feeling well.”
Michelle is still my wife, but I have no right to demand anything from her. I leave, making sure Michelle doesn’t see me. There will be time to figure out what she’s doing with my worst enemy
