Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 110351 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 552(@200wpm)___ 441(@250wpm)___ 368(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 110351 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 552(@200wpm)___ 441(@250wpm)___ 368(@300wpm)
“It’s so good to see you out again,” Ana says warmly. “We’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you all too,” Sarah replies, glancing around the table. “And honestly, I needed this. You can only talk to a baby about nappies, milk and sleeping for so long before you start to go a little crazy.”
“Well, we’re glad you’re here,” Marta says, raising her glass. “To Sarah, and to finally getting out of the house!”
“To Sarah!” the rest of us echo.
∞∞∞
As the next round of drinks arrives, the atmosphere around the table becomes even livelier.
I glance around, taking it all in - the easy smiles, the way Marta throws her head back laughing at something Ana just said, the playful banter between two of the newer teachers about who’s worse at lesson planning…
It feels so normal, so easy and light and comfortable.
My phone buzzes on the table beside me, and I glance down to see a message from Santi.
How’s your night going, cariño?
A smile spreads across my face before I can stop it.
“Someone looks happy,” Sarah teases, her eyes sparkling as she nudges my elbow.
I shake my head, trying to suppress my grin.
“It’s just Santi. He’s checking in.”
Ana leans forward, her curiosity barely concealed.
“What’s this?”
“Is this your boyfriend?” Marta adds. “Does he miss you already?”
I roll my eyes, though my cheeks flush. I hadn’t really wanted to bring Santi up, but given how easy and normal this feels… I kind of don’t want to hide him.
“It’s nothing like that. He just wants to make sure I’m having a good time,” I say.
After all, I don’t want to deny our relationship or hide my feelings for him. It’s not as though I’m pretending he doesn’t exist, or that he isn’t a big part of my life - that just wouldn’t be fair, and it wouldn’t feel right, either.
It’s just different, that’s all. A little weird, trying to find the balance.
“Uh-huh,” Marta says, raising an eyebrow. “Sounds like someone’s smitten.”
The girls giggle at that, and despite myself, I can’t help but laugh along with them.
Still, if my boyfriend is smitten, he’s not the only one; so I type out a quick response to him.
It’s going well. Everyone’s been lovely. Miss you, though.
I hesitate before hitting send, the words feeling a tad too vulnerable. It doesn’t help that I’ve had a drink, but it’s hardly as if I’m saying something that’s crossing any boundaries, or that’s too out-there; so without doubting myself any longer, I press the button and send the message.
“So,” Sarah says, leaning in conspiratorially. She’s more than just tipsy, but I can hardly blame her given the fact that she hasn’t drank in so long. “Now that we’re on the topic - tell us what it's like dating Spain’s golden boy.”
The question catches me off guard, but her tone is warm and playful, not prying. She can probably sense that I want to talk about him - even if it’s weird.
“Honestly?” I say, swirling my drink. “It’s... amazing. He’s been nothing short of wonderful. But things are still complicated.”
Marta tilts her head, her expression curious. “Because of the media?”
I nod. “Yeah. The attention is just - overwhelming. People treat me differently now. It’s like they don’t see me as just Olivia anymore. They see me as his Olivia. If that makes sense.”
Ana reaches out, her hand warm and reassuring as it wraps around mine. “It does. And it sounds hard,” she says, her voice gentle but laced with genuine concern.
“I mean, I knew being with him would come with some challenges, but I don’t think I was prepared for how quickly everything would change,” I admit. “Sometimes I feel like I’ve lost a part of myself in all of this.”
The table falls quiet, the hum of conversation from the rest of the bar suddenly seeming louder in the silence.
“But,” I continue, glancing down at my drink as I swirl the contents, “Santi’s worth it. He’s...”
I trail off, unsure of how to finish.
How do you even begin to describe someone like Santi?
Marta leans forward, her expression softening. “He’s what?” she prompts gently.
I smile faintly, meeting her gaze. “He’s just... everything. I know it sounds sappy, but he’s kind and thoughtful and patient. He treats me like I’m the most important person in the world, even when it feels like everything is falling apart.”
There’s a beat of silence, and then Ana lets out a dreamy sigh.
“That’s the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard.”
The group chuckles softly, but their laughter is kind, not teasing.
“Seriously,” Marta says, her eyes sparkling with warmth. “It sounds like you’ve found someone really special.”
“I have,” I say. “Sometimes I wonder if I can do it, though. Honestly, I’m not sure that I’m strong enough to handle his world.”
“You’re stronger than you think,” Sarah says firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. “You’ve already handled so much, Liv, and you’re still standing. That says a lot about who you are.”