In front of the screen, a heated pool served as the kidsâ viewing area, their laughter filling the air.
The adults gathered on circular sofas behind them, enjoying food and conversation.
Katherine guided Dulce through the crowd, and Dulce expected to find Michael sitting alone, but instead, she was faced with a lively group.
It was her first time here, and Katherine introduced her to everyone with a warm smile.
Joelle, beaming, added, âDonât be shy. Everyone here is a friend. You probably know Michael best, right? Go ahead, sit with him.â
Dulce had prepared herself for whatever might come.
Whether Michael rejected her or not, she was determined to keep going.
But when she reached Michael, she realized the atmosphere was unexpectedly kind.
It was clear that everyone was nudging her toward Michael.
Their intention to match them was unmistakable.
Dulce approached Michael with a drink in hand, offering a soft smile. âCan I sit?â
Given the crowd, Michael couldnât possibly refuse her.
He shifted slightly to make more space, a subtle gesture that felt almost too casual.
As Dulce settled into the seat, she couldnât shake the flutter of nerves in her chest. âThank you for last time. I had Johnny return your coat. You should have received it, right?â
âYes.â Michael raised his glass, taking a small, measured sip.
Dulce, trying to keep the conversation flowing, glanced at the kids playing in the pool. âWhich one is Aurora? I havenât had a chance to say hello to her yet!â
Michael shifted his gaze towards the children. âAurora went to change. Itâs her birthday, so she had to dress up a bit more.â
âOkay.â Dulceâs attempt to continue the conversation faltered. With so many people around, the weight of their attention made her feel even more self-conscious.
If she could get Michael alone, she could try out all the flirting tips she had read online.
âExcuse me, could you move? I need to get through.â
Dulce, lost in her thoughts, didnât notice the woman until she spoke.
The woman was holding a childâs hand, squeezing past Dulce despite the ample space around them.
Dulceâs brow furrowed, thinking the woman looked vaguely familiar. But since she didnât know any of these people, she couldnât place her.
As the woman passed, Dulce felt the subtle shift in the atmosphereâeveryoneâs expression seemed to change ever so slightly.
Fannie, sensing the tension, quickly leaned in. âDulce, come with me to the restroom.â
Dulce got up, stepping aside for the woman, but as she walked away, she glanced back.
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Message from Noah: New novels today dear reader, hope you like them! God loves you and Noah wishes you all the best. (=â¡=) /
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