Page 3 of Love on the Edge
She freezes mid-dab, then lets out an apologetic laugh. “First impressions are my specialty. Clearly.”
I shake my head, chuckling. “Could’ve been worse. At least it’s not beer.”
“Small mercies,” she mutters, the corners of her lips curving up slightly. She finally gives up on the napkin, crumpling it in her hand. “I swear I’m not usually this clumsy.”
“Right,” I say, amused. “This is just a one-time thing?”
“Exactly.” She nods. “You just had the bad luck of being my victim.”
She holds out her hand, confidence creeping back in. “I’m Valeria, by the way.”
I take it. My grip firm, but easy.
“Ethan.” For some reason, I don’t let go right away. “Nice to meet you, Valeria.”
I watch as she leans against the wall next to me, just outside the chaos of the party. I thought she’d laugh off the spill, make a joke, and disappear back into the crowd. But she doesn’t. She stays.
I take a sip of my beer, glancing at her. “Not heading back into the action?”
She tilts her head, smirk easy but knowing. “Definitely not my scene.”
I raise an eyebrow. “So the drink-spilling thing... that wasn’t just part of your big plan to blend in?”
She laughs, soft but genuine, shaking her head. “No, but if it was, I’d say it worked out. No one’s staring at me, so that’s a win.”
Her response surprises me. No awkward apology, no fake charm. Just honesty.
“So, what are you doing here?” I ask, leaning back against the wall beside her.
She sighs, brushing her hair out of her face. “A friend dragged me here. Said I needed to ‘get out of my comfort zone.’” She glances at the crowd. “Apparently, my life is boring.”
I chuckle, tipping my beer toward her. “Join the club. My sister’s responsible for this. She thinks I need to ‘socialize.’”
She laughs. “So this is her idea of you cutting loose?”
“Apparently,” I smirk. “Though I don’t think standing here with a beer and a wet shirt was part of the plan.”
Her laugh lingers this time, warm and unguarded. “Maybe we’re both bad at this party thing.”
“Maybe,” I agree, letting the word settle between us.
The party hums in the background, distant now, even though we’re still in the middle of it. She doesn’t seem in a hurry to move.
“You’re really not heading back in?” I tease.
She smirks. “Do I look like I belong out there?”
I glance at the crowd, then back at her. “No. You don’t.”
She raises an eyebrow. “Wow. Thanks.”
I chuckle, shaking my head. “I mean that in a good way. You stand out.”
Her expression softens. She leans back against the wall, shoulder brushing against it. “No, you’re right.” A pause. Then she tilts her head at me.
Her lips twitch like she’s considering something. Then she gives me a playful look. “Then what are you still doing here?”
“Good question.” I watch her as the party noise blurs into the background. “Maybe I was meant to run into you.”
