"We should head to a bar and celebrate."
Jenny Macapagal, my neighbor's friend, never failed to make emphatic pronouncements and never failed to surprise me. She had a knack for finding reasons to celebrate, no matter how insignificant they may seem. It was no surprise to her when she learned that I had recently tied the knot. I had always found her ability to find joy in the smallest things to be one of her endearing qualities. However, unlike my closest confidant Anne, Jenny and I were not particularly close.
"I'm sure drinking the night before starting a new job is a bad idea." I told her honestly.
Recently, I secured a new position as a help desk assistant at a prominent bank located close to my residence. Pete, my husband, has granted me the freedom to engage in tasks that keep me occupied and fulfilled. Moreover, I have realized that subjecting myself to excessive stress, as I did in the past, is detrimental to my well-being. I am immensely grateful for the unwavering support of my husband, who encourages me to pursue my dreams wholeheartedly.
"Come on, Sheila."
Amidst a clutter of moving boxes, Jenny gracefully settled on the floor of our living room, radiating her captivating smile. Jenny was a girl whose beauty knew no bounds, as she effortlessly exuded an aura of absolute gorgeousness every single day of her life.
"I'm not talking about a bartender," she added. Jenny had an ex-boyfriend who worked at the bar before, but they broke up after five months of dating. That's what she told me.
"Just a glass of beer or two bottles maybe. We can hit a happy hour, and let's get home by nine." I said. Even though I'm not sure if Pete will agree.
"I am unsure if we can make it in time, But I can suggest letting your husband know what should be the best,"
"Deal, but please help me with these boxes. I have to clean the living room before mom scolds me." I said. So, she just helped me out, and she knew there was nothing else she could do, aside from gossiping.
In the evening; We spent the night with my husband Pete. Pete is always open-minded; that's why I like him. We've drunk and danced till we both passed the time.
From my observation, it seemed that Jenny had refrained from smoking cigarettes ever since her freshman year in college. However, the current situation was quite different as she had already indulged in three Marlboro Lights, three tequila shots, and two glasses of beer. Despite this, she continued to dance energetically for hours, feeling a gentle stream of sweat trickling down her back.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the table, a charming customer dressed in his formal attire was shamelessly flirting with Jenny, adding an extra layer of excitement to the night. In hindsight, it appeared that opting for leather pants might not have been the most sensible decision. Jenny knows how to handle this kind of guy.
"I almost forgot how much I love to dance," Jenny shouted over the pulsing music.
"And I almost forgot what a terrible dancer you are," shouted back by that guy.
Jenny laughed. "I'm enthusiastic!" she protested.
With a burst surge of vitality, she lifted her arms enthusiastically above her head and performed a lively shimmy, injecting a hint of panache into her choreography. As she elegantly spun in a circle, her movements radiated a feeling of liberation and happiness.
However, just as she hit the halfway point of her rotation, a sudden calmness enveloped her. Amidst her captivating display, a striking man emerged from the onlookers. He was tall and slender, dressed in a chic black T-shirt and fashionable dark blue jeans. Approaching her with an aura of assurance, his gaze locked onto her mesmerizing dance.
"Pete, Sheila, come on! Join us here... woo!" I raise my hand, saying, "I'm good." I am not good at dancing anyway, and while I am watching her, Pete is busy checking his cellphone.
"What are you doing here?" Jenny asked, belatedly realizing her arms were still above her head. She pulled them down and folded them across her chest, aware of how her damp tank top was clinging to her body.
"The group of the band is on stage; they are my friends. I actually came here with them. Then I see you here. "Jenny glared at him, and the guy made a mock-innocent face and shrugged, then melted away in the crowd.
The scene unfolded as if they were merely spending time together, casually enjoying each other's company. Suddenly, the gentleman's hand gently glided up her exposed arm, causing an immediate reaction within her. Despite her instinctive response of retracting her arm and taking a slight step back, it was no surprise that this gentleman had developed an interest in her.
Pete and I found ourselves perched on the side of the dimly lit pub, observing Jenny as she twirled in the center of the dance floor with her partner. The thumping beats and the warmth emanating from the packed room seemed to envelop her, causing a slight dizziness to wash over her.
As Jenny moved, a stray strand of hair cascaded into her eyes, momentarily obstructing her vision. Without missing a beat, her dance partner reached out and gently brushed it away, his gaze never leaving hers. Slowly, he leaned in closer, his movements deliberate and his eyes filled with an intensity that seemed to draw her in even further. The scene unfolded like a silent dance between the two of them, with Pete and I mere spectators to the unspoken connection playing out before us.
"Do you know that man?" Pete suddenly asked.
"No, I never met him" I told him.
Jenny tilted her head back to meet the gaze of the man standing before her, a small smile playing on her lips. Without hesitation, he reached out and gently lifted her chin, guiding her face towards his. Their lips met in a soft, tender kiss, his tongue lightly brushing against hers. Feeling a surge of desire, she pressed her body closer to his, unable to contain a soft moan that escaped her lips.
"Woah!"
Pete and I exchanged a surprised look in response to the unexpected event. It was unclear whether the man had any prior knowledge about Jenny.
The evening spent bonding with Jenny came to an end as we escorted her back home. Jenny appeared slightly intoxicated as we pulled up in front of her house, a state that seemed to have affected both Pete and me as well.
"I really enjoyed the night. Pete, thank you for your time. Even though I didn't attend your wedding day last week, maybe this will be the last bonding time." she uttered these words. As we are now trying to push her to enter her house. However, to our astonishment, Jenny suddenly shifted her gaze towards Pete and proceeded to passionately kiss him on his lips.
"Woah. We. Wait?"
The current scene that unfolded before my eyes left me completely taken aback. The unexpected nature of the situation caught me off guard. I can't help but wonder if there is a preexisting connection between them.
"Hey Jen, you're drunk! You may now get in."
I instructed her to stand on her own without any help from Pete, feeling my heart racing with a mix of emotions as I watched her successfully make it. Despite my inner turmoil, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride, between jealousy for what she did.
"Oh, sorry," she said, smiling. But she didn't look at me, instead, she gave a wink to Pete. What does it mean?
I frowned.