GIRLS' NIGHT
1183 Words
Clara's POV
Dinner was already waiting when I came downstairs.
I slowed the moment I reached the dining room, my steps instinctively cautious, like I was walking into something I didn’t quite understand yet.
The room was stunning. Tall windows framed the cold night outside, frost clinging faintly to the glass. A long wooden dining table stretched through the center of the room, dressed in soft linen, candles glowing low and warm. The fireplace crackled quietly against one wall, firelight dancing across polished floors and casting everything in a golden haze.
And then I saw him. Adrian wasn’t in a suit.
That alone nearly stopped me in my tracks.
He wore a dark sweatshirt layered over a casual grey sweatpant, the collar peeking out just enough to look intentional but effortless. His sleeves were pushed up, exposing his forearms, and his posture, while still composed, was looser, more relaxed than I’d ever seen him.
It felt refreshing to see him without his coporate amor, this was just Adrian.
I hated how much that did to me.
“Clara,” Benny said brightly, already seated beside a man, “Come sit.”
A maid stepped out and gently pulled out a chair, gesturing to me to sit.
The one beside Adrian.
My heart stuttered.
I sat, smoothing my dress, suddenly hyperaware of everything, from my breathing to my posture, even the fact that his arm rested close enough that I could feel warmth through the space between us.
Dinner began almost immediately.
It wasn’t just food. It was a spread.
Warm bread with whipped butter. Creamy mushroom soup that smelled earthy and rich. Plates of roasted lamb glazed in herbs, golden potatoes, grilled vegetables, and delicate sauces arranged like art. Every bite tasted slow, intentional, expensive in a way that made me quietly aware of how far I was from my normal life.
Conversation flowed easily, mostly thanks to Benny.
She talked with her hands, laughed loudly, teased the man beside her, i'm guessing tthats her husband, affectionately. He responded in soft smiles and dry humor, clearly used to her energy.
Adrian spoke less, but when he did, we listened.
Halfway through dinner, Benny turned toher husband, eyes lighting up.
“Oh! I don’t think I actually introduced you two properly.”
She looked at me.
“Clara, this is my husband, Felix.” she said placing her hand on hid while smiling brightly, then she turned to her husband.
“Felix, this is Clara. Adrian’s friend.”
Friend.
The word hit me so hard I forgot how to swallow.
I froze, fork hovering midair.
Friend?
I glanced at Adrian without thinking.
He didn’t react.
Didn’t correct her. He didn’t even look surprised.
He simply lifted his glass and took a calm sip of wine, like nothing unusual had just happened.
My chest tightened.
Felix smiled warmly at me.
“It’s really nice to finally meet you, Clara. I’ve heard your name come up quite a bit.”
“Oh um, nice to meet you too,” I said, forcing a smile.
The rest of dinner passed in a strange blur.
I learned their grandmother would be joining them on Friday.
“She never misses these yearly vacations,” Benny said. “Even if she complains all the time.”
Apparently, this was the first time in five years Adrian had joined them.
“He owns the villas,” Benny added, rolling her eyes playfully, “but somehow never has time to actually enjoy them.”
Felix chuckled. “And this,” he said lightly, nodding toward me, “is the first time Adrian’s brought a guest.”
Guest.
My stomach flipped again.
Adrian still said nothing.
By the time dessert arrived, warm chocolate cake with vanilla cream, I felt full, warm, and emotionally overstimulated in a way I couldn’t explain.
I fully intended to excuse myself.
I was tired. My head was spinning. I needed space, but Benny wasn’t having it.
“Nope,” she said immediately when I shifted in my seat to get up. “You’re staying and we're having a girls’ night.”
She grinned. “And I promise not to get you too drunk like the last time.” adding a wink for extra effect.
The words sent heat rushing to my face.
Before I could stop myself, I glanced at Adrian.
He smirked, but it was gone as soon as it came.
Like he caught himself halfway through.
The image of that picture I’d sent him flashed through my mind so vividly I nearly groaned.
Felix stood first. “We’ll give you ladies some space.”
Adrian followed, slipping his hands into his pockets. His eyes met mine briefly.
“Enjoy your night,” he said.
Then he turned and walked out with Felix, the room suddenly felt lighter, louder and easier to breathe in.
The movie room was cozy but deep couches, soft lighting, plush throws. There was warmth from the lamps and quiet hum of comfort.
The maids appeared as if summoned with wine glasses and popcorn bowls.
A Christmas movie started playing, snow falling dramatically on the screen.
“I know it’s not really Christmas yet,” Benny said, settling in, “but we can never go wrong with a good Christmas movie.”
I laughed softly. “I won’t argue with that.”
Conversation flowed naturally after that.
She asked me questions, my age, my life, relationships, working for Adrian and i replied quite honestly.
“I'm twenty-three. I went to college in Colorado. I have a tabby cat named Tabby and I don’t like dogs.”
She gasped dramatically. “Adrian absolutely hates dogs, growing up, i loved them.”
I told her I’d worked for Adrian for two years. That I liked my job and I preferred not to talk about my ex.
She didn’t push.
She told me about herself, how she married young, he was ten years older than her but she loved him regardless, they choose travelling over settling down immediately, they wanted to see the world while they could and for the past three years they did just that.
“For three years, we only got see Grandma once a year,” she said. “during these vacations, but, Adrian always had an excuse.”
The wine softened the edges of everything.
The movie blurred. Laughter came easier. My shoulders relaxed and for the first time in days, i forgot all about that text.
And then,
Nothing.
I woke up in my bed.
Tucked in, the curtains were drawn. My head felt heavy but not aching.
I stared at the ceiling, confused.
How did I get here? What happened last night?
The last thing I remembered was sitting in the movie room with Benny, laughing, feeling light and safe.
I turned my head slowly.
There was no one on the bed with me but the sheets were rumpled like someone had slept there.
The villa was quiet and i had a lingering sense that something had happened, something important.
Even if I couldn’t remember it yet.
- Writer
