♥ Chapter 3 ♥
Hilary Moretti.
21:00: Moretti residence. - Italy.
Monday.
Since I arrived home, I've been restless. With nothing else on my agenda, I decided to assist my mother with preparing lunch. That task completed, my mind turned toward the job I was hoping to secure. Since walking through the door, I haven't been able to sit still for a moment. After lunch, I busied myself with cleaning the house, an activity my parents viewed with mild disapproval. But given my anxious state, tidying up seemed the only way to distract myself. Thus, I spent the entire afternoon searching for chores to do.
I laundered clothes, cleaned the house from top to bottom, tidied the bedrooms, and even ventured into the garden for a thorough clean-up. By evening, as I prepared dinner, my mother nearly scolded me for my inability to relax. She suggested I take a shower and unwind, perhaps watch something or even go out with friends to clear my mind. Initially, I was inclined to refuse, but Pietra's insistence wore me down. Reluctantly, I agreed; perhaps a night out was exactly what I needed to unwind.
"Are you ready? Matteo is already waiting for us downstairs," Pietra inquired as she entered my room.
Matteo is a cherished friend of ours; he's gay and married to Adrian, another friend. They've adopted two children whom I've often cared for while they worked. Pietra is married as well, she has a son, and I looked after him too.
Matteo, a man whose appearance belies his sexuality, often receives attention from women unaware of his orientation. He's tall, dark, somewhat muscular, with recently dyed gray hair and striking light blue eyes—a truly handsome man.
Today, they've left the children with their grandparents, and despite my initial reservations, their encouragement convinced me to join them.
I chose a short black dress with ruffles for the evening, complemented by petticoat shorts underneath to ensure comfort while dancing. Preferring comfort over style, I opted for low heels.
"Yes, I'm ready; let's go," I responded, grabbing my small bag containing only my cell phone, ID card, and some cash.
"You're looking too hot,," Pietra complimented, causing me to blush.
"Do you think so? Isn't it too short?" I asked, second-guessing my choice.
"It's perfect. You need to stop thinking that turning forty means you can't wear these kinds of clothes anymore. It looks great on you—nothing vulgar about it," she reassured me.
As I admired Pietra's outfit—a short jumpsuit with a deep V-neck—I couldn't help but compliment her as well. "You look very beautiful too, my friend. That outfit suits you perfectly," I said.
"Thanks; now let's go," she urged, taking my hand and leading me out of the room.
We carefully descended the stairs, finding Matteo waiting for us at the bottom.
"At last, the princesses decide to descend," Matteo joked, eliciting laughter from us. "You both look wonderful."
"Thank you," we chorused.
"And you look fantastic too, Matteo," I remarked, noting his dark jeans, white shirt, and dark leather jacket ensemble.
"I know; I always look fantastic," he replied with a wink.
Pietra laughed. "You're unbearable. Now, let's go, or we won't get in until one in the morning."
"Right, let's head out," I agreed. We left the house quietly, mindful of my parents who were already asleep, as they typically retire early.
Once in the car, with me in the back seat, Matteo ignited the engine.
"I've been looking forward to this; I've missed dancing. If my mother hadn't been away, I'd have brought David along," Pietra mentioned.
David, her husband, is a good man. Though I've never spoken to him directly, knowing he brings her happiness is all that matters to me.
"Next time, we'll make sure everyone can come," Matteo proposed.
"So I can just watch? Thanks, but no thanks," I joked, prompting laughter from both.
"We won't be glued to each other. But you have a point; I might end up sticking to him the whole party," Pietra mused.
"I'm the same, so it'll just be the three of us tonight. And who knows? Maybe our dear Lary will find someone special tonight," Matteo teased.
"You need to kiss at least five people," Pietra added, earning a look of disbelief from me.
"I just want to have fun and try to relax my mind; I'm not looking for anyone," I protested.
"Don't lie. We know you miss having someone—a partner. If a man shows interest in you, go for it, Lary. Enjoy tonight, because I know you'll dive back into work afterward," Pietra advised.
I sighed, knowing she was right. My work often consumed me, leaving little room for personal connections.
"Here's what we can do." I looked at Matteo. "If a man shows interest in you, go for it. Maybe you'll never see that man again; just enjoy it."
"Okay, I'll try. But it won't be easy," I admitted, their serious expressions prompting me to add, "Fine, I'll keep an open mind."
But internally, I doubted anyone would show interest. However, if the opportunity arose, I decided to embrace it, even if just for the night.
After Matteo parked the car, we were greeted by the loud music emanating from the club.
"Wow, it's been ages since I last went dancing; I'm really looking forward to it," Pietra exclaimed with excitement, grabbing both my and Matteo's hands. "Let's go!"
She led us toward the queue, and to my surprise, it was shorter than expected, with just a handful of people waiting.
"I thought it would be packed," Matteo remarked as we lined up.
"So did I. Looks like people arrived early," Pietra observed, her body already swaying to the rhythm of the music.
The line moved quickly, and soon it was our turn. We received our wristbands at the entrance and were informed we'd pay on our way out.
"Wow, it's packed!" Pietra had to raise her voice for us to hear her over the loud music.
"Yes!!!" I yelled back in agreement.
"Let's head to the bar!" Matteo suggested, and we made our way through the crowd, holding hands to avoid getting separated.
The club was bustling, barely leaving room to navigate. We managed to find a spot at the bar.
"It's really packed here," Matteo observed as we found a spot to sit.
"Yeah, I felt a few hands on my ass. Unbelievable," Pietra complained as she took a seat.
I took my seat as well.
"Good evening, what can I get for you?" The bartender turned to us. My friends quickly ordered alcoholic beverages.
"I'll have a non-alcoholic caipirinha, please," I requested. My friends gave me a puzzled look. "I need to stay sharp in case I get any work emails tomorrow. I can't afford a hangover."
"We'll let it slide this time," they teased, and I offered a grateful smile in return.
My drink arrived quickly, and I sipped it slowly, turning to watch the dance floor. The sight of an elderly lady dancing among the younger crowd brought a smile to my face, reminding me that age shouldn't dictate how we enjoy life. I realized I was being silly for feeling out of place among the younger patrons.
As I took in more of the club's atmosphere, I noticed a VIP area upstairs, obscured by dark glass, making it impossible to see who was inside.
"Let's dance, Lary. We didn't come here just to sit," Pietra urged, pulling me onto the dance floor.
Once there, Pietra and Matteo dove into the music with zest, while I hesitantly started to move. It had been years since I last found myself in such a setting.
"Come on, Lary! Shake it!" Pietra encouraged, but her words only made me feel more self-conscious.
"I'm embarrassed!" I admitted, raising my voice to be heard over the music.
"Just let loose! No one's judging you here. Everyone is too caught up in their own fun to notice," she reassured me.
With a deep breath, I decided to embrace the moment. Closing my eyes, I began to move more freely, allowing the rhythm to guide me. I danced more boldly than before, but when I opened my eyes, Pietra and Matteo were nowhere to be seen.
"Holy shit!" I muttered, scanning the crowded dance floor in a growing panic. "Where did they go?"