Chapter 2 Without my confirmation

staying for lunch? - Of course. - Are you sure you're not pregnant? You eat for two. - I'm in a growth spurt. I laughed at his joke. - Do you think you'll grow any more than that at 25? - Hope is like a lit candle. - Then let me blow it out. - I blew in his face. - Clown! Did you read my messages? I sent the party address, all your friends will be there. - You're not going to leave me alone, are you? - No. I've already talked to the girls about staying with Ayra. You just have to pay a bonus. - Without my confirmation? - You always say no and go. When Ayra came back, we sat down at the table and had lunch, listening to her repeatedly ask to go to the park. We agreed to go on the weekend, even though she didn't like it. I spent the rest of the afternoon with my guests from Barcelona; I was sure we would do business. At night, I went home feeling tired, my peace was a lively five-year-old waiting for me in the living room. Ayra was watching, she didn't see me coming in. I left my briefcase on the floor, took off my shoes, and closed her eyes with my hands. "Can you guess who it is?" "DADDY!" I tickled her belly, making her roll over on the couch. I was surprised by a hug, making me lay my head on her belly. She caressed my face and hair. Her sweet smell brought me peace, meaning, and made me sure I was right in raising my daughter. "How is my diamond?" "I miss you." "Didn't I miss you?" "Play with me, daddy." "Of course. What do you want to play with?" - Paint. - At this time, daughter? - Please. - Okay, let's play with your paints then. We went to the playroom, two canvases were already ready, I pretended she hadn't planned this. It was her favorite game, paints and messes. - What are we going to paint? - I asked, taking off my shirt. - A heart. I was good at drawings, buildings, houses, bridges, constructions... not with hearts or dolls. But for her I would do anything, even a deformed heart. - What do you think of mine? - I asked proudly, because I had tried really hard. She looked at me, putting her hands on her chin, thoughtful, she looked like an adult, I pulled her by the arm and hugged her, enjoying her laughter. - It's ugly, daddy. - How dare you talk about my heart? It's the most beautiful heart. - Mine. - Yours isn't so pretty either. - Yes, it is. - It's missing one little thing. I put yellow paint on what she said was a heart. Ayra still didn't know how to do these things on her own, just scribbles. She painted the heart I drew blue and then it became a war. I heard my cell phone ring, it was Ivy calling me for the third time. "Hi, Ivy." "Auntie! Show my heart to Auntie, daddy," Ayra said, distracting me. "What are you doing? Are you home yet?" "We're making hearts with her paints." "How cute! Send me a picture. Coming back to reality, I called three times. Are you coming to the party?" "I don't know." "Your friends are already here." "I'm going to have dinner with Ayra." "Okay, you can come when you're done." "Why do you insist so much?" "Because I love you. See you later, brother." I hung up. We continued playing until dinner time. We took a bath, had dinner, did some homework, and I put her to bed. "Daddy." "Hi, daughter." - Are you playing with me again? - she said sleepily. - I promise we'll play more often. I stayed by her side, stroking her hair until she fell asleep. When I heard her snoring, yes, my diamond snores. I went to my room and got ready quickly to go to the damn party. Before leaving, I told Ivy that I was leaving. Only then did I see the countless calls from my friends and some videos of them drinking. While my driver drove, since I'm drinking and can't drive, I answered the messages and watched the videos once more, this time noticing the women who were there. When we arrived, my name had already been announced at the building's reception. The apartment was on the top floor of the penthouse. I could already imagine what this party was like. I went up in the elevator and told Ivy that I was already at the door. When the door opened, I heard loud music and the screams of the women dancing. - You're finally here. - Don't invite me to these parties anymore. - You've just arrived and you already think it's bad? Get rid of that ugly face. You'll scare the women. I made a face at her. My friends called me after Ivy, I greeted them and greeted the women who were close to us. When I started drinking, Ivy called me and approached with two friends. - Miguel, this is Giselle and Agatha, they are new in Seattle, girls, this is my brother Miguel. - Nice to meet you. - I greeted them looking at Ivy, who was having fun with this. Romeo brought more drinks, after serving us, he hugged Agatha around the waist and kissed her. - So I'm the last to know that Romeo is dating? - I asked ironically. - I'm not dating yet, let's just say she's difficult. - he said, being pushed by Agatha. - Not at all, your friend is worthless and I'm not looking for a relationship - Agatha asked. - Miguel, you're the most serious of the group, give me a hand. - Romeo looked like a puppy asking for something. - Let's hear your defense. - Agatha said, making everyone look at me, waiting for my answer. - You didn't do it, Romeo. - I grumbled, I wanted to hit him. - Everyone knows you don't want anything serious with anyone, Romeo. Let's drink and dance, Agatha won't fall for your trick. - Ivy said, pushing us to the center of the room, where the girls were. Chapter 3 We got so crazy that we turned the room into a rave, it was amazing how I relaxed in such a short time, and it wasn't just because of the drinks. Even though I was a serious man, I had fun in my own way, I wasn't as crazy as my group, but I knew how to have fun. I went to the balcony to light a cigarette, but I ended up running into Agatha, which made me turn back. - Hey! I don't bite. - But I can bite. She looked at me with doubt and risk in her eyes, we stood there looking at each other and then smiled. - You can stay, I'll leave. - she said. - No, you were there first, I just need a place for it. - I raised the cigarette. - Oh, so that's it? I don't mind, you can smoke." "Are you sure?" "Sure." I joined her and, after lighting the cigarette, we sat looking at the view. "Why are you here?" I asked. "I think I'm drunk, which I shouldn't be, I have an interview at 8:00." "Good luck, you're going to need it." "Thanks." "What were you doing before you came to Seattle?" "Do you really want to talk about it?" "No." We laughed again, she seemed amused, maybe because she was drunk, but at that moment, who wasn't? "What's going on with you and Romeo?" "Nothing serious, thank God, he's not the right person." "He's a jerk, but he's a good friend." I said, watching Romeo kissing Giselle. "He is. When I arrived in Seattle, he was the first person I met, he ran me over, to put it mildly." "It wasn't the welcome you were expecting, was it?" "Not at all. I've known Kalie since we were kids, but we drifted apart when she came to live here. I needed to change my life, especially to get away from some people, so I'm staying here for now. - You