In the spotlight

20

Sofia Christensen

Different kinds of people greeted us after every step we took through the main hall, with our hands intertwined. Familiar models, actors, and singers stopped me while star players from European football clubs and even from the NBA or NFL did the same to Matteo.

"I gotta say a toast; I will catch you later." I leaned closer to his body as he was talking to a member of the Portugese national squad and his girlfriend between a smaller group of people. He snapped his head toward me and nodded with a smile on his face, letting my hand go slowly.

Plain cold took his hand's place, and I was already thinking about the time when I could return to him once more. But duty calls as one of the hosts, and I could already see Adriana talking to the DJ next to his desk, where everybody could see us clearly from the dance floor.

I stepped up next to him on the other side as we greeted each other with kisses, like we usually do anytime we're hosting a party. Christian always accepted every request we put in front of him eagerly, which was huge luck for us since he makes the best party music.

The dance floor started to quiet down a little, and tens of curious eyes followed our movements near the desk as Christian lowered the music's audio levels. Adriana put two small shot glasses in front of me before I could grab the tequila bottle we prepared there previously and poured three shots for me, Adri, and our beloved DJ.

While she scattered the salt on top of our hands, I turned to the guests above me. By this time, all of them had gathered on the dance floor with the help of Xavier. I cleared my throat audibly to attract their attention before collecting my own thoughts.

"Hi everyone! Thank you all for coming. Oh god damn, I haven't seen so many people since the fashion week after party." I scanned the crowd with my eyes as loud laughter filled the room around us.

"Don't worry, we are here to party tonight." Adriana added in her own style, which made them louder; even I had to join them. That night of silence and depressed mood left a deep mark on all of us, I see.

"We hope that you are going to enjoy yourselves, and don't forget to gather outside before midnight to see the surprise we planned." A wide smile stretched across my face upon hearing everyone cheer in front of me, and I raised my tequila shot in the air, waiting for everyone else to do the same.

"All right then, DJ, you know the drill." I turned my head backwards to see his acknowledging nod, slowly turning the music up.

"Dlya zdorov'ya!" (For good health), I cheered in Russian like I would usually do, before lifting my fist up to my face and licking the salt from it. I quickly downed the shot in my other hand, feeling the strong alcohol burning all the way down to my stomach, leaving a warm feeling behind. I grabbed a slice of lemon from the DJ's desk and bit into it, turning back from the crowd as people were already dancing to the loud music blasting through the hall.

We left the podium with my best friend, separating around the middle of the dance floor as she headed towards her Chilean friends while I just wanted to get back to Matteo. I was searching after him frantically until I could spot his familiar haircut, and he had his back to me while talking to a group of football players near the kitchen.

"Hi Sofia!" I saw Vini waving at me as I neared the group, which caused everyone to turn to me. I greeted my newest football friend with kisses again before going around and introducing myself to everyone. Most of them arrived from European clubs, but American football and hockey players joined them with their girlfriends. Once I finished with the introductions, I occupied the free space right next to Matteo again.