In The Name of Love

Chapter 5

"Stop texting him, Valeria."

"I wasn't."

"Sure" Silvia says, rolling her eyes. "Besides, isn't he playing tonight?"

"He is, but the game hasn't started yet. I sent him a good luck text and was just checking if he had seen it." But he hadn't. It was still unread, like all the other texts I've sent him during the past couple of days. "I'm such an idiot, Silvia."

"Yes, you are" she says.

"This was supposed to be just sex, something fun. You yourself said it. Why has it gotten so... complicated?"

"Love works in mysterious ways" she shrugs.

"I don't love him" I laugh.

"But you've definitely caught feelings. And so has he."

"Valeria, Silvia!" Marc says as he walks towards us. "Thank you very much for coming."

"Of course" she smiles. "And congratulations."

"Thank you" Marc says. "Are you alright, Valeria?"

"Uh?"

"You look a bit... worried. Stunning, but worried. Do you have trouble with a kid or something?"

"Ha!" I snort. "Sorry, sorry. But yes, something like that."

"I'm sure you'll be able to fix it" Marc smiles.

"Let's hope so."

"Marc! There you are!"

"Oh, hello, love" he says, wrapping his arm around Isabel's waist. "I was just talking with Valeria and Silvia."

"Hello" Isabel says with her usual fake smile while looking at me from head to toe. "Nice dress, Valeria."

"Thank you."

"It looks expensive. How can a public school teacher like you afford it? Did you find a sugar daddy or something?" she laughs.

"You are so funny" I say, trying really hard not to roll my eyes and tell her that she is the one who found one. Because Marc comes from a very wealthy family and is currently working for one of the most important banks in the country. Meanwhile, she tries to become an influencer. Though so far, not even the cheapest brands have wanted to work with her.

"How is Pau doing?" Marc asks Silvia, trying to change the topic of conversation.

"Oh, he's great. Currently in England working on some new piece for the car or something. He tells me but I always forget" she says.

"Isn't that supposed to be super secret? He works for one of the most important Formula 1 teams."

"Yeah, but he knows that when he talks about those things I don't pay attention because I don't understand a word, so it's ok" she shrugs.

"What about you, Valeria? Have you finally found a boyfriend? You are the only one from our group who still is single" Isabel says with a twisted smile.

"I'm actually seeing someone."

"Are you?" she laughs. "Who?"

"Someone."

"Oh, c'mon, Valeria. You don't have to lie if you are still alone. It's sad, but it's ok."

"Isa..." Marc says.

"What?" she replies with an innocent smile.

"I'm gonna go get myself a drink" I say after counting to ten to stop me from punching her in front of everyone.