NEPO BBY

30

Upon entering my opulent abode, I was greeted by a sight that sent a pang of guilt through me. The once-immaculate living room was a testament to a night of revelry, with empty champagne glasses strewn about and cushions haphazardly tossed. In a panic, I set about cleaning up the mess. As I meticulously wiped down surfaces and straightened up furniture, I couldn't help but reflect on the events that had transpired earlier that evening. With time running out, I frantically searched for cleaning supplies and restored the living room to a semblance of order. While putting away the last dishes, I heard a faint tap at the door. My heart skipped a beat. It was so faint that I almost couldn't hear it. However, the kitchen was next to the front door, so I couldn't ignore it. I took a deep breath and opened the door, revealing Carmen standing before me.

Her eyes widened in surprise as she took in the disarray. "Oh my goodness," she exclaimed, "Did you throw a party in here?"

A wave of embarrassment washed over me. "I'm so sorry about the mess," I stammered. "I didn't have time to clean up before you arrived."

Carmen's expression softened. "Don't worry about it," she said with a smile. "It's actually a bit charming. It makes it feel like a real home."

Carmen and I sat outside on the balcony overlooking the vibrant Los Angeles city. The expanse of the metropolis lay before us, a breathtaking panorama that painted a thousand stories. The air was alive with the hum of distant traffic and the chatter of passersby, creating a harmonious symphony that soothed the soul. Carmen sat beside me, her eyes sparkling with awe and wonder as she looked down at the city in all its glory. The city stretched before us like a living, breathing entity, its myriad lights twinkling like a celestial tapestry.

"It's incredible," Carmen whispered, her voice filled with reverence. "Do you remember that night at that event when I went outside, and you followed me?"

"I didn't follow you!" I testified, "I needed air. And apparently, so did you."

She tried to hide her grin as she continued, "I told you that was one my favorite spots in LA...well, I've changed my mind. This is my favorite spot now."

Indeed, Los Angeles possessed an allure that transcended mere description. Its skyscrapers pierced the heavens like gleaming monoliths, while its sprawling suburbs spread like a patchwork quilt beneath the vast expanse of the sky. The towering palm trees swayed gently in the breeze, adding a touch of tropical elegance to the urban landscape.

"Well, I guess that's good for me because that means you'll want to come here more often," I said, smiling at her. "Would you like something to drink?" I asked.

A faint smile crossed her lips. "I'll take water, thank you."

I turned and made my way to the marble-topped bar inside the penthouse. I poured two glasses of sparkling water and carried them back to the balcony with deft precision. As I handed Carmen her glass, our fingers brushed against each other, sending a surge of electricity through my body. We raised our glasses in a silent toast to the beauty surrounding us. As we sipped our water, the city below seemed to come alive, its lights shimmering and dancing like a thousand fireflies.

"Have you ever had your heart broken?" Carmen asked me.

"Yeah, I replied.

"I thought you'd never been in love before. So, how have you had your heart broken before?" She continued.

"You don't have to have been in love to feel heartbreak," I told her.

"Well, I'm asking if a girl has ever broken your heart," she clarified.

"I guess not. Because I've never truly been in love, and as you so kindly stated - you can't have had your heart broken by a woman if a woman has never even stolen it," I said. "What about you? Have you ever had your heart broken?"

"No, I'd have to have a heart first," she laughed sarcastically, looking off into the distance.

"That's not true. You're lovely. And someone will be fortunate to have your heart someday," I told her. And I meant it.

"Thanks," she half smiled, "let's hope you're right."

"I'm always right," I confessed.

"I doubt that," she tested.

"Well, I've never heard anyone say anything bad about you," I assured her.

"Yet," she challenged, "Stick around, and you'll hear a thing or two."

As the night went on, Carmen continued to ask me questions. And I asked her questions, too. It was all very surface-level questions such as what would I be if I weren't an actor or if I could live anywhere in the world, where would I live. But Carmen never gave me much insight into her replies.

"Come on," I nudged her arm. "How am I supposed to get to know you when you're always so mysterious?"

Carmen tilted her head slightly, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of her mouth. She leaned in close, her dark eyes locking onto mine. "Maybe," she whispered, "the mystery is what makes me worth knowing." She pulled back with a coy smile, and I realized I had been holding my breath.

"Besides," she continued, her voice taking on a playful lilt, "where's the fun in laying all your cards on the table at once? Life's about the journey, not the destination."

I couldn't help but chuckle, partly out of nervousness and partly because I was beginning to see the allure of her enigmatic nature. "Fair enough," I conceded, "but can you at least give me a hint?"

"Okay," She agreed.

"Okay," I nodded happily. "Tell me a secret."

"A secret?" she repeated. I nodded yes. "Then it wouldn't be a secret."

I held her gaze, and finally, she gave in. "Fine. On one condition."

"There are conditions now?" I chuckled. "Okay, what is your condition?"

"For it to stay a secret, I can't say it in English," She told me. I frowned. "Quiero Besarte."

I raised an eyebrow, my limited high school Spanish failing me. "What does that mean?"

She smiled mysteriously, a blush creeping across her cheeks. "If I told you, it wouldn't be a secret anymore, would it?"

I felt my heart race, sensing the weight behind her words even if I couldn't understand them. How she looked at me, her eyes sparkling with mischief and something deeper, made me wish I'd paid more attention in Spanish class.

"Can you at least give me a hint?" I asked, leaning in closer.

She bit her lip, considering. "It's something I've wanted to do for a long time," she whispered. My mind raced with possibilities, each more thrilling than the last.