Best Mistake ︱Pedri González

6

Luciana's POV

The apartment felt oddly empty without Dante. He had flown out to Milan for a business meeting, a trip that would keep him away for about two weeks. It wasn't that I minded the solitude entirely—I cherished my own space at times—but this time it felt different. Maybe it was the quiet of the apartment, or the fact that I had so much time on my hands that I wasn't sure what to do with.

I wandered through the apartment, tidying up and making sure everything was in its place, trying to keep myself busy. It was during one of these idle moments that I realized I didn't want to spend the next two weeks alone. I missed the camaraderie and connection that came with having friends around.

So, I decided to invite Mikky and Valeria over. They were always up for some fun, and I thought their company would be just the thing to lift my spirits. I shot off a quick text to both of them.

Luciana: Hey Mikky, Valeria! Dante's away on a business trip for the next two weeks, and I'm feeling a bit lonely. How about coming over tonight? We could catch up and maybe grab dinner together.

Mikky: Sounds great! I could use a night out. What do you have in mind?

Valeria: I'm in! Let's definitely do dinner. Any particular place you're thinking of?

Luciana: There's a new restaurant that just opened downtown. I've heard good things about it. Let's try that!

Mikky: Perfect! See you soon.

Valeria: Can't wait!

When Mikky and Valeria arrived, I greeted them with a warm hug and led them into the living room. We settled onto the couch, chatting about everything and nothing as we caught up on each other's lives.

"How's everything going with Frenkie?" I asked Mikky, handing her a cup of tea.

She grinned. "Oh, you know, the usual. He's been busy with football lately, but we've been making time for each other. And speaking of making time, I'm so glad we're doing this tonight. I've missed hanging out with you guys."

Valeria nodded in agreement. "Definitely. It's nice to get out of the house and have a bit of fun. Work's been crazy, and I think we all could use a little break."

We chatted for a while, catching up on the latest gossip, work stories, and personal stuff. The apartment filled with laughter and conversation, and I felt a bit of the loneliness lift as we enjoyed each other's company.

When it was time to head out, we made our way to the new restaurant. The place was bustling with activity, its modern decor and lively atmosphere a perfect backdrop for our evening out. We were seated at a cozy table by the window, and the menu looked promising.

As we settled in, Mikky took charge of ordering. "Let's get a few appetizers to start—some bruschetta, maybe calamari? And we definitely need to try their specialty pasta."

Valeria nodded eagerly. "I'm all in for the pasta. And don't forget the wine. I think we deserve a little indulgence."

We placed our order and continued chatting, the conversation flowing easily. I enjoyed the feeling of being surrounded by friends, the warmth of their presence making the apartment's emptiness seem like a distant memory.

"So, Luciana," Valeria said, taking a sip of her wine, "how are you holding up with Dante away?"

I shrugged, trying to sound casual. "It's been quiet. I've been keeping busy with work and trying to make the most of the time alone. But it's nice to have you guys here. It feels less lonely."

Mikky reached across the table, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. "We're here for you. Plus, we'll make sure you have a good time tonight. No more feeling lonely."

As we dug into our appetizers and enjoyed the main courses, the conversation continued to flow. We laughed about old memories, shared stories from our recent experiences, and talked about our plans for the future. It was exactly the kind of distraction I needed.

By the time dessert arrived, I was genuinely content. The evening had been a perfect mix of good food, great company, and plenty of laughter. As we finished our meal and prepared to head back, I felt a renewed sense of connection and appreciation for the friendships I had.

Walking back to the apartment with Mikky and Valeria, I felt grateful for their presence. The apartment might have felt empty earlier, but tonight it was filled with the joy of shared moments. Even with Dante away, I realized that I didn't have to face the quiet alone. I had friends who were more than willing to fill the void.

We said our goodbyes, promising to do this again soon, and I headed inside, feeling a sense of fulfillment. The solitude that had felt so overwhelming before now seemed like a space I could navigate with a bit more ease, knowing that I wasn't entirely alone.