Unexpected summer

•Nightlife•

L O R E N Z O

I stood in front of the mirror, running a hand through my hair, trying to tame the way it fell across my forehead. It was just a night out, something we did often, but tonight felt different. Tonight, I wanted to make Sofia feel special. The thought of her smiling, her eyes lighting up when she saw me—yeah, that was worth putting in some effort.

I slipped on a fitted black shirt that accentuated my shoulders and biceps, then paired it with dark jeans. I took a moment to dab on my best aftershave, a scent that I knew drove the ladies crazy. But as I caught my reflection, a sudden rush of doubt hit me. What if she didn't like the necklace? I'd gone with gold, thinking it would be a safe choice, but maybe she preferred silver. I cursed under my breath, trying to shove the anxiety away. It was just a necklace, right?

I grabbed my phone and checked the time—no need to be late. I headed downstairs, where I could hear the low hum of chatter. The atmosphere was relaxed, but I felt a tightness in my chest, a mix of excitement and nerves. I joined the small gathering in the living room: Giovani, Sofia, Amelia, and Bella from work, who I'd invited to help Sofia expand her circle of friends.

"Hey, everyone!" I said, pouring myself a drink. The ice clinked against the glass, the sound almost drowning out my thoughts. We all raised our glasses, and I found myself staring at Sofia. She looked stunning, the pink dress she wore hugging her curves just right, and the necklace I'd given her glittered around her neck like it was made just for her. My heart did this stupid little flip.

"To Sofia!" Giovani called, his voice filled with genuine warmth. "Happy birthday!"

We cheered, and Sofia beamed, her happiness infectious. I couldn't help but smile back at her, feeling lighter than I had all week. She caught my gaze, and for a moment, everything else faded away. It was just the two of us, and I wished we were somewhere private, just talking, just being.

"Ready to hit the club?" Giovani asked, breaking the spell.

"Absolutely!" Sofia exclaimed, excitement radiating from her.

As we all headed out, the cool night air hit my face, and I couldn't help but feel like tonight was going to be something special.

_______

The club was packed, the lights flashing in time with the music, the bass vibrating through the floor. Everyone immediately made a beeline for the dance floor, the energy contagious. But Sofia lingered behind, pulling me to the side just as I was about to follow.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice soft but sincere. "It's so beautiful, and I'm so glad you know I prefer gold."

Her words made my heart skip a beat. I hadn't really thought about it that much. I just picked what felt right. But hearing her say that, with that smile that lit up her face, made me realize something I wasn't ready to admit yet. Why did I care so much? I had never been this affected by a girl before. The girls I usually entertained were temporary, a distraction, nothing serious. One-night stands, or maybe a week at most. But Sofia? She was different. I couldn't put my finger on it, but my mind was spinning, trying to make sense of it.

"I'm glad you like it," I muttered, feeling awkward all of a sudden. I cleared my throat, deciding I needed a minute to figure myself out.

"I'm going to sit this one out," I said, trying to mask the confusion in my voice. "Maybe I'll join later."

Sofia nodded, her eyes still sparkling with gratitude. As she turned back to join the others on the dance floor, I couldn't help but watch her go, the sway of her hips drawing my eyes for just a second too long.

A few moments later, I felt a presence beside me. I looked up, only to see Amelia stumbling toward me, her smile a little too wide and her movements a little too wobbly.

"Hey, Lonnie boy," she said, slurring just a little as she leaned in. "You better treat my best friend right, or I'll take you down, you hear me?"

The nickname hit me like a shot to the chest. *Lonnie.* The first time Sofia had called me that, it had felt so foreign, so unexpected. But now? Now, it made my pulse quicken in a way I didn't fully understand.

I gave Amelia a sidelong glance, trying to mask my thoughts. "What, you're already drunk?" I teased, trying to play it cool, even though a tight knot had formed in my stomach.

She grinned, a bit too enthusiastically. "Not yet, but give me another drink and I'll be gone. You better treat her well, though, Lonnie, or I'll make your life miserable. Promise."

I chuckled, though it was a little strained. "Just keep this quiet, alright? Giovanni doesn't know about... well, you know." I gave her a pointed look.

Amelia nodded solemnly, though I could tell she was far too tipsy to take me seriously. "Your secret's safe with me," she slurred, giving me a wink. "But only for now."

I shook my head, letting out a small laugh. "You're a handful, you know that?"

"That's why you love me," she said with a mischievous grin, before stumbling back to join the others.

I took a deep breath, trying to push down the feeling in my chest. Why did I feel so... rattled? I was never like this.

With a final sigh, I headed toward the dance floor, telling myself it was just a moment of weakness. I joined the others, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I didn't care about anything else. The music, the lights, the heat of the crowd—it all felt like a release, a way to forget.

I watched Sofia as she laughed, her movements fluid and effortless, looking like she belonged in a dream. I couldn't tear my eyes away from her, even as she twirled around with the other girls. She looked like a Barbie doll, perfect and untouchable, and yet somehow, she felt like she was mine to admire, even if I didn't deserve her.

For the first time in my life, I felt free. And it scared me more than I wanted to admit.

*****

WHAT DO YOU ALL THINK OF THIS NEW SIDE OF LONNIE BOY?
I THINK ITS SOOO CUTE AHHHHH