I will fill your Days with Life

06. I feel like taking a bath

Baikal is one of the most beautiful cities on the Trans-Siberian route and at night it was even more incredible. One of its greatest assets is the lake of the same name, known as the largest freshwater water lake in the world. The one we just crossed to reach the downtown area where all the clubs were located.

Apparently, none of the bars seemed any better than the others.

"If you take me to a club with this kind of music, I'm afraid you'll be dancing by yourself!" I hastened to say while listening to the style of music pumping from the bar.

"Let me guess... The lady only likes Latin music, right?"

"Well, I am Mexican morrita! This music, apart from giving me a headache, has nothing sensual about it and I cannot dance to it."

The moment I see her mischievous smile, something inside me flutters, I feel a kind of panic, because I know she will say something to embarrass me and I cannot stop myself from blushing like a tomato.

"Then let's look for Latin music!" She said quickly and somewhat excited, managing to surprise me.

Within minutes we found a club where the music was more our style and we decided to go inside.

The atmosphere seemed to be pleasant and relaxed, but the charm was lost the moment a group of men turned to gawk at us as we walked through the door. Why would that bother me? It should be the opposite, right?

Well, the truth is I did not like it at all, but Valentina did not seem to notice. So, without giving them any more importance, I followed her through the crowd as we made our way to the bar.

"Two tequilas!!" She yelled at the bartender when she got his attention.

"Tequila? Okay, you do want to start strong!"

"We have to warm up Juls! You can have a beer afterwards if you want."

"Oh my, thank you very much for your permission!" I said wryly.

After poking my side in response and earning a laugh from me, the bartender appeared serving us two shots of tequila accompanied by a saltshaker and a few lemon wedges on a small plate. She raised her glass slightly in toast encouraging me to do the same.

"To life, that put you in my path at just the right time."

My heart did not quite agree with her bittersweet statement. If I were given a choice, I would have chosen to meet her much earlier so I could enjoy spending much more time with her.

The joy her bright eyes radiated at this moment made any fear, anguish or doubt disappear automatically, and instead transformed it into peace and happiness. This was all the convincing I needed to thank life for allowing me to meet this wonderful woman and for having her here in front of me at this very moment.

So, with a sincere smile, I copied her gesture clinking glasses, before continuing with the 'Salt-Drink-Lemon' ritual.

The tequila slid down my throat, burning every inch on its way.

"Too strong for you?" She asked mockingly when she saw the look on my face.

"I just have to get used to it! Again, I will tell you... You don't know who you're talking to!"

"And again, I'll answer... I'm dying to find out!"

Her bright gaze remained focused on me in that challenging way. After a few seconds, my pride took over my brain, which had recently decided to take a vacation.

"Two more tequilas!!" I yelled at the bartender feeling Valentina's gaze on me.

"This is going to be fun!"