Dennis had spent the past few minutes making his way through the crowd, chatting with various guests, but his mind kept drifting back to the woman he had met earlier. Amara.
"You are naughty," Teni spoke unreservedly to Amara as they both laughed it out.
"Remember, you are my best friend," Amara responded with humor.
"And what does that mean?" Teni asked in curiosity.
"It means we... We are both naughty. "Teni seriously laughed at that.
There is chit-chat continued. Also, Dennis is still walking around in the room; he notices Amara and Teni where they are and the way they have been having fun gisting.
Dennis had never seen Amara so carefree, her usual reserved expression replaced with an easy smile. He sees Amara in a new light with Teni; it is as though the atmosphere of the party has brought her out of their shell.
"What did you say to him?" Teni asked, jokingly.
Amara adjusted herself, her hand gesturing dramatically. "Well, I just told him I was auditioning for the role of 'Distracted Guest Number One.' And he bought it!"
Teni burst into laughter "No way! You didn't say that to him?"
"Of course I did; you are doubting; maybe we should go and ask him for confirmation?"
"I said it you are naughty". You can't just be serious Teni laughed uncontrollably as she responded to her.
"I can't believe you, actually; the Amara I know can't say much."
Amara said in humor, "He approached me like he wanted to hand a job as his personal assistant or something. I mean, who does that?".
Dennis couldn't resist the sound of their laughter anymore. He moved closer to them. There was so much ease in the way Amara cracked her joke; her words were light, respectful, and with much intelligence.
"All right, I agree with you, Teni; I agreed with you too, Amara," Dennis said in humor.
Amara was shocked to have seen Dennis around again; Teni gave Dennis a teasing smile and welcomed him.
"You've been eavesdropping, haven't you?" Teni said jokingly, "Are you sure you're not just trying to hear more of Amara's secret talents?"
"Oh! You got me right. Caught red-handed, I guess. You too are hilarious" Dennis said in admiration.
"We weren't... I mean, we were just joking." Amara couldn't help the smile from spreading over her face.
"Oh, I know," Dennis replied, stepping closer with a warm smile. "I overheard enough to know you've got a pretty sharp sense of humor."
Amara looked up at him, unsure of how to respond. "I guess I just try to make the best of things."
Teni chimed in, "Sitting here is a hilarious award winner. Amara's jokes are the highlight of every event. She doesn't let anything slip by without adding her opinion to it."
"I can see that. There's something about you, Amara. You have a way of turning a moment into something... memorable." Dennis said, affirmatively.
Amara's heart begins to beat faster; she has not expected such attention from Dennis. Even though Dennis had been kind to her earlier, hearing such a compliment from him made her feel different.
"I don't know what you are saying; I just do my things and say whatever comes to my mind," Amara's voice was low.
"Yeah, that is it, that is the uniqueness. You are not trying to force it. It's natural. And you are not faking it too to impress anyone."
Amara becomes uncomfortable head such praise and compliments. She is not used to being the center of attention in moments like this.
Teni, sensing the slight shift in Amara's mood, nudged her playfully. "See, I told you. You're a natural comedian."
Dennis smiled at the interaction, seeing the playful dynamic between the two friends. There was an ease between them, a comfort that made it clear how close they were.
Dennis looked between the two of them and asked, "How does someone like Amara end up at a fancy party like this? I can't imagine you a regular at this"
Amara blushed; she glanced at her friend, Teni. "I am not; she drags me along. I wasn't sure I wanted to be here at all. Few minutes to the time, she still stood on my neck persuading me to follow her".
Teni smiled "She hesitated. I had to practically force her to get dressed. You know the kind of persuasion you give to a baby."
Amara shook her head, "It's true. I don't usually do well with these kinds of parties. But I my not a baby in the first place?"
"I get it. It's not everyone's scene. But I'm glad you came. And actually, you are a baby girl," Dennis said in humor.
Amara's face blushed again, but this time, it was more out of humor than embarrassment. "I'll take that as a compliment, I guess."
"Oh, it is," Dennis said, his eyes locked with Amara's for a moment. "You've got a way of making things more... interesting. You are fun to be with"
Teni gave him a confirmation smile. "Amara's got it, she can bring out the best form scenes"
Dennis couldn't help but smile back.
"Well, I'm glad I got to meet you, Amara. It's rare to find someone who can make a party more entertaining just by being real, without presence."
"Thank you," she finally said, her voice soft but genuine. "I appreciate that."
"I think you two should grab a drink and make the most of this night. Who knows? Maybe the next party won't be so bad." Teni said sarcastically.
"What do you think about that? Want to make this night more memorable?" Dennis asked in curiosity.
Amara laughed softly. "I guess we could. And as a matter of fact, I can't forget this party in a hurry".
"You should thank me for dragging you to come," Teni said in expectation.
They both laughed; the tension had drastically reduced in Amara's mind. They continued the conversation as they headed to the bar for drinks.