The sound of the water in the pool was soothing, but Sack barely noticed it. He was sitting on one of the deckchairs in the huge back garden of Daniel's house, staring blankly into the clear sky. The house, a modern-design mansion with giant windows and furniture that looked like something out of a magazine, had always seemed excessive, although she could not deny that Daniel knew how to enjoy his privilege.
"So?" What are you saying? Daniel's voice brought him out of his thoughts. His friend was standing tableside with a drink in his hand, watching him with a mixture of excitement and frustration.
"What are you talking about?" Sack asked, blinking back to reality.
"From the party, man. I've told you about three times. This weekend. It's going to be great.
Sack sighed, running a hand through his messy hair.
"I'm not sure, Daniel. I'm not in the mood for parties right now.
Daniel slumped down on the deckchair next to him with a dramatic gesture, as if he was exhausted by Sack's attitude.
—You always say the same thing, and then you get stuck in your house with your dark thoughts and depressing indie music. You need to go out, socialize a little.
"It's not that..." Sack began to answer, but Daniel interrupted him.
"Yes, it is. I know you, Sack. And this is not just any party. It's my girlfriend, Charlotte, who organizes it. He's turning nineteen, and he's putting on something spectacular. If you don't come, he's going to kill me. Well, not literally, but you know what it's like when he gets angry.
Sack frowned, processing what he had just heard.
"Your girlfriend?" How long have you had a girlfriend?
Daniel smiled broadly, clearly enjoying the surprise.
"For a couple of weeks. I hadn't mentioned it to you because, well, we haven't had as many opportunities to talk as we used to. But yes, Charlotte and I are together. It's incredible, you're going to like it great.
Sack couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
"Charlotte?" The same Charlotte who throws parties like they're red carpet events?
Daniel laughed, shrugging his shoulders.
"The same. But that's part of its charm, don't you think? He likes to do things in a big way, and this party is not going to be the exception. There will be great music, amazing food, and, of course, interesting people. Come on, Sack, you might even meet someone.
Sack rolled his eyes, though a slight smile appeared on his face for a moment.
"I'm not looking to meet anyone, Daniel.
"You don't have to look for anything. Just come, relax and have a good time. I'm serious, it'll be great. Also, I need my best friend there to give me moral support. What are you saying?
Sack thought about it for a moment. The idea of facing a bunch of strangers at a party wasn't exactly appealing, but I didn't want to disappoint Daniel either.
"I don't promise anything, but I'll think about it," he finally replied.
Daniel gave her a friendly push on the shoulder, grinning from ear to ear.
"I knew you'd say yes. And don't worry, Sack, I assure you that this party is going to be different. Maybe it's just what you need.
Sack nodded, though he wasn't entirely convinced. For now, he preferred not to think too much about it.
The weekend came faster than Sack had anticipated. He donned a dark shirt and jeans, an outfit he didn't care too much about as long as it was functional. He drove toward Charlotte's mansion with no expectations, his thoughts on autopilot as the radio played a soft melody he barely heard.
When he reached the entrance, he looked disdainfully at the lights that illuminated the imposing façade of the house. It was ridiculous, he thought. It felt more like a gala event than just a birthday party. There was a line of luxury cars waiting to be parked by the staff, and although his Mercedes-Benz was modest in comparison, he didn't fail to notice a few curious looks.
A valet approached when Sack turned off the engine.
"Good evening, sir. Do you want me to park your car?
"Yes, of course," he replied indifferently, handing over the keys as he watched the scene with a bored air.
He adjusted the sleeves of his shirt without haste, more out of habit than concern for his appearance. With his hands in his pockets, he headed for the front door. The sound of music and laughter increased with each step, but Sack barely flinched. Two hostesses with lists in hand stopped him when he arrived.
"His name?" One of them asked with a professional smile.
"Sack," he replied laconically.
After a quick glance at the list, the woman nodded and let it pass. The interior of the mansion did not impress him as much as he would have expected. It was more ostentatious than cozy, with high ceilings, modern chandeliers, and tables full of gourmet snacks I didn't plan to try.
He walked around the place with his usual distant air, looking for Daniel with his eyes. He found him near the bar, surrounded by people who seemed to share his enthusiasm for the evening. Sack slowly pushed his way in, in no hurry to join.
"Sack!" Daniel exclaimed when he saw him. I knew you were coming! Come, I want to introduce you to some friends.
Sack forced a smile and nodded, letting his friend guide him through the crowd.