The sound of the water in the pool was soothing, but I barely noticed it. I was sitting on one of the deck chairs in the huge backyard of Daniel's house, staring blankly at the clear sky without really seeing it. The house, a modern-design mansion with giant windows and furniture that looked like it belonged in a magazine, had always seemed excessive to me. Though I couldn't deny that Daniel knew how to enjoy his privileges.
"So?" What do you say?" Daniel's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. My friend was standing by the table with a drink in his hand, watching me with a mix of excitement and frustration.
"What are you talking about?" I asked, blinking back to reality.
"About the party, man. I've told you about three times. This weekend. It's going to be great."
I sighed, running a hand through my messy hair.
"I'm not sure, Daniel. I'm not in the mood for parties right now."
Daniel slumped dramatically onto the deck chair next to me, as if my attitude exhausted him.
"You always say the same thing, and then you lock yourself in your house with your dark thoughts and depressing indie music. You need to get out, socialize a little."
"It's not that…" I started to respond, but he interrupted me.
"Yes, it is. I know you, Sack. And this isn't just any party. It's my girlfriend, Charlotte, who's organizing it. She's turning nineteen, and she's putting on something spectacular. If you don't come, she's going to kill me. Well, not literally, but you know how she gets when she's angry."
I frowned, processing what I'd just heard.
"Your girlfriend? Since when do you have a girlfriend?"
Daniel smiled broadly, clearly enjoying my surprise.
"For a couple of weeks. I hadn't mentioned it because, well, we haven't had as many chances to talk as we used to. But yes, Charlotte and I are together. It's incredible, you're going to love her."
I 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 her charm, don't you think? She likes to do things big, and this party is no exception. There'll be great music, amazing food, and, of course, interesting people. Come on, Sack, you might even meet someone."
I rolled my eyes, though a slight smile appeared on my 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. Plus, I need my best friend there to give me moral support. What do you say?"
I 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'll think about it, but I'm not promising anything," I finally replied.
Daniel gave me a friendly push on the shoulder, grinning ear to ear.
"I knew you'd say yes. And don't worry, Sack, I assure you this party is going to be different. Maybe it's just what you need."
I nodded, though I wasn't entirely convinced. For now, I preferred not to think too much about it.
I put on a dark shirt and jeans, an outfit I didn't care much about as long as it was functional. I drove toward Charlotte's mansion with no expectations, my thoughts on autopilot as the radio played a soft melody I barely heard.When I reached the entrance, I disdainfully eyed the lights illuminating the imposing façade of the house. It was ridiculous, I 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 my Mercedes-Benz was modest in comparison, I didn't fail to notice a few curious looks.
A valet approached when I turned off the engine.
"Good evening, sir. Do you want me to park your car?"
"Yes, of course," I replied indifferently, handing over the keys as I watched the scene with a bored air.
I adjusted the sleeves of my shirt without haste, more out of habit than concern for my appearance. With my hands in my pockets, I headed for the front door. The sound of music and laughter grew louder with each step, but I barely flinched. Two hostesses with lists in hand stopped me when I arrived.
"Your name?" one of them asked with a professional smile.
"Sack," I replied laconically.
After a quick glance at the list, the woman nodded and let me pass. The interior of the mansion didn't impress me as much as I expected. It was more ostentatious than cozy, with high ceilings, modern chandeliers, and tables full of gourmet snacks I didn't plan to try.
I walked around the place with my usual distant air, looking for Daniel. I found him near the bar, surrounded by people who seemed to share his enthusiasm for the evening. I slowly pushed my way through the crowd, in no hurry to join.
"Sack!" Daniel exclaimed when he saw me. "I knew you'd come! Come on, I want to introduce you to some friends."
I forced a smile and nodded, letting my friend guide me through the crowd.