She arrived earlier than anyone. That was the plan.
Her heels clicked softly against the marble floors of Valeria's penthouse, the kind of high-glamour apartment that belonged in a perfume ad. High ceilings, velvet furniture, sunlight pouring in from glass doors that led to the private rooftop pool.
Valeria greeted her with a smile and a loose hug, dressed in something silky and soft that somehow looked casual and couture at the same time. Eliana clung to her composure, determined to keep it light. Just one night. Just friends. She could do this.
"You're early," Valeria said, raising a brow as she took her bag.
"I figured traffic would be hell," Eliana lied, even though it was Saturday and the roads were nearly empty.
"Smart." Valeria winked. "Also means you get first dibs on wine and gossip."
Eliana let herself laugh, just a little. "Can't say no to that."
The penthouse smelled like herbs and garlic—Valeria had already started cooking. Eliana followed her into the sleek open kitchen where she was introduced to León, Valeria's boyfriend. Tall, warm smile, sleeves rolled up, already stirring something in the pan like he belonged there.
He greeted Eliana with a kiss to the cheek and a compliment about her earrings, all while wrapping an arm around Valeria's waist like it was second nature.
They were beautiful together. Effortless.
And it made something ache inside her.
"You girls can handle the wine," León said, already reaching for a second glass. "I'll finish this. But no judging if I cry over onions."
"Deal," Valeria grinned, pulling Eliana by the wrist into the dining area.
They opened a bottle of red, swapped work updates, and for the first time in days, Eliana felt a flicker of something real. She told Valeria about the silk inspection trip with Liam, laughed about how he made friends with a goat on the farm, and even joked that he might flirt with the goat if it wore heels.
Valeria was sipping wine, still smiling, when she said, "I miss this."
"What?"
"You being... easy. Light. You've been off lately."
Eliana blinked, then waved it off. "Busy week. Prepping for New York."
"You leave Wednesday, right?"
"Yeah. Luca's got back-to-back interviews and a segment with Vogue. It's intense."
Valeria's eyes twinkled. "Maybe we all go. Do something after. Make it a trip. God knows we all need a break."
Before Eliana could answer, the door opened.
And her heart dropped.
Nicky walked in—early. Like her.
Of course.
He was dressed in soft gray slacks, a sleeveless black top, and no smile. Not yet. His sunglasses perched in his hair, curls slightly damp, like he'd walked here in the sun.
Their eyes locked.
Just for a moment.
And something passed between them.
Recognition. Surprise. That same slow pulse of heat she hadn't been able to forget.
"El," he said, casual.
"Nicky." Her voice didn't crack. She called that a win.
"Wow, you two are early," Valeria said, blissfully unaware as she kissed Nicky's cheek. "What, trying to steal my man's risotto?"
"Wouldn't dare," Nicky smirked, but his eyes flicked back to Eliana. Just once.
They all ended up by the rooftop pool an hour later, bare feet on sun-warmed tiles, the city skyline glittering in the distance. León poured more wine, music played low, and conversation floated easily.
Eliana and Nicky sat across from each other at first. Then beside each other.
Too close.
The kind of quiet that felt like it hummed.
"You really came early," he said quietly.
"I like avoiding traffic," she replied, not looking at him.
"I meant it metaphorically."
She gave a faint smile. "Still applies."
They sipped their drinks. Watched the others laugh. Pretended like their bodies didn't remember everything.
Then Nicky said, "New York, huh?"
She turned to him. "Luca's big show. I'm going for work."
He nodded slowly. "Might be there too. Meeting with a few galleries."
"Oh." Her heart thumped once. "Cool."
It was awkward. Not cold. Just... tentative. Careful. Like standing on thin ice and not knowing where it might crack.
"Do you hate me?" she asked suddenly, her voice barely a whisper.
His brows rose. "No."
"You don't talk to me anymore."
He looked ahead, not at her. "I didn't think you wanted me to."
She swallowed. Her throat felt tight. "That's not true."
He didn't reply.
Just then, León called from the kitchen, asking for help. Valeria waved at Eliana. "Go, I'll finish up here."
And Nicky stood before she could.
"I'll help," he said.
He didn't look at her when he walked past.
And she... just sat there.
Still tasting the words she hadn't said.
Still feeling the space where he used to sit closer.
Still aching in ways she couldn't explain.