The three friends welcome her with curiosity and immediate warmth.
The first is Naima, a tall woman with dark skin and very short hair that highlights the natural elegance of her features. She has an intense yet warm gaze, and the way she speaks conveys a confidence that tends to immediately draw in those around her.
“So you’re the miracle translator,” Naima says with an amused smile, extending her hand to shake Rebeca’s firmly.
Rebeca raises an eyebrow as she returns the handshake.
“Miracle?”
Ariadna shrugs innocently.
“I’ve spoken very highly of you. Too highly, perhaps.”
“Exactly, very highly,” adds Eva, the redhead with freckles dotting her face and an almost permanent smile that lights up her light eyes. “We’re already curious to know what you’re translating. I’ve read some of your books, and honestly, the translation is flawless. That makes spending the money worth it.”
Rebeca laughs, this time for real.
“I hope I don’t disappoint you with the next one. And as for the rest… Ariadna already knows I’m pretty boring when I’m not translating.”
Zule, the one with dark hair pulled back into a high ponytail, tilts her head and watches her closely.
“I don’t think so. Ariadna doesn’t get excited about just anyone.”
“And she never shuts up,” Naima adds, winking at Ariadna.
They all laugh, and the ice breaks in a matter of seconds.
Inside the bar, the atmosphere is vibrant without being overwhelming. The warm lights blend with the music that fills the space with a lively, deep rhythm that invites you to move. The dance floor is already occupied by several groups moving carefree, without poses or calculated glances.
The first drinks arrive quickly. Gin and tonic for Rebeca, beer for Ariadna, something with lime and rum for the rest of them. The conversation flows naturally, and, of course, so does the laughter.
“So, how are you settling into the city?” Eva asks, leaning toward her over the high table.
Rebeca takes a sip before answering.
“Fine. Although I haven’t really explored the area yet, the ocean helps, honestly. And the silence of the apartment too, though sometimes it’s too much. I was used to more noise.”
Naima nods, understanding.
“The first few months are weird. But you’ll see—soon enough, you won’t want to leave here ever.”
“I don’t doubt it,” Rebeca replies.
Zule raises her glass in a toast.
“To beginnings that you don’t realize are beginnings until they’ve already begun.”
They clink their glasses, and the cold liquid slides down Rebeca’s throat, warming her stomach.
At some point, they all end up on the dance floor, moving to the beat of the music with spontaneity. Rebeca closes her eyes for a moment, letting the bass resonate in her chest, letting sweat bead on the back of her neck. She feels her body relax. She feels the tension that has built up over the last few days begin to dissolve, drop by drop.
When they return to the bar to order another round, Eva approaches her with a conspiratorial look, her red hair plastered to her temples from dancing.
“Hey,” she says, leaning in slightly, her voice low so only Rebeca can hear. “An important question.”
Rebeca looks at her curiously.
“Go ahead.”
