An hour of makeup, hair styling, and Valeria is finally ready—or at least her hair and makeup are.
Next is changing, and this is the part Valeria is most nervous about. For the past couple of days, she’s been indecisive about what to wear, struggling between two outfits. There’s a black form-fitting dress she likes and would usually wear on a date, and there’s a red dress she loves that’s lived in her closet for close to two years and has never been worn because Brooke wouldn’t ever let her walk out the door in it.
Valeria presses both options against herself, trying to decide, trying to imagine Camila’s reaction at seeing her in each, but even imaginary Camila isn’t helpful, because Valeria is pretty sure she could walk out in just about anything. Camila would still make her feel beautiful.
So, Valeria decides to go with the one that gives her confidence, the one thatshefeels best in for herself, not for anyone else. When she slips into the dress and zips it up, she knows she made the right choice. The red dress is sleek and form-fitting, skimming her figure without clinging too tightly. It’s low-cut, dipping just enough to remain elegant.
Valeria walks out of her closet in matching red kitten heels, and Lily and Alejandra clasp their hands together over their chests.
“You look perfect,” Alejandra says, her eyes glossy. Clara stands behind her and hugs her, her chin resting on her girlfriend’s shoulder.
“You do, Val,” Clara says sweetly.
Isabella nods, and so does Lily, though Lily is wiping tears from her eyes like Valeria is her and Isabella’s child, and she’s off to prom.
“Why are you guys crying?” Valeria says with a half-hearted laugh, as feelings take over.
“We love seeing you happy and taken care of.” Alejandra reaches for Valeria’s hand. “You deserve it, Val, to love big and have it be returned.”
“I think you guys might be a couple of steps ahead,” Valeria says, hiccupping into a laugh. “This is our first date!” Still, the word lingers, echoing in her thoughts, and she feels them settle warmly in her chest.
“Slow, yes, we know. Still, you’re happy, and it’s all we care about,” Lily says.
“Thank you,” Valeria says, opening her arms to hug all four of her best friends. They all lean into her, and they hug for a few seconds before Valeria’s phone pings, and immediately, her heart skips a beat.
Camila texted her over half an hour ago, saying she was on her way, and that must be her.
“She’s here.” Isabella looks down at Valeria’s phone before handing it to her.
Valeria’s palms are already sweating, and her heart is doing a frantic drum solo against her ribs.
“Thanks,” she says, as she replies that she’s on her way.
“Have the best time.” Clara wraps Valeria in a big hug before each one hugs her as she walks out the door, but not before turning to take one last look at herself in the full-length mirror in her living room.
“You look amazing,” Alejandra says,gently pushing her out the door.
“Love you guys.” Valeria waves as she walks out the door.
“Love you! Text us everything ASAP,” Lily says as Valeria turns toward the parking lot and walks out into the slightly chilly September air.
Valeria’s heart is going haywire. The second she sees Camila leaning over her car, the nerves ease into something manageable as her eyes trace all over Camila and the blazer that sits on her shoulders with a cut so low, Valeria can’t help but trace it down, seeing peeks of tattoos poking through.
“Wow,” Camila says, hearts practically coming out of her eyes as Valeria approaches. “You look incredible.”
“That’s all you,” Valeria says, reaching for Camila’s hand and having her twirl. “You clean up nice.”
“Thank you.” Camila pulls Valeria into a gentle kiss, and Valeria lets herself be led to Camila’s lips, melting into her completely. Any worries she had about tonight disappear the second she’s in Camila’s arms.
A sniffle from behind them startles them, and when they turn, it’s both Alejandra and Lily holding hands as their girlfriends hold on to them and shake their heads.
“I will never stop apologizing for them. I hope you’re ready for a lifetime of nosiness.”
“For you, anything.” Camila presses a quick peck to Valeria’s lips before opening the passenger door for her. Once Valeria is inside, Camila closes it gently before circling to the driver’s seat. As she starts her car, they both lift a hand to wave goodbye to the girls, who wave back eagerly.
The entire drive, they steal glances at each other, fingers intertwined between the seats. Valeria tries—really tries—not to be that person, but Camila’s blazer shifts every time she turns the wheelor turns on her blinker, and it’s enough for Valeria to see she isn’t wearing a bra. Valeria has to force herself to focus on literally anything else.
“How did it go with your parents?” Valeria asks, needing something else to focus on, but also, genuinely curious.
