More Like Enemigas

“So, this is exciting,” Maria says, breaking the silence, but it doesn’t stop the undercurrent of tension that buzzes between me and Valentina, unspoken but palpable.

I look straight ahead, determined to ignore the warmth that has spread through my chest, even though I can feel Valentina’s gaze lingering longer than necessary. I turn around to glare at Maria, who only grins.

“It’s definitely been a while, huh? Ten years, right, Isa?” Valentina says, her voice carrying that same easy confidence, but there is something softer in her eyes. I hate that I notice, and hate even more that it makes my heart skip a beat.

“Yes,” I reply between clenched teeth, forcing myself not to look at her, even though I can feel her presence, unsettling and too close for comfort.