CHAPTER 2
”Damn, Micaela! I wish I had your figure” Valeria exclaims, her voice laced with both envy and admiration.
They”re in Micaela de Luca Bianchi”s home, the current sensation in the literary world. The apartment is a cozy sanctuary, a stark contrast to the bustling streets of Madrid they”ve left behind after a marathon shopping spree. Now, amid the comfort of familiar settings, the trio known as ”Las Lelas” gathers around as Micaela parades through her latest fashion finds, still undecided about what to wear for the upcoming book launch. The air is thick with anticipation and the sweet scent of success—a new sensation for Micaela, who has not always been confident in her talents.
After earning her journalism degree from Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Micaela hit a professional wall, uncertain of her next steps. So she retreated to her family”s home in Italy, cocooning herself away for months. One day, her creative spirit suddenly surged, and she began crafting a romance story tinged with eroticism that made her own fingers tremble and her heart race as she typed. Taking a leap into the unknown, she self-published her novel, which, to her astonishment, not only sold well but also became a finalist in a prestigious literary contest. Following this success, several publishers reached out, and Micaela didn’t hesitate to choose the one offering the most lucrative deal. Now, with her second book topping the sales charts, it”s time to kick off her promotional tour. She”s eager to continue smashing it, relishing the thrill of being in the spotlight, surrounded by fans who admire and applaud her work.
“This one looks best on you, Micaela” Ignacia, the third member of their tight-knit group, remarks.
“You think? Isn’t it a bit dull? It feels like it needs more of a neckline,” Micaela grumbles, scrutinizing her reflection in the mirror.
“What you really want is to show off your cleavage and maybe take one of your female readers back to your hotel room, you naughty thing,” Valeria teases.
“Or more than one” Ignacia chimes in, “like last time you ended up with two. I don’t know how you do it, really. I can’t decide whether to envy you or worship you.”
“Everyone wants a piece of Micaela,” the writer boasts playfully. “I think with these black pants, this slightly low-cut shirt, and the white blazer, I’ll look just right—not too serious, but not too casual either,” she concludes, satisfied, spinning around in a full circle as if she’s already dressed for the occasion.
Once they resolve the outfit dilemma, the three friends enjoy dinner and watch a movie. Micaela, however, is not fully present, her mind buzzing with nerves she doesn’t voice. Her editor, Javier, had mentioned that Victoria Rivas would join her at the book presentation. Micaela has read some of Victoria”s works—too syrupy for her taste, but undeniable bestsellers. Tomorrow, she’ll meet her in person, though Micaela isn’t keen on making new friends. She’s carved out her success solo and doesn’t feel the need for the backing of someone who writes sappy novels.
“I don’t get why she has to come” Micaela says, frustration seeping into her voice as she pauses the movie, facing her friends’ puzzled looks.
“Come who?” Valeria asks, confused.
“Victoria Rivas. It’s my book event; her presence is unnecessary” Micaela complains.
Her tour for the second novel—the first with a major publisher—began in Barcelona. Having already visited seven Spanish cities, filling bookstores without needing anyone’s help, Micaela struggles to understand why, now that she’s in Madrid, her home city, Victoria needs to be there.
”But she”s a fabulous writer, I adore her novels” Ignacia declares, her eyes wide with sincerity.
”Do you, though? They”re dreadfully dull,” Micaela scoffs, rolling her eyes dramatically. ”Her romances lack any real spark. I mean, I”ve yet to stumble across a single steamy scene in any of her books.”
”But you”ve read them” Valeria points up, a playful smirk tugging at her lips.
”Peace, ladies” Ignacia interjects, raising her hands for calm. ”You have different styles, that”s all. I think her presence could actually benefit you. I”m no marketing guru, but having an author of her stature by your side suggests she sees you as her equal. It”ll lend you some serious clout.”
”That”s true” Valeria supports, nodding thoughtfully. ”And imagine how many of her fans, who might not even know you, will come for her and end up buying your book. You”re the real winner here.”
”Why wouldn”t they know me?” Micaela complains, her brow furrowing slightly.
”Stop thinking you”re a goddess and just play the movie already” Ignacia teases, giving Micaela a gentle shove on the shoulder.
Micaela laughs and hits play on the remote. She knows she”s been a bit full of herself lately, or maybe a lot. What many authors struggle and strive for over years, she”s achieved almost effortlessly, and she”s still floating on that cloud, reluctant to come down.