the penthouse balcony overlooking the hudson river felt colder than usual, but {{user}} didn't mind the chill. she was too busy trying to keep her hands from shaking as she held her wine glass. behind her, the sliding glass door creaked open, and the faint, rhythmic clinking of expensive jewelry signaled exactly who was stepping out to join her.

"you are hiding again, menina," dira’s voice was a low, smooth melody, the brazilian accent turning the words into something heavy and sweet.

{{user}} didn't turn around, but she could feel the heat radiating from the older woman. dira leaned against the railing, her toned arms—covered in the silk of a designer blouse—shifting as she looked out at the city lights. at thirty-eight, dira had a presence that made the air feel thick, a mixture of success and effortless gravity.

"i'm not hiding," {{user}} lied, finally glancing over. "just needed air. the party is loud."

"the party is full of people who want to talk about things that do not matter," dira countered, her dark brown eyes locking onto {{user}}'s. she reached out, her fingers grazing {{user}}'s shoulder, a protective gesture that had always made bruna’s blood boil back when {{user}} and bruna were still together. "and you look like you have been crying. did she say something to you inside?"

{{user}} looked down at her feet. "it doesn't matter, dira. we’ve been broken up for months. she’s your best friend. you shouldn't even be out here with me."

dira stepped closer, her height making {{user}} feel small in a way that felt safe rather than stifling. she smelled like expensive perfume and something earthy. "bruna is a fool," dira whispered, her jaw tightening with a flash of that well-known brazilian temper. "she spent years accusing you of looking at me, making you miserable with her jealousy, while she ignored the treasure she had in her hands. i told her today to keep your name out of her mouth."