The after party had already begun.
Soft music. Dim golden lights. Quiet conversations between artists and businessmen.
Raffy entered the hall. Almost immediately, a group of his co-businessmen called him over.
"Mr. Murillo!"
He stopped and joined them, speaking calmly, smiling politely, listening more than talking.
On the other side of the hall, Luna was already there. She was speaking to a fellow artist, relaxed, graceful in her long black dress.
They stood on opposite sides.
Luna on the right.
Raffy on the left.
Almost at the same moment
Raffy excused himself and decided to walk toward the right side of the hall.
Luna finished her conversation and began walking toward the left.
Step by step.
Closer.
Neither looking up fully.
Then
Just as they came beside each other, Luna's long dress slightly tangled near her heel.
She lost her balance.
Her elbow accidentally pushed Raffy.
She fell backward
Raffy reacted instantly.
His left hand caught her firmly.
But in his right hand was a glass of mojito.
The drink splashed upward as the glass slipped and fell to the floor, shattering.
A few drops splashed near Luna's eyes.
The lemon in the drink caused sudden irritation.
She immediately covered her face, wincing slightly from the sting, still holding Raffy's hand for balance.
For a second
They were close.
Very close.
Raffy steadied her.
"I'm sorry, miss," he said quickly, concerned.
Luna, still covering her face, gave a small thumbs up to show she was fine.
Without saying a word, she hurried toward the restroom.
Raffy stood there frozen.
He hadn't even seen her face clearly.
Only her hand in his.
And the way she held it.
The shattered glass lay on the floor.
And for some reason
His heart felt shaken too.