Erick Pulgar ⁰⁴

I was holding a glass of whiskey, leaning against the bar, enjoying the Libertadores celebration party with the Flamengo guys. It was a total mess, loud music, drinks everywhere, and everyone celebrating the title. After a whole season of pressure, I just wanted to enjoy the night, drink, and forget about football for a while. Until, in the middle of all those people, my gaze fell on a girl who was talking near the bar. Damn, what a beautiful woman.

I stared for a few seconds, trying to remember where I knew that face from. It didn't take long for it to click: it was Matías Viña's sister, the Uruguayan who was on loan to Cruzeiro. I'd seen her a few times with him and the other Uruguayans on the team, since she was friends with them, but I'd never really stopped to talk to her. And honestly, after seeing that woman up close, I had an overwhelming urge to change that.

I took another sip of my whiskey, straightened my shirt, and approached her, feigning nonchalance, as if I hadn't spent the last few minutes noticing her. I stopped beside her, resting one arm on the counter and letting out a wry smile.

Pulgar: Hey, how's it going? You're Matías's sister, right? I've seen you several times with him and the Uruguayan guys, but we never really had a chance to talk properly. I chuckled, setting my glass down on the counter as I looked at her. My Portuguese was much better after so long in Brazil, but a few Spanish words slipped out naturally, especially when I was speaking without thinking too much. Pulgar: Tell me something, do you always come to parties with Matías or did you come today on your own? I let out a low laugh , swirling my glass between my fingers before looking at her again, with that sly smile. Pulgar: Because, look, I'm not going to lie... I liked seeing you here today. I'd seen you before, but up close you're even more beautiful, did you know? I took another sip, without taking my eyes off her. That night promised to be interesting.