They shared their joys and worries, unburdening themselves of daily stresses and private frustrations.
In this warm, carefree atmosphere, Mom felt as if she had slipped back into her youth light, unguarded, free to express every emotion.
The gentle buzz of the wine loosened her inhibitions, making her more open, more willing to let her guard down.
They reminisced about the past, dreamed about the future.
The room glowed with warmth and affection.
This gathering had truly lifted the weight from her shoulders and reminded her how precious these rare sisterly bonds were.
As the night wound down, the mood in the private room remained lively, though now tinged with a tipsy, dreamy laziness.
The conversation had shifted from household matters to bolder, more teasing topics.
Laughter rang louder, freer.
Empty wine bottles leaned haphazardly on the table.
The once-abundant food had been picked clean.
The air was thick with the rich scent of wine and the faint trace of perfume.
Mom’s cheeks were flushed, her eyes slightly glazed, but her heart was full.
It felt as if every worry had dissolved into the warmth of the evening.
She set her glass down, her face warm, her body light and floating.
She glanced at her phone already late.
“I can’t stay any longer,” she said with a soft laugh.
“If I do, my little one at home will start crying for Mommy.” Her voice carried a sweet, affectionate resignation.
Jenny nodded.
“Same here.
Time to go home and tuck the kids in.” But Grace waved a hand, her words slightly slurred.
“Ah, come on!
We’re having so much fun.
Just one more minute!” “It’s late, Grace.
I’ll head out first.
You two enjoy yourselves.” Mom stood, picked up her purse, and pulled out her phone to call a driver.
The screen’s glow lit her flushed cheeks, her eyes hazy with a tipsy charm.
As she focused on the screen, Grace suddenly leaned in, her voice playful.
“Hey now, our beauty queen can’t just leave so soon!
If you go, who’ll I have to look at?
Look at you your figure, your grace… standing there, you could steal anyone’s soul.” Mom laughed, flattered but shy.
“You’re at it again, teasing me.” “I’m serious!” Grace insisted.
“Look at how that dress brings out your skin so fair, so radiant.
And your waist?
Oh, still so slim.
You’ve still got it, Victoria!” She even mimed tracing the curve of Mom’s waist with her fingers.
Jenny chimed in, grinning.
“Absolutely.
You’re stunning tonight, Victoria.
I’m jealous!” Mom blushed, feigning annoyance.
“You two, drunk and babbling nonsense again.” “We’re not drunk,” Grace said, suddenly serious.
Then she leaned closer, eyes twinkling with mischief.
“So, our gorgeous lady how are you feeling?
Are you tipsy?
Or are you pretending you’re not?” Mom shook her head.
“Not drunk.
Just… a little light-headed.” “Really?” Grace raised an eyebrow.
“Because if I were a man, seeing you like this so beautiful, so tempting I don’t think I could keep my hands to myself.” The room erupted in laughter.
Mom giggled, gently shoving her friend.
“You’re impossible!
Always saying such things.” Grace didn’t back down.
“Hey, think about it what if your driver is some young, strong, hot-blooded guy?
He sees you like this, so dazzling, and gets the wrong idea?
What if he tries something?” It was a joke, but Mom paused, then chuckled.
“You’re exaggerating again.
That wouldn’t happen.” “Better safe than sorry,” Grace said with mock seriousness.
“I see those stories online all the time.
Hey wait!
I’ve got a better idea.” Her eyes lit up.
“Why don’t you call your son?
Have him come pick you up.
That way, you’re safe.
With your own child there, no one would dare try anything.” Jenny nodded.
“That’s actually a good idea.
Much safer.” Mom hesitated.
She didn’t want to trouble me after all, I didn’t get much time to play basketball on weekends.
But Grace’s words stirred a tiny seed of doubt.
Seeing her hesitation, Grace pressed on.
“Come on!
You can’t call your own kid?” “Exactly,” Jenny added.
“You’ve been drinking, and you look absolutely stunning.
Having your son with you it’s just common sense.” Persuaded by their combined voices, Mom finally gave in.
“Alright, alright.
You’ve worn me down.
I’ll call him.” She picked up her phone, found my number, and dialed.
The phone rang no answer.
She frowned, tried again.
Still nothing.
“What’s wrong?
Didn’t pick up?” Grace asked.
Mom sighed.
“Probably lost in a game.
Once he starts playing, he forgets everything.
His phone could be ringing right next to him, and he wouldn’t notice.” “I guess we can’t count on him,” Mom murmured.
“Wait,” Grace suddenly said, grabbing Mom’s hand.
“Your nephew’s at home, right?
Why not have him come with your little one to pick you up?
Victoria, you’re too tempting tonight too dangerous.
I’m not letting you go alone.” Mom blinked.
That idea hadn’t occurred to her.
“But… would that be too much to ask?
He’s watching Ze,” she said, hesitant.
“Nonsense!” Grace waved her off.
“He’s family.
And it’ll be good for them to get out.
Staying home all day is boring.”