“What a dress!” Judit exclaimed. “Where did you get it?”
She picked up the turquoise, short, muslin summer dress from her friend’s bed, admiring the delicate bead-adorned straps.
Bianka barely perceptibly curled her lips.
“I had it custom-made.”
“It’s gorgeous,” Judit murmured, running her fingers over the soft fabric.
Bianka shrugged.
“Yeah, it’s pretty good, but…”
“But what?”
“I don’t know. There are just too many beads on it.”
She carelessly flicked a few aquamarine beads.
“Put it on, let me see!” Judit urged.
Her friend slipped into the light dress and examined herself in the free-standing silver-framed mirror with satisfaction.
“It looks amazing with your blonde hair!” Judit clapped her hands. “You should braid it into two long pigtails and let them fall over your shoulders.”
“So I can look like a peasant girl heading to the river to do laundry?”
“You’re ridiculous! You’d be enchanting.”
“Come on, let’s just go grab a coffee instead.”
“Are you wearing that?”
“Of course not. I still need to get used to all these beads. I expected a little less when I ordered it.”
“Did you see what kind of car my boss bought?” Judit asked as they sat on the terrace of their favorite café.
They loved the place—the elegant atmosphere of the white wrought-iron tables and chairs, the impeccable food and drinks, always served by a smiling, attentive staff. The breathtaking view of the city’s largest and greenest park completed the experience from spring to autumn.
Bianka slowly shrugged.
“It’s a nice car, no doubt. The color is spot on, too. I just don’t get why, after spending that much money, she didn’t go for an automatic.”
“Why would it need an automatic transmission?” Judit asked in surprise. “Not everyone insists on it.”
“Doesn’t really matter,” Bianka waved dismissively. “For that amount of money, though, I’d consider it a basic requirement.”
“Is everything all right, ladies?” their waitress interrupted.
“Yes, thank you,” Judit replied quickly. “The coffee is divine, as always, and I’ve never had such a delicious apple pie.”
The server nodded gratefully before moving on.
“That’s a bit of an overstatement,” Bianka chuckled.
“What is?”
“That everything is perfect. The pie crust is a little darker than it should be, even if it doesn’t really affect the taste.”
“The coffee is heavenly, though,” Judit declared.
“Let’s just say,” Bianka corrected gently, “it’s pretty good.”
“They make the best coffee in town.”
“In town, yes,” Bianka concluded the debate.
“The sunset is so beautiful, isn’t it?” Judit sighed.
She pulled up her coat zipper to her chin and leaned on the railing of the tenth-floor terrace, gazing sentimentally at the distant mountains.
“It’s breathtaking,” Bianka murmured, resting her head on her friend’s shoulder. “Though I’d enjoy it more on a beach somewhere.”
“The mountains are beautiful too.”
“They are. But a Caribbean beach stays warm even at night.”
“Well, we’re not there right now.”
“Unfortunately.”
“Well? How was the first date?” Judit asked excitedly.
“Perfect,” Bianka gushed. “We had a picnic in the park, then talked for hours. By sunset, we were walking hand in hand.”
Judit pulled her friend into a tight hug.
“I’m so happy for you!”
“Me too,” Bianka sighed. “It was the best first date of my life.”
“So everything about him is just right?”
“Yes,” Bianka replied, her eyes sparkling. “Although…” she added hesitantly, “he seems to be just a little cross-eyed. Barely noticeable, but I’m not sure yet if that’s going to bother me in the long run.”