valentincflores

[valentincflores]

Val loved garage sales. It was such a fun way to spend the day; nosying through people's lives. She loved the stories she got to hear and even the ones she got to make up in her head based on the things she saw for sale. So when Summer had sent her a text asking if Val had wanted to join her and go garage sale hopping, Val hadn't thought twice before accepting.

As a pathetic looking doll was shoved in her face, Val froze in her tracks. She gave the poor thing a once over, before meeting Summer's gaze, a serious expression on her face. "It's definitely giving haunted vibes." She nodded her head as if that sealed the deal and made their assumption fact. Glancing around to check out the sale around them, her eyes zeroed in on the couple sitting at the top of the driveway in camping chairs as they kept an eye on things. It seemed like they were the ones who lived here. "Think there's a story there? Something sketchy happened to the kid who the doll belonged to?" Val was nothing if not notorious for letting her imagination run rampant.

"Wait!" Summer's voice could be heard, even though she was talking to no one in particular—maybe one of the many voices in her head?—and reaching her hand out in a stopping motion. "This. Is. Perfect." It was not a squeal—not even a shriek if you think about it—but it was definitely there. There was little she loved more than perusing trinkets at garage sales or antique shops, this one being the former. She would never understand what would bring someone to put their shit on display for a whole neighborhood to see, but boy, she was glad they did it. She was meant to be there—with her hair in a messy bun, her cuttoff shorts, and the graphic tee that said podcast people are people too ( one of the many dead air merch that had gone poof in her shop ). She was meant to be there, and find that precious tiny doll that looked like it had seen better times. "Don't you think this looks haunted? It definitely looks haunted, right?" The doll was shoved in her unsuspecting victim's face. Summer was never good at personal boundaries, and it showed.

open starter for everyone — capping at 3. location — someone's garage sale, any neighborhood.

[valentincflores]

She didn’t move. If anything, she planted herself more firmly, one hand braced on her hip as the other ran up through her ponytail in a gesture that was pure calculated calm.

“You really think I’d show up without checking? Without confirming?” Reaching into her bag, Val took out her phone, and pulled up a text conversation between her and the rec center's operation's manager, Meiling, where Val was confirming her schedule for the week, including this session in this studio. Her smile turned razor-edged as she held the phone up for Livia to see. “Please. I don’t roll out of bed for anything less than verified facts and a chai latte.”

She didn’t move just yet, folding her arms as she studied Livia, eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “Sounds like someone messed up somewhere, but it wasn't me.”

After a beat, Val rolled her eyes. Someone had to be the bigger person here and start offering practical suggestions. “Look, I’m not trying to derail your class. Maybe we both go check with the desk before we start throwing around accusations and assuming sabotage.”

A soft groan escaped Livia as she moved to pick up her phone and got the online schedule out where it clearly said that it was her turn for the studio. She moved back to Valentina, showing her the screen of the phone and her name on the schedule. "It still says the same, honey. And this is live. Online. Ready to go. And it clearly says my name. So just leave. Don't be a pain in the ass more than you already are."

She couldn't care less that she wasn't very nice at the moment, but Livia was here to earn money and not to cancel a class. And not even Valentina Flores was going to stop her at that.

"I am pretty sure you are the desperate one here." She put away her phone and moved back to the yoga mat that she had been warming up at. It was there that she took a seat and continued her stretching exercises to warm up. Nope, she wasn't leaving.

"Don't you need to check with the main desk where the mistake is? Because you know... It turns out that you only want to see what you want clearly."

[valentincflores]

Val laughed, the sound bubbling up before she could stop it, and swiped at the corner of her eye like she could chase off any potential tears. “Okay, nope, you’re not about to make me cry. I refuse,” she said. Though her voice was teasing, there was a sincerity to her words. She was so grateful they had managed to get to this place, that they could be happy for each other, and share details about their own lives now.

She reached over and gave Nia’s hand a squeeze, her grin softening into something that held all the gratitude she couldn’t quite put into words. “Seriously, thank you. It truly means so much.”

Then, at the mention of their bookish chats, Val perked up. "¡Dios mío! Yes—we’re way overdue. And you’re right, Benny will never quite appreciate the sacred magic of being thrown around by a rugged man in plaid with questionable communication skills and a tragic backstory."

Her eyes lit up as a devilish grin lit her features. "Good thing we have each other again! You better hit me up when you're ready to start your next read!"

Well, that sounded familiar, Nia mused quietly to herself. Quick to be taken in by the growing infectious smile painted onto her friend's features. Something bright flickered in Valentina's eyes and it made her instantly forget any life lessons she might've been meant to learn from that similarity. Too focused on the relief it brought her to see Val so happy. "Well, I highly doubt you were being an idiot at all." A teasing affectionate wink was tossed at Valentina. "I'm glad he got his act together though." A buoyant sort of feeling settled between them, "I'm so happy for you." Nia fanned a hand at her face like she was fighting back tears. For once overwhelmed with purely positive emotions. It'd been too long. "You really deserve it." "Oh! and, we've got to get back to our little chats about what we're reading because Benny just doesn't quite appreciate a man in plaid who can throw you as much as we do. Ya know?"

[valentincflores]

“And we stan a man who worships his woman,” Val practically swooned, wiggling her brows in Nia’s direction with a dramatic flourish. “But as he should! Your ego deserves to be fluffed and fanned daily, Nia Bailey."

As the conversation shifted, Val couldn’t fight the stupidly wide grin that tugged at her lips. It bubbled up from somewhere deep, the kind of smile you wear when your heart is too full to keep it contained.

“We started off as friends with benefits,” she admitted, her tone equal parts amused and exasperated. “And then—finally, after way too long—we both realized we wanted more. We had just been too afraid of screwing things up, of second guessing each other's feelings.”

She gave a rueful shake of her head, the regret clear, but softened by the glow in her eyes. “We wasted so much time tiptoeing around it. But once we finally stopped being idiots and actually said what we felt… it was like everything clicked. Like the universe had just been waiting for us to get our act together.” She laughed, a little breathless with emotion. She was gushing, but she couldn't help it.

The impulse to argue died on the tip of her tongue, and for the first time Nia quietly realized that she might've actually managed to let go of some of the guilt she'd been inclined to wear around. Clearing the air with Valentina had unwound that particular emotional knot and... surely, if the woman in front of her could forgive, Nia could forgive herself too. Maybe she wasn't destined to just keep repeating the same mistakes. Nia's soft laugh mirrored Val's, a playful sort of sparkle simmered in her gaze. "Oh. That part I can't really say i've doubted," a free hand came up to smooth out her brow. A slightly amusing mix of smug and bashful all at once. "He's very... vocal." Nia snorted gracelessly, "It has to be awful for my ego, honestly, at the rate Levi lays it on." The man was 'annoyingly' charming more often than not, she found. "It's more of... me. Not trusting myself to not fuck it up somehow, or to be worth the way he looks at me." She rolled her eyes, "Trust me I know that's stupid given I am normally a picture of self-confidence." Amidst her rambling, a soft thankful smile was offered across the space towards her friend. "You're the best, really." The expression morphed into a slow growing grin. "You know we fixated on me... but what about you!? I need details."

[valentincflores]

Driving through town, with Alex's hand on her thigh and living the passenger princess life of her dreams, Val couldn't help but question how lucky she was. She'd caught herself agonizing over when the proverbial shoe would finally drop far too many times to count, but recently the brunette had come to the decision to trust that for once, fate had her back.

Little did she know.

Grinning from ear to ear, she rolled her eyes at his joke and gave him a playful swat before finally stepping out of the car. Alex just made her too happy—she couldn’t even pretend to be annoyed by his dad-tier jokes. As she turned back toward the rec center, her face lit up even more at the sight of Jiya.

"Jiya, hi!" she called as she walked towards the student turned friend. Feeling a little extra... well, happy, Val couldn't help but throw her arms around Jiya when she approached, giving her a hug. "Are you ready for this? Because I'm super excited There's a couple moves I have planned that I think you're going to kick booty at!" @jiya-santa

Location: Val's yoga class, the rec centre Starter for: @alex-caldwell & @valentincflores

She hadn't really expected to stay in town for this long, but with the feeling that there was still unfinished business with Alex, and with herself, Jiya had found herself in a short term rental and unwillingness to return to New York. With that came frequent visits to Valentina's yoga classes and taking her up on a few visits to the park where they were able to practice in nature, with Jiya putting her feet in the grass for more than five minutes for the first time in a long time.

As the class waited for their instructor to arrive, Jiya quickly smoothed out her workout top. She might be about to get hot and sweaty with yoga, but there was no chance anyone would see her not perfectly presentable to start with. Reaching up to re-tie her hair, she could only sigh as the elastic snapped when she tried to twist it. "If Valentina arrives, can you tell her I'll be just a second, I need to go and grab a hair tie from my car." She asked someone else waiting and as they nodded, Jiya grabbed her bag and headed out to her car. Yet another addition to her life in the small town.

It didn't take her long to find another hair tie in the glove box of her car and after fixing her hair into a high ponytail, Jiya locked the car and made her way back across the parking lot. As she neared the entrance, Jiya smiled as she saw the instructor, raising one hand in a wave until she clocked who Valentina was with. Her body froze as she spotted Alex, her face dropping and she was pretty sure, for a few seconds at least, she stopped breathing. She wanted to scream. If she was honest, she wanted to throw things. But instead, she was frozen, just watching them in silence as, for now, she went unnoticed.

[valentincflores]

Val’s expression softened the moment Nia’s voice lowered, her earlier excitement giving way to something gentler—something that understood.

She reached out and gave Nia’s hand a quick squeeze, her voice quieter now, but still full of conviction. “Hey… I get that. Like, really get that. When something finally feels good and steady, the last thing you want to do is shake it up, even if it’s for something more.” That had been the exact situation she and Alex had found themselves in.

A small smile tugged at her lips. “But Nia… you’re not bad at this. Look at how you're approaching things! ¡Dios mío! You've already proven that you're being thoughtful and careful. And if you ask me? That’s kind of the best way to be about something that matters. Besides, Levi?” She gave a quiet, knowing laugh. “If he got you a giant pink teddy bear for VDay, I'm pretty sure that's a surefire indicator that that man's gone for you." Levi wasn't always overly expressive, so to see him show up in such a big way, was exciting.

She let out a breath, happy it felt like she could finally let go of all that had held them back from this kind of friendship. “You’ll figure it out. You don’t have to label it before you're ready. You’re already showing up for each other, choosing each other. That counts. And when you are ready to put a name to it, I'm sure he'll be right there with you.”

She bumped Nia’s shoulder gently, but sincerely. “And in the meantime, just know I am so in your corner. All the way.”

Instantly Nia was aflame, her face heated and awashed with almost tangible embarrassment. A laugh died into Valentina's shoulder where she pressed her face for a second mid-hug and inwardly prayed her vulnerability wasn't too painfully apparent. Nia's inclination to be timid or tight-lipped on the topic dwindled when met with the sheer, unblinking excitement the news seemed to elicit from Val. "Don't get too excited," she chuckled. "There's still a chance to scare him off..." she was teasing, of course, but the quip left a quiet awkward knot in her stomach. "But, no." Nia gave Valentina a weak smile. "We haven't yet. I'm... really bad at all this." She rolled her eyes, a silent 'as you well know' tucked into the admission. "It's going really well though, and I don't think... he really doesn't seem to mind that I've been cautious." Which only fed further into her belief that the man was a saint. "My mother would have a fit if she knew I was dating... well, seeing, someone that I work with but... I can't say I have any regrets. You should see the giant very pink bear that's in my office from Valentine's Day." Nia straightened her shoulders, "I think we'll get there. Hopefully. We practically half live together, I'm not... interested in anyone else. I just... haven't figured out how to go about all that yet." It was Val, the most uniquely equipped person in town to probably understand part of her hesitance. So, in a lower voice Nia gently tacked on. "Things are so good in our comfortable middle-ground, I'm really afraid to mess that up."

[valentincflores]

Val’s brows lifted, the corners of her mouth tugging into a dry, almost amused smile. Of course Livia wasn’t going to back down. She never did.

“Funny,” Val said, folding her arms across her chest, her tone laced with challenge. “Because I double-checked the schedule last night, and this studio had my name on it. So unless the front desk suddenly changed their mind this morning, I’d say you’re the one squatting."

She took a slow step closer, her gaze sweeping over Livia—sharp, assessing, and just a little too lingering.

She bent to unroll her mat with practiced ease, not bothering to hide the way her gaze flicked briefly to Livia, then just as quickly away. “But hey,” she added lightly, “if you’re that desperate for extra floor time, I’m sure one of the other instructors would be happy to trade. Someone with a smaller class, maybe?"

The last line was delivered with a faint smirk as she settled into a stretch, her posture relaxed—but every muscle still coiled, like she was waiting for the next shot to be fired.

An early class at the rec center had been planned and she had arrived too early, even for her standards. However, it turned out to be the right choice, as suddenly the door opened at an unwanted face appeared into the studio. Valentina Flores. That was someone she didn't need to see this early morning.

"Well, I have a class here in five minutes as well. This studio was assigned to me by the rec center. So if you don't like it, you can take it up with them. You are welcome to search a different studio in the meanwhile." She just redirected the comment back to the other woman. Livia had been there first, she wasn't going to be leaving.

[valentincflores]

starter for: @liviachar location: briar ridge rec center

Having warmed up at home and jogged to the rec center, Val felt more than ready to teach her vinyasa class. She navigated the corridors with an easy confidence until she reached her assigned studio. But as soon as she pulled open the door, her good mood evaporated — because there was Livia, already inside, warming up like she owned the place.

Of course. It just had to be Livia.

With a sharp exhale, Val closed her eyes and counted to five, trying to rein in the flare of annoyance bubbling up. When she opened them, she crossed the room to where Livia was stretching. “Uh, sorry,” she said, voice tight but controlled, “I’ve got a class in here in five minutes. You’ll have to grab one of the other studios if you want to practice.”

[valentincflores]

Who do you feel safe around the most?

Besides Leyla, because she's a given, I'd honestly say Alex. He has been there for me in more ways than one when I've really needed it, and there's just something about being in his presence that makes me feel secure. @leylayilmz @alex-caldwell

[valentincflores]

👐 who is your most favorite neighbor?

Don't tell Leyla, but Levi. @leylayilmz @levibecker

[valentincflores]

If you were a contestant on Love Island how would you introduce yourself?

OOOH!! I love this question! *clears throat* Hey guys! I'm Val, I'm 37, and a yoga influencer from Briar Ridge. I was born deaf, but I’ve never let that stop me – I’ve worked hard, built my own path and now I’m all about spreading those good vibes. After a heartbreak and a fresh start, I’m ready to find someone who can match my energy, make me laugh, and maybe help me build that happily-ever-after!

[valentincflores]

👐 alex or leyla?

¡Dios mío! Are you people trying to make my head explode? I would have to say Leyla because we have been through everything together, she is my person and that will never change. But serious honorable mention to Alex for actually making this a hard question to answer! No one else has really come close! @leylayilmz @alex-caldwell

[valentincflores]

What's your favorite thing about your friendship with Leyla?

Just ONE favorite?! That's impossible, but I guess if I truly could only list one thing, I would say it's just the absolute and complete support we know we have with each other. I know I have a built in cheerleader AND support system with her and I could never ever replace that with anyone. @leylayilmz

[valentincflores]

What's a dream or aspiration you haven't lived up to yet?

I've been talking for years about starting my own yoga studio, but I keep letting things get in the way. It's definitely something I need to take seriously and get my butt in gear!

[valentincflores]

What’s one thing you would change about your life?

I don't believe in regrets, and I definitely think everyone has their own path, but I guess if there was one thing I had to change, it would be how long I waited for things to change in my marriage.

[valentincflores]

Val’s face lit up with a bright, happy laugh as she threw her arms around her friend, unable to contain her excitement. More than anything, she was thrilled that it finally felt like the air had cleared between them. She gave the brunette a tight squeeze, full of affection and relief.

“I’m just so glad we can finally talk about boys together!” she exclaimed, clapping her hands with giddy enthusiasm. But when Nia began to explain, Val made a valiant effort to rein it in, growing more serious as she listened.

As the brunette spoke, Val turned to glance over her shoulder, scanning the crowd. When her eyes landed on Levi, they widened—and in the next instant, she was hugging Nia all over again.

“Levi??” she asked, just to be sure. Then, with a delighted gasp: “Oh my god, Nia! I love Levi! This is amazing news!”

She was practically bouncing where she stood. “Have you guys, like, defined the relationship? Is it official? I need all the details!”

This was why her friendship with Valentina meant so much, in an instant most of the lingering tension and remorse somehow dissipated into a slow growing smile. Unable to help the energetic, affectionate dive she made towards the brunette. Nia's arms wrapped around Val in a brief tackle-hug. A somewhat high pitched squee accompanied the gesture and an extra tight squeeze concluded the hug before Nia fell back to her previous spot at their table. Her lips quirked at the corner, earthy gaze steady on Valentina's face. "Sorry, sorry it's just... so good to hear." Val deserved to be happy and the relief both of them felt at being able to have this conversation was palpable. "I mean, it's..." Nia scratched a pastel pink painted nail at the side of her nose. A little timid on the topic, as she'd always been. Owning to an attachment to someone wasn't easy. "Uh... God, this was easier to accidentally blurt out when I was drunk at New Years." Leyla threatening the man with a pitchfork wasn't the most encouraging reception, but surely by now Nia should be a bit better at talking about this. She found herself leaned in conspiratorially, her gaze betrayed her first before she spoke. Somehow always able to spot Levi in a crowd. "Him." Nia opted to point the man out in question. "It's, been, a while... actually. It started as us just hooking up for convenience sake but..." Nia shrugged helplessly. "—I really like him."

[valentincflores]

@leylayilmz

♡ AMANDA DIAZ & BROOKE SCHOFIELD via tiktok ( amandadiaz )