The door opened and Ben threw himself on us.
- Your bones hurt, you skinny guy. - I complained.
- What are you talking about and why are you here without me? They can't keep secrets from Benjamin. He lay on my other side.
- We're not telling our secrets, Ben. Salma is saying she's going to get rich and make money without doing anything.
He raised his head and looked at our friend:
- Are you going to try your luck at the lottery?
I started to laugh:
- I asked the same thing.
- That's not it. - She smiled mysteriously.
- Don't be silly, Salma. – I warned.
- Nonsense? Isn't sex wonderful? Have you ever thought about making money and having sex at the same time?
- Are you going to become a call girl, a sex worker or something? Ben sat on the bed. – Tell me everything, friend... Do you have a vacancy for me?
- You fools. - I complained.
- Not exactly. Once it works, I'll let you know. After all, it won't be very easy.
- Need help from these crazy friends of yours? – Ben asked.
- Maybe you need... After a while.
- You can count on me. The two clapped their hands together.
She looked at me:
- Missing you, Baby.
- I don't agree with things that can be bad...
- Don't trust your friend?
- Sometimes no. – I confessed.
- Said Santa Barbara. - Ben laughed.
- Yes, I am a saint... In view of you, I am Santa Bárbara.
- You lost your virginity before me. – Salma remembered.
- As if it matters... I'm a virgin from the back. – I confessed.
- Well, I lost my virginity on the back side, so I don't say anything. Ben started to laugh.
- I've tried both things... I'm not a virgin of any hole. - Salma laughed.
- Perverted! – I joked.
- I would like to be paid to have sex. – Ben confessed. – Imagine giving all the time and still receiving for it.
- And get a dirty customer and have to give an oral? – Salma thought about the possibility. “Don't worry, I'm not selling my body. - Laughed. - But I would pay for a good oral, the kind you enjoy without even touching the man's cock.
- Oral is better than the sex act itself. – Ben said seriously.
- Receive or do? I asked curiously.
- Receive, of course. Or do you find it more pleasurable to do than to receive?
I didn't say anything and they both looked at me. After a few minutes of silence, Ben asked again:
- And then, Baby? Receive or do?
- I... I don't understand much about “receive”.
Salma got up from her pillow and sat on the bed, staring at me:
- No... You're not going to try to convince us that in eight years of having sex with Jardel he never gave you a good oral.
- Once... So I don't know if it was done well or not. – I confessed.
- Holy shit I gave birth. Ben lifted me by the arms, making me sit up. – Look into my eyes and say that in 27 years of life you have never come with an oral.
- No. I said, embarrassed.
- That's the craziest and most absurd thing I've ever heard about sex in my life. - Salma wrinkled her forehead. “And it happened to my best friend. Fuck, you need to do this.
- I... I don't like to do it with women, Babi... Otherwise, I would fall for you and make you come, my friend. Ben wailed, looking heartbroken for me.
- Did Jardel have a problem? – Salma was curious.
- Of course not... Besides the fact that you only want his pleasure. In the beginning there were some cool and different things... I think there was love... I can't explain it.
- Sex doesn't have to be just love... As long as it's pleasurable. That's the most important. Most of the men I've had sex with have been without love... Just out of lust. And it was perfect. – Salma said.
- Babi, you need to have sex with a real man... Who values you, who does an unforgettable oral on you... - Ben began.
- The ones you shudder and see all the stars in the sky before you go back. – Salma completed. “You're almost in your thirties, Babi. And two years is enough to mourn a person who didn't deserve a day. You need to get laid, friend... Urgently. And having other experiences... Besides Jardel's asshole.
- By the way, you're almost a virgin again. Two years without having sex is to take the same black stripe. I'm sorry about you ... But get laid, friend. Or my name is not Benjamin.
- And have only one man in your life? You are beautiful, Baby. You need to have as many experiences as possible.
- I don't want to have every possible experience. I think an oral is a good size. - I spoke.
The two lay down and I did the same. We were silent for a while and started to laugh.
- What crazy talk. - I spoke.
- Babi, you're a virgin, friend! - Ben said seriously, while trying to catch his breath after laughing so hard.
- Even my vibrator would bring you more pleasure than Jardel. And best of all, he is faithful. – She continued laughing.
The three of us slept in my bed that night, completely tired from chatting and laughing. And I was excited to know what it was like to come in oral sex.
My sex life with Jardel was definitely a failure, as was our troubled and long-lasting relationship.
I woke up to the cell phone ringing. It was Daniel. I left the room so as not to wake up Salma, who was still sleeping.
- Good morning, Daniel.
- So, how was the interview, Babi?
- Did not work. The owner of the restaurant did not go.
- But they didn't reschedule?
- Yes... For today. I'll try to go. - I lied, sure I wouldn't come back.
- That's great. I pray to get it right.
We were silent for a while, until I asked:
- Working?
- Ever. I heard him laugh on the other end of the line.
- Did you sleep on your night off, at least?
- Of course. Sleep is for the weak. – he joked. “So, as you go on the interview again tonight, you won't be able to have dinner with me.
- Not even.
- How about lunch? I'd have dinner with you, as I'm not working in Babylon tonight. But apparently it won't work...
- Daniel, no... I'm grateful for your job indication, but I don't want to get involved... And it's out of the question to deceive you.
- It's just a lunch with friends.
- We are not friends.
- Oh my gosh... You just broke my heart into a thousand pieces.
- Better that way, believe me.
- No... It's not better this way. Can't you at least try to give me a chance, Babi?
- You said yourself that you have someone... So I don't understand why all this.
- I don't have anyone... I was just afraid that you would run away from me. However... It's running away just the same.
- It's not running away... I had a long-lasting relationship... And although it's over, I'm still not completely healed. I don't want to hurt anyone like they did to me.
- That's running away, yes.
- Daniel...
- Okay, I won't disturb you, Babi. Good luck with the interview today.
Before I could say anything, he hung up. Maybe he really was interested in me. But these past two years, all I've done is push away any possible relationship, knowing I wasn't ready.
Daniel was a kind, charismatic man and I didn't want to hurt him. He'd better give up, because really my heart wasn't completely healed yet. And it wasn't because of the loss... It was because of the way he was being destroyed little by little, breaking apart piece by piece, so tiny that I could hardly be sure if he would go back to the way he was before.
Ben came out of the bathroom, wrapped in a towel, his hair wet.
- Didn't have time to dry your hair? I asked, entering the bathroom.
- Either the hair or the body, since I only had one towel... I preferred not to show my beautiful body around. You will fall in love.
- Open this fucking window. This looks like a sauna. I've told you a thousand times. - I said opening the window and letting the steam dissipate a little.
He returned:
- You are very mean to me and I shouldn't, but I will help you. Because I'm a good friend.
- Will you give me an unlimited credit card with a ticket to Florida?
- Friend, Bon Jovi is married and all he's going to get in Florida is a big kick in the ass, given by his wife. What I have is a measly vacancy for marketing.
- Hmm, it's worth it, in my case. Then I get the card and go to Florida to steal my man from his wife. – I joked.
- I received a vacancy in my virtual box and opened it. Casually I saw that a vacancy had opened for Marketing at “Perrone”.
- Perrone wines, you mean?
- Yea.
- Our! I got emotional. It's nothing compared to North B. But it would be a good start.
- Then get ready because the interviews start now at 10 am.
- Why didn't you tell me before, the fuck?
- Because you slept with an angel.
- Ben, you have a screw loose.
- And an extra dick, friend... Unfortunately.
I quickly went to the shower. After the interview disaster the night before and being made a fool of, luck finally seemed to smile on me.
As I remembered the episode in the restaurant's bathroom, the eyes of Heitor Casanova watching me in the mirror came to my mind. I didn't even like to think about that cocksucker.
I had a coffee while putting on an interview outfit: below-the-knee dress, blazer and pumps. If it went wrong, next time I would wear ripped jeans and sneakers.
As I rushed down the stairs, I asked:
- God, I never asked you for anything... On the contrary, I even wanted to return everything you've given me so far. I even returned Jardel. And you took my mother without asking. Then you owe me a... Make me get this job! I promise to be an even better person than I already am. Okay, I may not be such a good person. But I'm a human being and I make fucking mistakes...
A couple was walking up and I stopped talking, smiling, as if they were imagining someone talking to themselves as they walked down the stairs.
- Good Morning! – I greeted.
- Good Morning! – the two replied, continuing to climb.
I even forgot about God when I got to the door and opened it, right into the hot sun of that day.
I walked about twenty minutes until I reached the headquarters of the “Perrone Vinhos” branch. It was a five-story building, recently built. The company until then only existed in the country of origin and Noriah Norte received the first branch, which generated a lot of jobs.
I presented myself at the reception on the first floor and was directed to the fifth, in a brand new elevator that worked perfectly.
As soon as I landed, I looked for the room where I was sent. I imagined a huge line of people looking for the space, but to my surprise when I opened the glass door, there were only two men waiting on the sofas clinking, new and well maintained.
The place was huge and had two desks, sitting behind a custom-made counter made of a material I'd never seen before.
- I came for the interview. - I explained, showing the badge.
- Could you wait a moment? Mr. Perrone will attend first to the two other candidates, who arrived first. – One of them explained politely.
Not candidates, competitors for me. And how could she be interviewed by Mr. Perrone himself? I already felt butterflies in my stomach. What was happening? I haven't read anything about companies not having Human Resources anymore and the owners or CEO's themselves participating in the selection process for jobs in their companies.
I sat up and soon my feet began to tinkle on the floor, showing my anxiety.
I noticed the two men looking at my pumps making an insistent noise and said:
- Sorry... I suffer from anxiety. - He smiled shyly.
- And who doesn't suffer nowadays, right? – said one of them.
Soon the youngest was called. Anyway, a hope that maybe it won't take so long.
But it was not the case. Each of them took more than forty minutes with the CEO. So when the second one came out, I was happy, already feeling my heart beating wildly, knowing it would be my turn.
Soon the secretary called, escorting me to the doorway.
As soon as I walked in, I saw the CEO sitting behind a huge table, with everything in glass behind him, showing part of the floor of the gigantic and imposing front building of North B., the largest liquor company in the country.
- Please sit. – He said, smiling gently. - I'm Sebastian Perrone. He stood up, squeezing my hand.
My God... If there is a more beautiful man, I don't know.
As soon as I entered the room, accompanied by the doctor, I saw my father wrapped in a bunch of wires that controlled his every move. She knew how much he hated that situation and the reason why he ran away: everything was repeated, it had happened before.I approached the bed and took his hand, which he squeezed.- I am tired. – He said, eyes closed.- So rest.- It's complicated to know that we won't see each other anymore... - His eyes were still closed - I'll miss you.- No, you won't miss it. But I'll go...- I know I wasn't a perfect father. And for that I apologize. But understand, it was never with bad intentions. I always loved you, no matter how much of a motherfucker I was.- I think everyone has a motherfucking phase in life. The good thing is, we may realize that one day. You did the best you could.- Make every drop of my sweat count ... But don't put North B. above your family like I did.- I will not do that. Don't worry.- Now... Give me a kiss, my son. And go! I don'
As soon as we descended the steps of the side stairs, the ceremony still going on, we went outside.What was my surprise when I found Anya and Breno talking to Nic, while Maria Lua was on her lap, with Be on her lap.I ran over to them, nearly falling, my stiletto heels sinking into the soft grass.I stopped between them and Nic, preventing them from seeing my daughter:- What are you doing here? – I asked, feeling the anger build up inside me.- We... We just came to see the girl. – Anya said.- You can't see her. She is our daughter. – Hector spoke firmly – If you approach again, I will ask for a protective measure against you.- We really just wanted to see the girl. After all, we don't want to have the same end as Daniel. – Breno said.- I don't understand... - I played dumb.- Do you really think we believe that Daniel disappeared or left? He just disappeared from the country.- We don't know about him - I said - And I don't even want to know.- Well, unlike my wife, I know what
I straightened my dress one last time before entering the church. Maria Lua couldn't stand still and I feared that the maid of honor wouldn't make it to the altar, being able to run away or run with the rings anywhere, even if she went after Be, the cat who was wearing a tie, lost in the great hall, full of from people I barely knew.Mandy straightened my dress back and said,- I think you chose a very tight dress, dear. I hope it doesn't tear while you're walking to the sound of the wedding march.- Turn your mouth over there, grandma... It would be a shame.- Mandy, honey, if that happens I'll cut your granddaughter's neck. – Ben said, fanning himself with his hand – I'm so nervous! I think I'm going to have a fit, I swear!- Look at me, Ben - I took his face with both hands and stared into his bright eyes, like two gemstones on clean and completely perfect and well-groomed skin - You deserve every second of it... Enjoy your day, my love. my life.He kissed my lips and we instantly
- Mama? Maria extended her arms to me.I felt my heart break into a thousand pieces and I went towards her, being pulled into the house. The door closed and Daniel passed the key.- What do you do here? - He asked.Maria Lua followed with her arms towards me and Daniel prevented me from getting close to her. It was enough for her to start crying vehemently.Celine came towards me and handed me the girl:- I hate her crying. She is spoiled and sly.I closed my eyes, smelling her hair coming through my nostrils. Her skin was warm, the blood circulating in her body, her cheeks rosy.She laid her head on my shoulder and stopped crying immediately.- Mom is here, my love.- Daddy? She looked into my eyes.- Dad too! - I said, seeing a smile on her face, the kind that made me lose my mind and donate a kidney without thinking twice.I wiped the tears that were still on her face and asked:- Are you hungry?She nodded in the affirmative.- What the fuck are you doing here? – Daniel immediatel
- I agree - Allan said - We have many armed and trained men here. If we don't do something now, it will never be done again.Everyone looked at Hector. He glared at me. I felt that something was bothering him, although I agreed with Allan and my brother.- Speak, Hector... - I went to him, taking his hand, without taking my eyes off his. – What do you think about all this?- I'm afraid for Maria Lua. What if Daniel is also armed? What if you're not alone? What if a stray bullet hits our girl? - I noticed a certain panic in his voice.I hadn't thought of that. And he was right. Of course, the will was to finish off Daniel and everyone who was with him. But my daughter was one of the people under his sway.- We can try to talk - Ben suggested - I hate violence, people! Not that I think we have to give in to the blackmail of this disqualified Daniel, but it doesn't hurt to try to resolve it in peace.- In this case, there's no way to resolve it in peace, Ben. – Anon 1 told him.- We do n
- How did you disappear? There's no way for her to disappear. If you left her in the living room, she must be somewhere... She likes to play hide and seek.I got up and ran down the steep wooden stairs. The room was empty.I went to the glass door that faced the street and it was closed but not locked.- There's no way someone could have entered here... And taken her. - I said uncertainly.- She's not in the kitchen - said the housekeeper - Nor in the rooms on the way there.Hector ran downstairs, tucking a coat into his arms:- We need to look everywhere.- How did you know? – I looked at him.- Ben... He heard everything on the phone. And told me.We started looking around the house. The man in charge of the place also helped, but on the outside. After a while, I already knew that my daughter was not in the house.I stepped out onto the street, feeling my feet on the small, fluffy flakes. That moment was supposed to be so perfect. However, all I felt was my heart wanting to jump out