Fever Dream ~ Neymar Jr

Chapter 59

2018

The meeting with Riberi, took place a few days later at mine and David's house. It had been a while since all four of us met to talk about 3P together, so there was a lot to catch everyone up on.

"The great news is that the timeline of the prototype is going even better than we expected. The girls are amazing." I told them, referring to the two programmers we had hired, Angelique and Morena. "Peter and I spoke a few days ago and we believe that we can have a version ready by next week. And also, he's coming to Paris soon too, so you'll meet him." I told Riberi.

"This is perfect." Riberi said, noting it down. "We are on track then for a summer launch as we had hoped."

I nodded. "I would like to discuss something though."

"Yeah, tell us."

"It's about the split. I think we need to make some changes. As you know, Peter is paid a salary but has also been given a 5% steak on the company, with the two of you at 15% and 25% respectively based on your initial investment." I told David and Neymar. "I would like to take up some of that. I was thinking 5% from each of you."

"But why? You already have majority." David asked. "55%."

"You want to take on some of the financial risk." Riberi commented, recognizing straight away my intention.

I nodded. "My situation is different than it was when we started. Then I couldn't contribute to the capital, but now I can. So, if something goes wrong, I want a little bit less of the fallout to land on the two of you and some to land on me."

"Nothing is going to go wrong." Neymar interjected.

"Still." I insisted. "Humor me."

Neymar pursed his lips. "Can I talk to you? In private." He asked me, getting up. With a sigh, I got up too, following him to my room.

"We'll be right back." I told David and Riberi who seemed a little uncomfortable.

I joined Neymar in my room and closed the door. "You know, I've never been in here." He said, looking around.

"It's not much. But the view is priceless." I said, walking towards the window but turning to look at him.

"It's... empty."

"It was a temporary thing. At first. And then, I don't know... I never wanted to get too comfortable."

"Because of what happened in Barcelona?" He turned to look at me for a second. I was surprised at the connection his mind made. He always seemed to return to Barcelona, ever since I told him my side of things regarding our breakup.

When I didn't say anything he turned his gaze back to the room. He walked to the bedside table and picked up the book I had there. A first edition of 'Libro de Sonetos' by Vinicius de Moraes. The one he had bought me, all those years ago. His fingers brushed the cover.

"Neymar, there is no need to relive the past." I finally said. "We just end up hurting ourselves more."

"You don't understand!" He said, taking a step towards me, the book still in his hand. "I... It's been months now, but ever since you told me that, I can't stop thinking about it. It's by far the worst thing I've ever done in my life, let alone doing it to the person I loved the most."

"We were both to blame." I told him decisively. Seeing the desperation in his expression and the pain it held, killed me inside. I didn't mean for him to blame himself so much when I told him. I only wanted him to stop blaming me. "Call it a miscommunication if you want."