Rhodia River - In the stream of love [Book 1]

Chapter 13 - Plotting against Fábio

GRANJA SQUARE - DAY

Ed listens from behind as Sandra and Cássio discuss a plan involving Fabio on behalf of Fabia Peres. The couple is unaware of his presence.

Cássio protests, "He'll be surprised to hear me bring this up since we haven't been on good terms since childhood."

Sandra counters, "To avoid being too direct, start with a different topic and be subtle." She continues, smart and manipulative, "My love, are you sure you can handle this? If not, I can always find someone else—"

The manipulation works. Cássio stands up, defensive. "Hey, what's with the talk? Of course, I can handle it! I'm not as clueless as you think, dear."

"That's what I thought. Let's set this plan into motion this afternoon."

Ed straightens up, frustrated, and carefully slips away on his bike without confronting them.

He mutters to himself, "Geez, Sandra is something else! What's she up to with all this gossip?"

***

MALTHUS SNACK BAR

Annie returns after plans and early morning celebrations. Aurélio is attentive to the television nailed to the ceiling, but he turns around as soon as he realizes her presence.

Aurélio smiles at her, "Speak, princess! What do you wish for this time?"

Annie is sweet, "Seu Aurélio, you have done so much for us. I feel I have a duty to help you with something."

"Calm down, girl. I don't do any of this expecting anything in return. I want to help. I like you all very much."

"OK, you can help us with the posters, but when it's about your business..." She opens his purse and looks for the credit card, "Eating snacks all the time for free is not going to pay the same house bill."

Annie finds the credit card and holds it out to Aurélio, but he doesn't take it. He looks at her seriously, somewhat offended.

"Annie, what did I do to you?"

Annie reacts humanly, "That's not it, Seu Aurélio. I don't want to harm you. As I told you, I can even accept making a free meal, but there were four of us, and I saw Cássio eating three shrimp pies. Let me pay at least what I ate."

Aurélio reacts tenderly, compassionately, "My daughter, don't worry. You know, I wish you and Carina were my daughters."

"You don't have one, do you?"

Aurélio does not respond immediately.

Annie continues, "Oh, sorry, my missing..."

"Calm down, flower," Aurélio tranquilizes her, "No, I don't have a family. I think that's one more reason to see you like children."

"So you behaved like a doting dad the other day, preventing Monica and Célio's kiss?"

Aurélio starts to laugh, "Did you see? Célio must have been a beast..."

"Please, Aurélio, relieve my conscience and accept the credit card."

Aurélio, melted, gives in and accepts Annie's card. He brings the machine close and swipes the credit card to the reader. Annie types the password. Transaction accepted. Aurélio cuts off the receipts.

"This is the last time, huh?"

Annie gets jolly, "Seu Aurélio, you have to learn to receive too, and not just give yourself."

Annie comes out of the shop. Aurélio chuckles. He's feeling sorry for her.

***

FÁBIO'S LIVING ROOM