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

Chapter 17 A plan to unmask Miriam

MIRIAM'S BEDROOM - DAY

Sandra enters the room and finds Miriam sprawled on the bed, still dressed. A hangover is little for that. Sandra feels this is weird; nothing indicates that Miriam had a romantic night.

She shakes Miriam very hard until she wakes up. "Miriam, Miriam! What happened? It's too late!"

Miriam replies sleepily, "Ah... My head...!"

"Take Doril. So, was that the result of you going out?"

Miriam, still lying down, turns to Sandra. It looks like talking hurts, "Look, as far as I know, my night was fine. We went to that pizzeria whose preparation is legitimately Neapolitan. A delight! They also served wine... Ouch...!"

Sandra, more and more disgusted, walks around the bed, "Wine? And did you drink the entire bottle? Drunkenness on the first date?"

"Stop walking because I can't keep up with you. And it will make me sick."

"Better go to the kitchen to make a strong coffee while you wash your face, and if you have to throw up, do it in the bathroom and not in front of me!"

Sandra withdraws, shaking her head. Miriam takes a deep breath.

"As seen, he brought me here... a very gentleman... and handsome. I love you, Carlos. You'll be mine."

Miriam drunkenly smiles.

***

CASCAIS BAKERY

Carina, Annie, and Jonas plan to expose Miriam to ridicule.

Carina is still cautious, "Even if we do what you suggest, what worries me most is that we're going to do it... this afternoon at the Neighborhood Assembly?"

Annie confirms, "Sure, girl! People will gather there, and Chief Roldão will be present."

"And so does she," Says Jonas.

"If Sandra is along her, I'll ask if she agrees with this antic."

Carina smiles at them. "Guys, thanks for caring about me. Imagine: being slandered around that I want to steal someone else's boyfriend."

"The point is that we don't even know if they are dating," Jonas says, "or if it was the first date."

Annie adds, "Or if the madwoman set up the first date thinking you were eyeing him too. There are some desperate women out there, I'll tell you about it!"

"Well, since we're here... Jonas, make that espresso to give me more courage, please."

"Coming...!"

Jonas gets up and goes to get it.

Carina goes on, "I need to create a few more paintings to sell. I think I'll try to exhibit what I have at the fair. What do you think?"

"I think it's cool, girl, but... the Debora Park fair, right? Or—", holding her breath, "Are you going to the Hippie Fair we have in Vila Fraldan?"

Carina giggles, "No, dear! It will be at ours here in the neighborhood."

"Don't you think it's too small for your talent?"

"If everyone thinks like that, this fair never grows."

When Annie nods, Monica barges in. She greets everyone discouragedly, "Hi, girls! I didn't see nobody at Aurélio's, so I figured you were here."

Monica collapses on the chair. She orders Jonas, "One for me too, Jonas!"

"What happened, my friend?"