Finding Love

Rosalie

"I put my pain behind me and move forward. For if I remember those that hurt me I may never recover"

Dinner was going well for the most part besides Mateo staring at me the entire time. I was enjoying the energy at the table. Even though it consisted of Mr. Costa and their coach speaking it was nice. 

The man next to me who I learned name was Vinicius was a funny guy. Though there was a bit of a language barrier he kept me company throughout the night. 

"So you work for Mr. Costa?" he asked me in a calm voice

"yes, I've worked with him for 2 years now" I proudly said. My job hasn't been easy but I loved writing blogs about celebrities and covering new articles for our channel. I've even been an honorary interviewer for our segments on YouTube. 

I wasn't a fan of the food and only ordered a strawberry daiquiri and dumpling. As dinner went on I couldn't help but glance at Mateo, he was quiet throughout the night and didn't seem interested in anything Mr. Costa had to say. 

Within a second the two started a heated argument, I didnt noticed when it started but I could tell Mr. Costa was anger. Watching the two men combat each other was tense. 

I thought Mr. Costa would keep his composure as they're our guest but I shouldn't expect much from a baby in a grown mans body. He mentioned that Mateo needed this partnership the most due to his decline of popularity. 

It was a foul comment and I could tell Mateo took it personally. His coach got up and started speaking trying to change the subject but I couldn't take my eyes off Mateo. Soon after his coach spoke he left the room and everyone went back to chatting. 

I couldn't shake the feeling that I should go check on him. 

"That Souza player of yours has one big ego" my boss boasted to Neymar and their coach. I cant believe he's saying that after he disrespected Mateo. Their coach just shook his head and Neymar stated "Souza is a fine player who only cares for the teams well being."

They were all so monotone to what just happened and I couldn't take anymore. I got up out my seat and went to find Mateo. 

I walked around for a minute then asked one of the workers if she's seen a tall tan man walk by. Luckily she had and I found him near the bathroom. Walking up he looked defeated and had his face in between his legs. 

I wanted to apologize for my bosses actions because he acts like a child half the time. Mateo seemed to register my words and gave me his signature smile but this one wasn't the same as the previous ones he's shown me. 

I swore to myself that I wouldn't speak to this man again but here we are. God plays funny games and right now this was a test against my words. I started pacing because I was nervous to ask if he wanted to leave because the dude barely knows me but I thought maybe a new scenery would be good. 

He noticed my pacing and started apologizing but I cut him off and asked my question. It just came out and I didn't even think before speaking. To my surprise he agreed to my idea and now I find myself in a car with Mateo Souza again...

"So... where do you want to go" I asked looking outside the window trying to not make eye contact

"I have no clue. You invited me out sweetheart" he chuckled. Every time he calls me sweetheart my heart takes a leap and I hate it. Its like everything I swore I wouldn't do was tossed out the window. But I'm just here offering kindness because he had a rough night.

"Well I'm kind of hungry. I'm not a fan of sushi so I couldn't enjoy dinner much" I told him the truth 

"At least that makes two of us. Dinner wasn't my favorite either" he said looking over at me as he kept his hand on the wheel. I didn't want to talk about dinner anymore and started thinking of places to eat.

We decided to eat shake shack and it crossed my mind how well he knew LA and American culture... 

"Not to sound rude but your English is really good" I said hoping I don't sound like a dick 

He just laughed at my statement making me feel stupid. I stuffed a fry in my mouth because I was embarrassed once again. 

"Thank you sweetheart, l lived in America" he told me as he took a sip from his drink. 

I was surprised he lived here and a bunch of questions formed in my head

"Wait, I thought you were from Brazil?" I questioned now curious about his life

"I am, born and raised till I moved at 14 and then I spent my time here in LA for 5 years" he told me with a smug look.

I was totally invested in this story and wanted to know more about him. Part of me was also happy to see him with a genuine smile. 

"Okay, how old are you?" I asked quickly

"Are we playing 21 questions? he playfully asked me

"I mean no... I'm just nosy and bored" I defensibly stated

"I don't mind but what peaked your interest sweetheart" he asked with an eyebrow raised as he ate his burger

"I don't know. We're here eating so we might as well get to know each while the night is young" I shrugged. I had no real reason for my curiosity. 

"Mmmm, ok. I'm 23 years old" he told me 

A year apart... I whispered to myself 

"I am 21" I said after playing with the fingers

"Nice, now it's my turn to ask a question. When is your birthday" he said playfully 

"June 28th" I told him reaching my hand over the table for one of his fries. I ate all of mine and felt it was the least he could do.

"Stealing others fries? That could be considered a crime" he said pushing the fries to my side of the table

Ignoring the kind gesture I went back to asking questions, "when is your birthday and do you have any siblings" I asked 

"October 3rd and yes I have an older brother" he answered in the same tone as me with a smile 

I was getting sick of this man and his smiles, are his cheekbones broken or is it a chronic illness? 

"You smile a lot" I said giving him a odd look

"Whats wrong with my smile? They are my best feature don't you think?" he said in a cheeky manner 

I scuffed at his comment and finished eating his fries. I checked the time and it was almost 10:30pm.

"I say we call it a night, I have work in the morning" I said getting up to throw my trash away

Mateo followed behind and held the door open for me as we walked to the car. He may be a gentleman but i'm only offering kindness because of my boss, I remind myself

"I guess this is goodbye" I said as he drove towards my house 

"it could...  or not" he said glancing over to see my reaction 

I really hope he doesn't get the wrong idea. I was offering peace nothing more than that I thought to myself

"I guess you're right, if your team decides to partner with us then, I'll be writing about the experience and talking to you all more" I said thinking about how exciting this project would be

"So if I sign the contract, I can see you more often?" he asked 

I was lost in my thoughts I didn't register his question. "Technically yes since I am in charger of interviews and creating content for our channel" I said watching us pull up to my complex

We came to a stop and I opened the door to get out. "Thank you for the ride and food" I said with a kind smile

He looked and told me goodnight. I headed to my apartment ready for the day to finally end.