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

Chapter 27 - I Left the Door Open to Love

MONICA'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Célio asked Monica if she still feels something for Fábio.

She looks at him and reflects before answering, "Célio, you know that in the past we had... feelings."

Célio responds dryly, "Feeling is not a relationship."

"I know, I know... is that—" She gets up, "Every woman who gets involved with a man, has hopes... Unless she is completely shameless, not to say anything else."

Célio holds a laugh. "Did you, Monica, have hope with Fábio Dance?"

Monica cast him a cold stare. "No judgment, Célio."

Célio regrets, "Sorry, Monica."

"It turns out that I cried more for what he said to me than for the fact that he said he's already thought about leaving Fábia Peres."

"If he really valued you and knew how amazing you are... he would've done that already. Fábia Peres is just blond hair and a hot body, for heaven's sake!"

"Yeah, you're right. So, that's what happened. I started a stupid argument, and now I feel like the villain in the story."

"It's a story that doesn't even make sense if you ask me. But let's put that aside for now. Speaking of which, the print shop you visited seems to be the cheapest one. We'll go back tomorrow and tell them they've been chosen."

"Don't you want to see other options?"

"Traveling like this is tiring and I need to know if there is work to do at the Association."

"Let's do the following: tomorrow we'll ask Aurélio if the price reaches him, if so, we won't need to look any further."

Célio gets up, "So that's it. I'll be gone, Monica. And don't worry."

Monica also gets up and looks at him with curiosity, "Don't worry about what?"

Célio opens a wide smile. "You'll get everything you ever deserved."

And Célio leaves. Monica sighs, and then she goes to the door and closes it.

***

RICARDO'S LIVING ROOM - DAY

Ricardo, still wearing the headband, walks in a tank top and boxers to the door, sleepy. He opens the door for Wellington.

"Good morning, sir. Ah, as seen, I woke you up..."

Ricardo responds sulkily, "What do you want, boy?"

"Lou indicated me."

"I don't know any Lou. I have no dealings with children."

"The real name is Luis." Wellington gets aloof.

"First rule, boy: I'm no longer a kid for these antics. If you're also nicknamed, you can tell me your correct name right away. Start being treated like a man right now."

Wellington reacts cornered, "My name is Wellington and my friends have always called me that."

"If you wait, I can brush my teeth, put on better clothes, and offer you coffee, or we can get to the point."

"Please, feel free. I thought it was a good time, but it bothered you. I'll wait."

Ricardo smiles slightly, "Good boy. Friend of Luis, right? He must have given you another rule."

"Don't tell my other friends. This is out of my understanding, but I promise to respect that rule. I need money and I'm living in a friend's house who only makes noodles and frozen soup."