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

Chapter 29 - Aurélio's Mystery

GRANJA SQUARE - EVENING

Luis does not want to go into details with Célio and Cássio about his job. Wellington looks at him waiting for what he will say.

"No, people, unfortunately, there are no vacancies."

"You talk as if it was a company," Célio says.

Luís explains rather quickly, "It was a friend, one of my neighbors, who helped me."

"Ah, I thought it was a nice, rich guy who was financing you." Cássio says, "Because that tent couldn't have come out of your pocket."

"It seems that my friend already had the tent and gave it to me. It's not new."

Wellington sees that Luis wants to leave, but his friends don't let go and insist on asking for more. He helps, "Good to know, buddy. One of these times, we'll call you for a ball match."

Luis jokes, "I'll see some free time on my schedule."

Friends laugh and pat lightly on Luis's back. He smiles back and walks away, relieved by the explanation given.

***

MALTHUS SNACK BAR

Annie and Jonas enter. She is excited, he is frowning. The two go to the counter. There are no more customers. Aurélio is preparing to close, cleaning the counter.

"We're already closing, Annie, and my clients today were faster than you."

Annie laughs, "Jeez, Aurélio, you're confusing me with someone else... Anyway, I came here to tell you that Tito offered to go to the printer shop. Tomorrow, he will look for you to get everything right."

Aurélio disguises it, "Ah, OK. I hope he doesn't spend my money on other things, like so many politicians out there."

Annie laughs. "Oh, Seu Aurélio! Although I didn't vote for him, I don't think he is capable of doing anything so serious... like burning his political career so soon, as a mere mayor of the neighborhood."

"It's just that you're very innocent and you trust too much." He provokes Jonas, "Jonas, you must teach her how people are in the real world some other time."

Jonas gets angry, "You can be sure that I'll tell her! Come on, dear."

Annie doesn't understand Jonas's outburst but decides to follow her boyfriend. She waves goodbye to Aurélio and goes with him. Aurélio continues calmly closing his shop.

***

FÁBIO'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Fábio opens the door for Célio. He's sweaty from the game, he's getting serious. Fábio makes drama just to annoy him by covering his nose.

"Ouch, ouch... Couldn't you go home and take a shower first?"

Célio behaves like a tough, alpha male, determined. "No, I couldn't. What I have to tell you is urgent."

Fabio sits in his armchair bought in an expensive store. He mockingly speaks to Célio, "I'm sorry I can't tell you to sit down because I don't want to have my sofa stained with the sweat of another male. Fábia Peres doesn't deserve that."

Célio counters, "Or else Fábia will be delirious when she smells the aroma of a true male!

"What are you here for, smelly?" Fábio frowns.

"I came here to demand redress. About Monica, you did an injustice."

"Who do you think you are to meddle in my affairs? I talked with Monica to stop bothering my girlfriend and that's it. Why do you bother? Why are you always willing to defend her when you know she will never repay you, at least not as you expect?"