Ventura

Capítulo 10

The following week I received a message from Thomas: "- You can congratulate me. I got the role."

The media was in an uproar. The role was extremely disputed, and the series was eagerly awaited. Thomas would be the protagonist and his casting partner was none other than Abby Davies. She was the darling of the moment, awarded twice with the Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination for her outstanding performance in a drama of great repercussion.

Thomas had three months to prepare for the role and spent his days at home, immersed in reading the script. A personal came three times a week to accompany him in his physical preparation. A couple of professional choreographers were also hired by the producer for body expression classes for sex scenes. When I found that strange, Thomas laughed. He was sitting on a chair in the garden while I was planting a jasmine seedling in a pot. I rubbed my forehead and ended up leaving an earth mark. He got up and walked over to me and ran his hand gently over my forehead to clean the dirt. He crouched down next to the vase and continued.

- Recording a sex scene is nothing like the "mess" in real life, if you know what I mean. - and winked at me.

I shot him a disbelieving look.

He gave me a real lesson on how the scenes were recorded. I confess that I was disappointed. My classic Nine Weeks and Half of Love had lost its grace.

During the week, we received a visit from his manager, who brought a series of folders and spread them on the table. He was a short man, with small, perceptive eyes. He combed his sparse hair on his side trying to hide his baldness. In the first few months when I started working for Thomas I was introduced to him. When his name was mentioned, I could not contain the air of astonishment. - Melanei, this is my manager. Cary Grant. - I thought: "- This guy's parents had a strange sense of humor."

Mr. Grant brought me back to the present.

- Look at this. - pointed a photo. - Or this. - and pointed to another. - It's a great investment, Thomas. And the neighborhood couldn't be better. Remember that the series can last for years and you better move to London.

- Anie, come and see. - said Thomas

I wiped my hands and went to him. I walked around the table and stood behind him. I crossed my arms and leaned over his shoulders.

- Look, this one. What do you think? - and showed me the photos. Every now and then I looked back to make sure I was watching.

- Is beautiful. - I said without much interest.

I went back to the counter looking for a tray to put the sandwiches on. I heard Thomas sigh. After lunch his agent was gone. I went to the table and started putting the folders together making a pile.

- Didn't you like the house? he asked as he took a sandwich.

- It's not a house, it's a mansion. - replied

- Yes it's true. But I may have to move to London. Then I will have to buy a house.

I opened the prospectus and pointed to the photos.

- Let's see, there are ten rooms. - Ten rooms. - I repeated. "And unless you plan to get married soon," he stopped chewing and grimaced. - and having many children, this house is not a home. It's just the status representation you know?

He looked disappointed.

- Thomas, you can buy the house you want. If you want a mansion? So whatever. - I said softly.

- Would you like a smaller house then? - asked

- It's not what I want. I love this house - I opened my arms emphasizing my words - But I work here. And it is not for me to say where you should live.

- Right. But if I move to London, you will go with me, right? Or do you intend to abandon me?

That phrase sounded strange to my ears, but he didn't seem to notice and went on, showing another.

- And you are?

I looked at the photo. And I didn't contain the look of boredom.

- It's another mansion. And it is definitely horrible. I answered.

He looked exasperated:

- You are boring! - Said frowning.

- And you're an arrogant! - I turned my back and went to the fridge, filled a glass with water and sipped my back to him.

After a few moments I heard the chair shuffling and he slammed out the front door. An hour later he was back. He approached me:

- I only managed to get to the nearest bar. Please excuse me. I didn't mean that. - spoke quietly.

I turned to him and looked up until I met his.

- I'm sorry too.

Suddenly he put his hands on the counter, holding my body in his arms. He looked deep into my eyes and said quietly:

- You know, while I came home I heard the news on the radio that hell froze.

And kissed me. It tasted like wine and urgency. I tied his waist and he stuck his body to mine. I can't say how long we spent there enjoying another. When he touched my breasts I felt the alarm ring. Push it and take a few breaths.

- Stop Thomas, please.

- Why? - he was still panting - What happened?

- Thomas, I work here and consider myself your friend too. It would ruin everything. And I don't mean to be your distraction between one lover and another.

- Is that what you imagine about me? - he looked offended.

- In the last few months you haven't left anything to my imagination, have you? - I said in a defiant tone.

I realized that I had gone too far.

- Excuse me. This is really none of my business.

- It is not? he whispered.

- IS? - I returned.

He did not answer. He stood there staring at me.

- Do you dine with me?

- What?! - I didn't understand the invitation.

His face was immobile and I thought I heard wrong.

- Let's make peace, okay? he asked.

I shook my head smiling.

- I really don't know what to do with you. Right. Let's have dinner. What do you have in mind?

He seemed to think a little.

- Get out? - he pondered. - No way. We wouldn't have an instant of privacy.

He smiled.

- I have an idea. - he said excitedly - How about we order a pizza for dinner?

The next day the folders and pizza packages dawned in the trash.