Benjamin
I wake up and, as I always do, I go for my run. When I return, it was 7:30 and I was almost late. I send a message to Alana, who, to my surprise, answers me immediately.
Benjamin - Good morning! Remember that I'm picking you up for dinner tonight?
Alana - Good morning! Okay.
Benjamin - I thought you were asleep.
Alana - I usually wake up early, I've been running since I was 15, so my body is used to it. I usually wake up at 5.
Benjamin - Really?
Alana - Yes, why?
Benjamin - I also run every morning. It's been a few years now.
Alana thinking - He runs too!
Benjamin thinking - Interesting, she runs too!
Alana - Cool.
Benjamin - How about I swing by at 7:30 p.m.?
Alana - Sounds good.
Benjamin - I'll let you know when I'm arriving.
Alana - Okay.
The day flies by.
Alana knew that the girls and the guys would be there, but even so, she asked Isis to confirm. She also inquired about the place and the dress code. She still needed some time to get used to all of this.
You know, in fact, this was really bothering me. I was thinking about looking for an image consultant to help me out.
I put on a short, fitted dress, obviously not too short, about three fingers above the knee, high heels, accessories, loose hair, and light makeup. It's just dinner.
He sends me a message that he's waiting. I go downstairs.
He was wearing a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up and jeans. And what a hottie! Damn it, Alana, you can't fall for him, this is all a charade!
Benjamin's thoughts - This woman is going to be the death of me, I wanted to rip that dress off of her. Control yourself, Benjamin, play it cool!
Alana - Hi.
Benjamin - Hi.
He opens the car door for her to get in.
Alana - Thank you. [She gets into the car.]
Just like last time, they arrive and draw attention for being together and also for him being a very well-known entrepreneur, especially in the nightlife scene. Imagine, the guy was 33 years old and had been a party animal since he was 18.
The girls and the guys were already there. They exchange greetings and sit down.
Isis and Gabi are talking to Alana.
Isis - You look gorgeous! He looks at you differently, Alana.
Gabi - I agree.
Alana - Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
Gabi laughs - Girl, he's smitten with you!
Alana - No way, that's just your imagination.
Then the guys call their attention to help choose the dishes and order.
And, as always, the women make a point of trying to get Benjamin's attention.
They were chatting and…
Rave - How can they be so into you? [He says, referring to the women from other tables who were making advances towards Benjamin.]
Benjamin laughs - You know what feels good…
Heitor - Here we go again…
Rave - What do you think, Alana?
Alana - About…?
Rave - Your future husband’s fame? [He smiles.]
Alana - My fake husband, you mean. Well, Rave, I don't know what to tell you, I didn't know him before and I'm still getting to know him. But I think your house must be pretty big, right, Benjamin?
They look at her.
Benjamin - It is, why?
Alana - To fit your ego.
Heitor lets out a laugh that ends up attracting attention, and Rave and the girls burst into laughter at him.
Benjamin - You're very funny, aren't you?
Isis - You guys are great together.
Benjamin speaks to Heitor and Rave - Oh, crap, this isn't good…
Them - What?
Benjamin - Look who's here…
Carol and Vivi.
Gabi and Isis grimace and pull Alana aside.
Alana - What was that about?
Them - Remember we told you about those two snakes who are friends and in love with Benjamin?
Alana - Yes.
Them - Brace yourself, here they come.
Alana - Seriously?
Them - Yes.
Alana - Okay.
Carol and Vivi arrive.
Hi, sweeties, hi girls! Mind if we join you? [They start giving the guys little kisses, and just greet Isis and Gabi, and then finally Benjamin.]
Carol and Vivi - This is Alana, my girlfriend.
They exchange greetings, but look her up and down.
Carol - Welcome to the list. But you know how Benjamin is, tomorrow there will be another one in your place. [She smiles.]
Benjamin - Please, Carol.
Vivi - You know, Alana, the worst part is, it's true, even if the pretty boy denies it.
Alana smiles - We'll see.
Gabi smiles, and Isis too.
They ask to add to the order and stay there, throwing jabs, until finally, the food arrives.
Alana's thoughts - Thank goodness.
After eating, they were chatting, and then…
Vivi - You know what you're getting yourself into, right, Alana?
Alana - I'm sorry, but I didn't understand.
Heitor - Give it a rest, Vivi.
Vivi - I just want to warn her about a few things.
Isis whispers to Alana - Here comes a bomb. Want to go to the bathroom?
Alana - Don't let them get to you. Let's see what she has to say. I'm quite intelligent, and mean when I need to be.
Isis - Okay, but if she crosses the line…
Alana - Don't worry.
Vivi - Are you two going to keep whispering, or can I tell you a few things?
Alana - Feel free.
Benjamin's thoughts - This is not good.
Vivi - You know you shouldn't be where you are, right?
Rave - Vivi!
Alana smiles - Let her talk, Rave.
Vivi - Rave and Heitor are very close friends and accomplices of Benjamin. He could kill someone, and they would always be on his side. So don't think you can trust them. And…
Benjamin - Let me explain. It's like this… if you've already slept with him, you're lucky to still be here. He'll soon get tired of you and dump you. And if you haven't slept with him yet, that's the only reason you're still his girlfriend. And believe me, you'll never be the only one. Benjamin wouldn't be able to be with just one person. And like Carol said, you're definitely just another one for his list.
Gabi and Isis were finding it ridiculous and, at the same time, didn't know what to do.
Benjamin - That's enough, Vivi.
Alana - It's Vivi, right?
Vivi - Yes.
Alana - As for the guys, I think it's great to have friends like that. I'm happy for Benjamin. And as for Benjamin, who said I want to stay with him for so long? Who said he's the one who wants to use me and not the other way around? If you're one of those crazy women who go around doing anything to be with a guy, don't include me in your list.
Gabi and Isis laugh discreetly.
And the list, I'm curious. You two must be on it, or am I mistaken? In other words, your past is quite interesting. And you know what, Vivi? I think if you were smart, you'd spend your energy trying to win Benjamin over, because I have nothing to do with it. Don't take your frustration out on me because you've been rejected by him. It's not my fault you've already been on his list.
Isis and Gabi giggle - Excuse us.
Benjamin's thoughts - She's good. Well played.
Heitor and Rave laugh.
Vivi - What are you laughing at?
Heitor - Nothing, nothing. Just, be careful what you wish for.
After a while, Benjamin calls me to go. Thank goodness!
In the car…
Benjamin - I liked the way you answered Vivi.
Alana - I played my part. I've been humiliated enough. I finally learned to defend myself when I realized that tears wouldn't change anything.
Benjamin - I'm really sorry. They're like that, and believe me, they will continue to bother you.
Alana - No problem, Benjamin. It's them, not you.
Benjamin - For your age, you're very mature, and your attitude surprises me.
Alana - Thank you, you're being kind, as always.
Benjamin gets out to open the car door for her and walks her to the entrance of the building.
Alana - Thank you.
Benjamin thinking - She's so beautiful, and her scent is intoxicating… those lips…
Alana - It seemed like he was lost in thought, so I smiled… and…
Benjamin - She smiles at me, and I can't resist. I need to kiss her.
It was a gentle but delicious kiss. I can't explain it, but it was more than just a simple kiss.
Alana
What was that kiss? I don't believe in fairy tales, but my foot lifted involuntarily. It was strange, to say the least, but wonderful. I've never enjoyed a kiss so much. Although I haven't kissed many people in my life, maybe two.
I went in without another word, and he left.
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