Episode 5

Giane

I never had a brother, but I have had a declared war among schoolmates. If Peter thinks that what he did would make me chase after him, poor thing, he has another thing coming.

"You have to do this for yourself, Giane, not for him," I grumbled aloud to myself. "But who said I won't do it for myself?" Yes, I argued with myself. I was a classic.

"Talking to yourself again?" Nelly said as soon as I passed the reception area. I smiled at her and gave her a kiss on the cheek as I approached.

"The day is so beautiful, don't you think?" I said, and she looked at me confused.

"Something's wrong," she said, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, my brother wants your number. Despite loving him very much and thinking that you would be wonderful together, I won't give it without your permission."

"You're amazing, you know?" I said, giving her another kiss on the cheek. She looked even more startled.

"Is it a case for institutionalization?" she asked, and I rolled my eyes.

"I just want to be happy, Nelly. Your brother seems like an incredible person," I said, and she widened her eyes.

"Don't you dare use my brother," she threatened.

"I would never do such a thing. I'm willing to truly get to know him," I assured her, and it was true. I would never forget my "neighbor" if I didn't try.

I said goodbye to my friend and went to my work floor. It didn't take long for my boss to arrive, and I couldn't wait to wipe that ironic smile off his face.

"Good morning, boss," I said, and he was taken aback. From now on, it will be like this, Peter, get used to it.

My mother was right, I was young, full of life. Why stay at home suffering for love when I can go out and meet new people? I won't let him bring me down, and besides, in a few months, he'll leave again to live his life away from me.

I talked to Nelly's brother and arranged to meet at a restaurant of my choice. Of course, I chose Kevin's family restaurant, I would feel more comfortable there. Peter asking me to get a table for him and Stella there was really a terrible coincidence.

Mercy, the man was even more handsome in person. Unlike Peter, who didn't come back from Brazil with a tan, Andrey had tanned skin, blond hair that looked very beachy, and dark green eyes that were charming. He was truly beautiful, just not Peter.

"You're as beautiful as Nelly, she's more beautiful, of course. My friend is beautiful, but you, mercy," I said and bit my lips. "Damn it, I don't know how to flirt, in fact, I don't know how to have a conversation."

"You seem nervous," he said, grabbing my hand while driving. "Wow, Giane, you're really cold."

"But I assure you I'm not dead," I reassured him, and I immediately wanted to slap myself when he started laughing. "Sorry, I'm really nervous."

"I'm nervous too," he said, looking into my eyes. The contact didn't last long because he soon returned his attention to the road. "You're incredibly beautiful, and I can see that you have a special gift."

"The gift of saying the wrong things at the wrong times," I said, and once again, he smiled.

"Nothing that comes out of your mouth is wrong. You're cheerful, and it's understandable that you're nervous. Moreover, your spontaneity has made my day happier. I hope I can make you feel the same," he said, and my heart raced. Not in the way it did with Peter—why did I compare? It raced because I'm embarrassed, and I'm genuinely happy to make someone else happy. "Stop thinking about someone who isn't thinking about you right now. Just relax, okay?"

"And how do you know I'm thinking about someone?" I said, widening my eyes. "Not that I am—I mean, I am. I mean, my mom went on a trip, and I think about her all the time." Liar.

- I bet your conscience just shouted liar out loud - he said\, and my eyes widened even more\, he gave a little smile - let's eat and get to know each other\, okay? If you need to use me to forget him\, I don't mind being used\, especially if we get to eat all we want.

- Sorry\, but talking about food actually made me more excited - I said\, and we laughed together\, my lunch was going to be fun. Andrey was a smart\, interesting\, and fun man\, not to mention extremely handsome\, enough to catch some looks - wouldn't you like to pursue a modeling career?

- Would you believe me if I told you I'm shy? - he said\, and I didn't believe it\, after all\, he carries himself with confidence\, a shy person would never do that\, at least I don't think so\, I'm shy and I don't. I shrugged.

When we sat down, I looked ahead and saw Peter glaring at me with anger, hatred, he seemed like he wanted to fly at me, I gave a small smile and waved, then I looked at the hallway where the bathroom was and swallowed hard, the smile disappearing from my lips, and this time my heart seemed to stop beating, when I looked back at him, he knew what I was thinking. He never hurt me as much as he did that day, him sitting with Stella doesn't hurt as much as remembering his accusations.

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