Helen – Hey, Judy?
Beth sets her granddaughter on the floor to hug the teacher.
Helen – I watched the whole performance; you were flawless!
Allan – What do we say, sweetheart?
Judy – Thank you!
Their gazes linger on each other, but Judy breaks the silence.
Judy – Are you going to the pizza place with us?
Helen feels awkward about the little girl’s invitation and looks at Allan, as if she’s waiting for him to extend the invite.
Allan – We’re going for a pizza to celebrate Judy’s great performance at the showcase, would you like to join?
Helen glances at Mrs. Beth, who continues to watch the interaction between the two, her interest apparent.
Beth – Yeah, let's go, Helen!
Helen – Well, if you insist, I’ll accept the invitation.
Allan – Did you drive here?
Helen – No.
They leave the school and head for the parking lot.
...
In the hotel, Luiza remains asleep due to a strong migraine medicine she had taken. Ryan enters the room extremely drunk, stumbling from side to side.
Ryan – Luiza?
Slightly dizzy, he approaches the bed, removes his shoes, and lies down, spooning her. Awoken by his unexpected touch, Luiza is startled and pushes him away, repulsed by his strong alcohol breath.
Luiza – Don’t touch me, you disgusting drunk!
She kicks him, and being as tipsy as he is, he falls to the floor, making a noise against the wood.
Ryan – Are you going to pretend you have a migraine this time, you bitch? It's been months since you've turned me down. Is it money you want? Here!
He pulls some bills from his pocket and throws them into the air. Outraged by how she’s been treated, Luiza gets up and hits him. Drunk, he only laughs.
Luiza – I detest you!
Ryan – What did you say, you whore?
She kicks him in the ribs, leaving him breathless. Ryan tries to speak but can’t manage it.
Luiza – I'm leaving this hotel! And if you follow me, I’m going to the police.
She grabs her suitcase from the closet, throws it onto the bed, stuffs her clothes in haphazardly, zips it up, and drags it to the door.
Ryan – Where will you go?
Luiza – It's none of your business. Go back to New York, fool, because no amount of money will make me come back to you!
Ryan – We'll see about that!
He attempts to stand, grabbing the mattress, but lacks the strength and balance. Luiza slings her small bag over her shoulder, pulls her suitcase, and leaves the room, later the hotel, wandering the cold night aimlessly.
Luiza – I need to find an affordably priced inn.
She talks to herself, dragging her suitcase on the slightly slippery road from the falling snow. After wandering block after block, looking for a place to stay for the night without success, she feels her lips numbing and eyelashes heavy from snowflakes. From a distance, she sees a pizzeria sign lit up, decides to seek directions to an inn there, and also to eat, as she was very hungry.
Upon arrival, she pushes the door open, looks around at the few occupied tables. For some reason, her eyes lock with Allan’s, who is sitting at a table with his daughter, mother, and teacher Helen.
Their gazes meet deeply, seeming to last for more than a few moments.
Judy – Daddy? Daddy?
He snaps out of the trance and looks at her.
Allan – Yes?
Judy – The pizza’s here!
He looks at his mother, then at Helen, smiling.
Beth – Seemed like you were in another world. What did you see?
Allan – Huh? No... nothing.
He takes a pizza slice for his daughter, cuts it into smaller pieces, and serves himself as the others are already eating. Occasionally, his gaze drifts to the counter where Luiza is seated.
Helen – Did you see the news about the couple lost at sea? Good thing you found Allan, I’m sure it was you.
Beth – That boy has always made me proud!
Both women glance at him, but noticing he’s distracted, Mrs. Beth covertly looks towards the counter, raises her eyebrows, and smiles upon seeing the attractive lady.
Beth – Now I understand!
Judy – What, Grandma?
Beth – Just thinking out loud, darling!
Helen – I know what you mean, I sometimes think to myself and accidentally speak out loud.
They all smile.
Meanwhile, Luiza waits for her small, four-slice 'brotinho' of Portuguese pizza. However, she avoids looking back, unable to describe her feeling when she first saw Allan – her heart nearly burst with emotion.
Waitress – Here’s your ‘brotinho’.
Luiza – Thank you!
Waitress – I’ll write down the direction to the inn. The owner’s a great guy; he’s sure to give you a room.
The waitress scribbles an address on a piece of paper.
Waitress – Here you are.
She hands the paper to Luiza.
Luiza – Thank you so much!
Waitress – You’re not from around here, are you? You have an interesting accent.
Luiza – I’m Brazilian.
Waitress – Really?
She asks with enthusiasm.
Waitress – That explains the curves!
They both smile.
Luiza – Is that a compliment?
Waitress – Absolutely! My name is Lara!
Luiza sets her utensils down and extends a hand in greeting.
Luiza – A pleasure to meet you, I’m Luiza! (laughs)
Lara, excited, begins to chat.
Lara – That Allan Bradley is a catch!
Luiza – Who? (laughs)
Lara – That man sitting over there!
Curious, Luiza stealthily glances back and confirms the waiter is referring to the same man with whom she’d exchanged glances earlier.
Lara – I feel sorry for him!
Luiza – Why?
Lara – His wife died a few years back in an accident.
Luiza looks down thoughtfully and sadly, resuming her meal slowly, so as not to choke since she was in a hurry to get to the inn before 8 pm.
***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***
Updated 101 Episodes
Download
Like this story? Download the app to keep your reading history.
Comments