Episode 18

In the coffee area of OL Company, Patricia was telling the news to the quartet.

Patricia: And that's it, I'm his new secretary! Isn't it incredible?

Deise: It must be for you, always so crazy about this boss.

Marcia: It's not something that happens easily in life. You were lucky.

Heriberto: Tell us, how is he at work?

Patricia: Very serious. He was there analyzing the reports, making connections and everything... But for a moment, I thought he was sad.

Marcia: Sad? What an idea, it even seems like a rich and handsome man like him would have reasons to be sad.

Deise: Don't be insensitive, he lost his parents, right? I think he might be thinking about them.

Marcia: Yes, that's true. But that was a year ago.

Patricia: Even so, I think that might be it. That look in his eyes, it was sadness, for sure.

Heriberto: And Mr. Temido!? Have you seen him?

Marcia: Yes, he arrived hopping around. He looks like he won the lottery.

Patricia: Strange indeed. And speaking of him, he's already coming here. Let's get back to work, people.

Marcia: He always gives us a hint, doesn't he?

Heriberto: Hey Mr. Grize, how's life? Did you come here for a cup of coffee too?

Nestor Grize: Yes, to wait a few more hours before going home. I wish I could go now.

Heriberto: Now you understand us, don't you? Wanting to go home early.

Nestor Grize: Get a hold of yourself, boy! You want to go home as soon as you step foot in the company's door! Let's be more responsible! You work at the best company in town!

The smiling man walked away, and the employees were staring at him.

Deise: He's in love! That's the only explanation.

Marcia: Yes, I think so too.

|||

The remaining hours seemed like an eternity to Nestor, but finally he got into his car, fastened his seatbelt, and started the engine. As he was about to leave, a car cut him off. Through the window, their eyes met, Eder Olid left the parking lot and drove away.

Nestor Grize: What a rude boy! Too bad I can't be rude to him now.

During the entire drive back home, Nestor could only think about getting there soon. Finally, as he parked, he looked at the balcony and didn't see Louis.

Nestor Grize: {I thought he would be on the balcony. The painting is there, at least.}

He quickly went inside.

Mrs. Arlete: Good evening, Mr. Grize, dinner is on the table, but Mr. Louis didn't want to come down. He didn't have lunch either.

Nestor Grize: He didn't?

Apprehensive, Nestor quickly went up the stairs. He knocked twice on the door and entered.

Nestor Grize: Louis?

Louis turned his head towards Nestor, his hair curls covering his eyes.

Nestor Grize: Are you okay?

Louis quickly sat up in bed, as if he had received an order from a general.

Louis Olid: Yes, yes. I'm fine. I'm sorry.

Nestor bent down to try to look into Louis' eyes.

Nestor Grize: I just want to know how you're doing. It doesn't matter if you want to keep sleeping, okay? It's just that you have to eat.

Louis smiled.

Louis Olid: I... I don't sleep that much.

Nestor Grize: Does that mean you slept well?

Louis Olid: Yes! All night, and all day too... Apparently.

Nestor Grize: And you're not hungry?

Louis Olid: Yes, but are you going to eat with me?

Nestor Grize: I am, shall we go to the table? Everything is ready.

Louis stood up excitedly.

Nestor Grize: I'm very happy to know you slept well.

Louis Olid: This bed is very good. And it has...

Louise approached Nestor's neck.

Louis Olid: It has your scent.

Nestor Grize: You... You liked my scent?

Louis Olid: Yes. I liked it a lot.

Nestor cleared his throat.

Nestor Grize: So, let's go.

They both went downstairs and headed to the dining room. The table was full, and Louis quickly began to serve himself.

Louis Olid: I don't know what's tastier here. Thank you very much! You cook very well.

Mrs. Arlete: You don't have to thank me, sir. It's my job.

Louis Olid: Even if it is your job, you could make all these dishes without putting any effort into them, as an obligation. But instead, you put a lot of love into it. It shows.

Nestor and Arlete looked at Louis, surprised by the boy's behavior.

Louis Olid: What meat is this? It's wonderful!

Mrs. Arlete: Son, I don't know which one you're referring to.

Louis Olid: Try this here.

Louise put the fork in the woman's mouth, who awkwardly accepted the piece of meat.

Mrs. Arlete: Oh, yes. This is wild boar meat.

Louis Olid: Wild boar!? Wow! This is the tastiest meat I've ever tasted.

Louis looked at Nestor.

Louis Olid: And you, sir? Aren't you going to eat?

Nestor Grize: I...

Louis Olid: Eat this here, go on!

Louis put the fork in Nestor's mouth, just like he did with the cook.

Nestor Grize: It's great. It's definitely wonderful. You can make more dishes like this, Arlete.

Mrs. Arlete: Yes, sir.

For a while longer, even after he was full, Nestor stayed at the table just to watch Louis eating.

Louis Olid: I think I'm going to explode. I shouldn't have eaten so much, but there was so much, I wanted to try everything.

Nestor Grize: It's okay, now I think it's best if you sit on the couch.

Louis Olid: Are you going to stay with me?

Nestor Grize: I will, but first I'm going to go upstairs and take a shower.

Louis Olid: Then I'll wait for you in the room.

Nestor Grize: Oh, okay. Stay in your room and I'll call you when I'm done showering.

They both went upstairs again, but when Nestor entered the next room, Louis went in with him.

Nestor Grize: Do you want to wait for me here?

Louis Olid: Yes, if I'm not bothering you. I'll just sit here.

Nestor Grize: Are you sure it's okay?

Louis Olid: Yes. Don't worry about me.

Nestor went into the bathroom but preferred to leave the door open.

Louis lay down on that bed.

Louis Olid: You know... This bed isn't as comfortable as yours. Didn't you find it strange?

Nestor Grize: Oh yeah, it's smaller. But I didn't really notice anything too bad.

Louis Olid: So, do you want to sleep in your bed tonight?

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