Page 50 of For his Surrender

“When I think Asshole Marcos can’t surprise me anymore...”

“Exactly, but you were pretty convincing out there, see? Even the escape was incredible!Did we take acting classes in high school? I really can’t remember” she grumbles.

“Were you spying on me, Grazi?”

“I was looking for the best time to meet you, ugh!”

“And why the hell didn’t you call me?We could have forged something exactly like this, I’d say I’d come to the bathroom and that’s it, I’d come back with you.”

“Okay…Maybe I was having fun watching Asshole Marcos drool over you.”

“He wasn’t...” I pause, reminding myself of the looks, the unnecessary touches, “drooling over me, Grazi.”

“Nel, don’t play dumb, because you’re not!He was, yes, he was!And I’m sure watching you taste the whiskey gave him a nice boner!The man went crazy, until, of course...The former secretary arrived. She ruined my soap opera.”

“You know you’re talking about my life, right? And that I’m right here?”

“Oh, I know! And that’s what makes it all funnier! It’s the best!”

“You’re crazy! Completely crazy!” I accuse and turn again in the direction of the mirror.

Again, the door opens, but I don’t try to find out who it is.A mistake, I notice, when hearing my name.

“Antonella...” I raise my head, finding Jaqueline’s face through the mirror.Oh, no!No, no, no!Let this not be one of those soap opera scenes in which women clash crudely for men.I wouldn’t do it for a man I cared about, let alone for Asshole Marcos!No, no, no!I beg mentally, and someone upstairs hears my prayers, because the woman’s next words are definitely unexpected: “I’m sorry, I really didn’t know Marcos was accompanied, I didn’t imagine it could cause any discomfort, I... I’m sorry!” It sounds so sincere that my eyebrows rise.

I turn my body toward her and smile, making it clear that I’m fine.

“You did nothing wrong, Jaqueline, you only greeted your former boss, and you had no obligation to know of my existence before we were introduced.It’s all right, it’s not your fault what people think!” It’s her turn to look surprised, and she lets out a breath so relieved, it makes me laugh.

“Gee, I was too scared to have been a jerk by accident.And you came out all of a sudden, goddamn it!” The exclamation of the word at the end of the sentence makes me laugh, and Grazi’s scandalous laughter also sounds in the luxurious bathroom, announcing her presence to Jaqueline who, until then, seemed not to have noticed her.

“Oh, gosh!And now I’ve made a little scene in front of a complete stranger...” she laments and covers her face with her hands, making us laugh even more.

“It’s okay!” It’s Grazi’s turn to say, and I just nod. “Actually, I thought it was really cool that you came here to undo any misunderstandings that might have happened...I have no idea what happened” she lies. “But I already want to be your friend!”

“Ooooh...” Jaqueline lets her hands and shoulders fall, again, showing relief. “Good, because I thought you were thinking I was crazy!”

“No, I thought you were awesome” Grazi assures, and I laugh quietly, because I have no doubt that she did, honestly, I did too.

“Actually,” I suggest, earning both of their attention, “why don’t we switch phones and go out sometime?”

“Really?” Jaqueline asks, but Grazi doesn’t give her time for that, clapping her hands.

“I think it’s a great idea!I’m not from São Paulo, but I’m here at least once a month.”

“Great! So we just need to set a date” I decide.

?

I go back to the hall alone.Grazi and I separated in the bathroom, she does not need to meet Marcos for now, even if we still need a justification for me to make her my bridesmaid.

I look for him with my eyes and find him in the same place as before, next to the bar, again, surrounded by his parents.This time, his mother is not white as a paper or choking.She’s smiling and her cheeks are slightly blushed, I don’t know if it’s over laughter or champagne.I need to control myself so I don’t laugh when I remember her shocked reaction to finding out her son is engaged.

I walk to the them and, as if I could no longer wait for it, the instant I stop at his side, Marcos’ arm encircles my waist, and he snaps his nose around my neck in a subtle caress and, God!Hot, I admit!Tough night for a hired bride, see?I have no doubt that tonight I will not be able have some sleep before I give my vibrator some work.

“Mrs. Giovanna, Mr. Joaquim” I greet them.

“Antonella!” Marcos’ mother exclaims my name effusively, and I think I have my answer.Definitely champagne. “I was telling Marcos I’m very excited for our lunch tomorrow!Tell me, darling, do you like seafood?I was thinking of a risotto, what do you think?”

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