JOÃO FELIPE
As I took a closer look at her, I noticed that she looked different from when we went to the same school. She was more serious and silent. He didn't seem comfortable with us.
" I have dedicated myself to studies. Nothing as glamorous as Alicia.”
" And what has Alicia been doing so glamorous like that, that I didn't know? " This time it was Henrique who took a stand.
I tried to contain a laugh, as I'm sure Alicia didn't like our friend's comment.
" I exist! That's simple. But of course, you wouldn't know that I'm a digital influencer and I'm very successful on social media. I have millions of followers " she spoke in her usual pedantic tone. " But how would you know, right? I don't think they even have social media. You seem to only live to work and fool women into believing you're a decent guy.”
I realized that the atmosphere would get tense and before my tempers got too high, I decided to intervene.
" Why don't we sit down? I see that Judite is already coming with some snacks for us.”
Everyone looked at each other as if deciding whether to insist on seeing where Alicia would go and find out why there was so much bitterness in her words or whether to accept my truce.
They chose to follow me and soon we were listening to Alicia monopolize the conversation again with her stories about travel and how successful she was on social media.
Beatrice remained silent and Ricardo had his attention completely focused on Alicia because even with all the rejections she had already given him that afternoon, he still insisted on having her attention.
" But look if it's not the fantastic quartet from school days!”
Said João Pedro when he arrived to join us. As always with his effusive temper and banter.
" In fact, it was more like a fantastic trio, since it was me, Nicolas, and João Felipe. From what I remember, you and Henrique were closer to each other than to us " Ricardo corrected.
" Details... " he said and sat down next to Beatrice, who apparently got even shyer after my brother's arrival. "How can you be in such a good mood after last night, Henrique?"
" Were you together yesterday? " I asked in surprise.
But then I ended up realizing that while I was out of the country, João Pedro was here and should have continued his friendship with the rest of the gang.
" Do not remember me. João Pedro made me go beyond my alcohol limits and I was almost dragged out of Marina Sobral's house.”
" You don't know how to joke, it's not my fault " My brother made light of it, laughing a lot at our friend's expression. " We made a bet and you lost.”
" I realized yesterday that I'm not a good loser, then, " Henrique said, laughing a lot.
By the looks of it, the night had been an interesting one for these two.
Viviane
I spent the whole morning indoors, but my thoughts were in the pool area where the Mendes de Albuquerque and some friends were.
I was sure that Mrs. Marta had called the Guimarães. She wouldn't miss the opportunity to join João Felipe and Alicia in the same environment. She never disguised the fact that she wanted the two together and thought they would make the perfect couple.
João Pedro told me that his mother had called some people to get together that Sunday. According to him, she was celebrating the fact that her eldest son was back and had taken a position in the family company.
He still insisted that I should participate, but from my experience with this type of situation, I preferred to avoid unnecessary exposure. Mrs. Marta wouldn't treat me badly, she would never do it openly. But looks from her, along with others who were also there, always made me feel out of place and I learned early on to avoid such situations.
It was after four o'clock in the afternoon when my mother asked me to go look for Billy, her puppy. He had left and as he hadn't returned yet, she was worried about the flow of people around the mansion. I had to agree and even against my will, I went looking for the little animal.
I found him near the garage and when I was about to leave the place, happy for not having run into anyone along the way, I saw João Felipe coming with Beatrice in the same direction I was. I immediately thought that maybe they were together.
I was paralyzed, without any reaction to that scene.
" Hi, Vivi. How long have we not seen each other? How are you? " Beatrice said, looking very friendly.
I was even more unresponsive to Beatrice's words. She was right, it really had been several years since we last saw each other, as I completely avoided any place she or her sister was. They've always been very snobbish to me and I didn't expect her to treat me as warmly as she just did. I was quite surprised.
" I... I'm fine " I stammered a little while answering. " And you? It really has been a long time" I said even more embarrassed.
"I'm devoting myself to my studies, I hardly ever leave the house," she said, surprising me even more. "I felt a little bad and João Felipe is dropping me off at home. My parents plan to stay for dinner," she explained, looking uncomfortable.
" I understood. I hope that you get better. I need to go home, I just came to pick up my mother's dog.”
João Felipe, who had stayed that time just watching our interaction, looked at me attentively and ended up saying something even more surprising.
" Come with us, Vivi. I believe Beatrice would be more comfortable with another girl with us.”
I found that very strange and looked at him, questioning him in silence.
" Come on, Vivi! Please... " Beatrice insisted.
I was undecided but felt from the way she made the plea that she really wanted my company and that I would feel bad if I refused.
" I'll take the car while you go home and leave the dog. Alright like this?”
" I'll be right back then. Wait for me there in front of the mansion.”