25 — Catarina Rowedder
“Here you are, next to me
So much beauty at my feet
All I want to do is swim
But the waves keep crashing”
Ocean — Lady A.
The day passed at the speed of light, because I threw myself into the project, and with that, I was able to clear my thoughts regarding everything related to the previous night.
As I gather my belongings, I remember the immense happiness I felt when I saw that my dear and sweet Iolanda is safe and well with the Foster family. Furthermore, I couldn't get the fury that hit Noah, which was visible, out of my head. in your expression and in your outburst after I took all that weight off my shoulders.
Yes, telling them, it was like I had taken out a huge load that I didn't even realize was inside me.
When Beni took me home, he explained that his friend's reaction was just concern because he was extremely protective and he also confided that Noah has a past, which by fate, is linked to my current situation, but he asked me to. I didn't want to worry, as they intended to resolve everything.
Soon I'll be free and that disgusting person will be arrested. My mother will finally live again, just like me.
I stop rambling when I hear my cell phone ringing and I end up answering it without checking who it is.
— Hello.
— Catarina, it’s me! Ready to get ready for our night? — I realize I completely forgot about today.
— Lynn, I ended up forgetting some things that happened yesterday. I don't know if I'm good company — I say.
—Nothing like that, I'm going to your house, we'll talk and we'll shake off your discouragement, I'm trying to cheer up my newest friend. Accept. — He begs, making me laugh — We're going to have fun!
— OK you won. — I smile. — I'll send you the location as soon as I get home.
— Okay, I'll wait for you. Kisses! — Turns off.
Well, now I just hope I don't find Beni and still think of a way to unfold that closet called Adam, my dear and silent bodyguard.
As soon as we park in front of our building in Queens, he asks me to wait until he gives me the “ok” to get out of the SUV. In this regard, I prefer to follow all the instructions given to me, my sixth sense still tells me that there is much more to come. However, today I decided to forget about it, after all, it's Friday and as my dear therapist and newest friend said, time to cheer myself up.
My shadow follows me to the elevator, usually I would use the stairs, but momentary laziness speaks louder.
— Adam?
— Trying?
— Are you going to stay here or go to your house? — I ask like someone who doesn’t want anything. — After all, you could use your girlfriend or something, right?
— I'll stay here if you need anything and I can also take you if you want to go somewhere.
Great, the locker apparently can read thoughts or is watching my cell phone. It's not possible!
— Well, since you're staying, I need to let you know that I'll probably have a visitor later. Do you know if Benício is here?
—He is, but he intends to leave.
— Okay. Do you want to come in? Or will it stay at the door, like in the movies?
— I'll stay here, don't worry. — I notice he holds back a smile.
I nod and enter the apartment, already finding my Bear in the living room. He looks like a magazine cover model, wearing faded jeans with a few rips, black Vans sneakers, and a plain white T—shirt, with a black leather jacket on top. The style bad boy tattooed man who appears in my novels, is standing there staring at me.
— I don't get a hug from my little one anymore? — he asks, opening a half smile.
— Clear! — I wrap him in my arms, being welcomed by his enormous muscles. — How was physical therapy today?
— Great, I'm almost ready for another one.
— Don't even think about repeating that! — I slap his arm.
— How aggressive. — Laughs. — Seriously, I'm almost ready to go back, the forecast is within a couple of months.
— Ok. And this whole production? Are you going to find a kitten out there?
— No, at least I don't think so. I'm going to John's bar with the guys.
— Hmm, ok. Maybe I'll get a visit, okay?
— Visit?! — I see concern flash in your eyes. — Nina! — Raise your voice a little.
— Calm down, it's just Lynn, my therapist, who ended up becoming a friend. I thought I wouldn't have any problems. Sorry, I already feel completely at home here and I didn't think you would be like this. — It's still true.
— Don't repeat that again. This is your home. I just got scared, because of all the chaos we're in. I was scared thinking it was some stranger. — He sighs and hugs me again. — Or some grown man wanting to get in, you know, not here, but in your panties.
— Benicio! — Gargalho.
— It's about being a big brother! — Smile. — Of course she can come, anything, Adam is there. Pardon me? I just want to protect my little sister.
— Have I told you that I love you? Thanks!!! — I jump into his lap and this causes us both to be thrown onto the sofa, then I end up falling on my butt on the floor.
— Fuck!!! — Beni exclaims, blushing.
— Damn, sorry. Crap! It was supposed to be like in the movies and not my knee meeting your balls! Much less us falling — I say, while trying to get up.
— Nina — he calls with a trembling voice, taking a long sigh. — If my leg was 100%, it would be as you imagined, except you forgot that it's clumsy, so falling would be a given. Now, try not to kneel me, otherwise I won't even have dates in the future. Cum! — Close your eyes.
— Okay, okay! Damn, what now? What should I do?!
— It's already passing. And just keep a little distance. — he whispers between his teeth.
—Does it hurt too much? Will you still have children?
— It wasn't that strong, but it could have been worse, so keep some distance — he insists, his breathing normalizing. — Or I won't even be able to leave today. And answering, I think my children are still here. — Laugh.
— It wouldn't hurt to ask, I want to have nephews! — He widens his eyes. — Okay, I'm going to take a shower, while your friend gets better. Hey, can you do me a favor and send the location to Lynn?
— Mando, you can leave it. Now go.
I went to the bedroom, hearing a series of curses coming from the living room, I believe he just wanted to reassure me, because for a guy his size, acting like a little boy who scraped his knee for the first time in his life, the blow must have been bad.
It's that thing, it wouldn't have been me if that hadn't happened.
I put on some comfortable clothes and go to the shower. As the waterfalls, relaxing my body, I feel so free, I even feel that that chatty and fiery child is returning, only now, more experienced, determined and with even more curiosity about the world.
I laugh when I notice my silly thoughts, but it is the reality of the moment.
I hear the doorbell ring while I'm getting dressed. Has she arrived yet? Must live nearby.
I returned to where, until then, I left my Bear in pain and saw that he is next to the kitchen counter.
— I thought my friend had arrived.
— No, it won't be for a few minutes, but a girls’ night out should include pizza and wine.
— Have you ever had a girls’ night out? — I mock him.
—Yes, but not like this. — Makes a naughty face. — Forget it, I said too much. If it were the guys here, I would order pizza and beer, but for you, I just changed the drink.
— Thanks my dear! Hmmm, it smells good. And your friend down there, is he better? Since you're standing up and not with a bag of frozen peas down there.
— Nina, not to mention my dick or my balls, okay? This goes beyond the healthy limit of our friendship.
— Okay, I understand. And what time will you leave?
— Soon, Noah is coming to pick me up.
Oh, he could stay here with me!
Silly thought. I slap my forehead.
— Nina, how passionate is that face?
— I? I'm not in love — I respond, unsure of that. — I just thought about a film I saw the other day.
— Oh yes? What movie was it? By the looks of it, it looks great.
— Hmmm... — Think, girl. Damn it! — Perfect match — I respond, remembering just in time or I would be cornered as if I were in front of a detective.
— I liked it, so I'm going to look for it and watch it. What do you think? — He raises his eyebrow, still doubting.
— It's in the Netflix catalog, just look for it. — I shrug, disguising it.
Before we continue our clash, the bell rings. I rush to answer it, opening the door in time to see Lynn staring at the closet standing outside.
— Hi, welcome. — I signal you to come in.
— Wow, what a beautiful closet, huh! — Whispers.
I smile and direct her to the living room, where Beni is already picking up his crutch in the corner. Even though your recovery is going well, it is still necessary to use it when the steps are beyond crossing our living room to the kitchen, after all, it is no more than ten steps away.
— Good night, Lynn! Make yourself comfortable, there's pizza and wine for you. Nina. — Look at me. — I'm going to go down, Noah has already arrived. Behave, anything, let me know. I don't know if I'll come back here, Ms. Sarah is in need of a child. — He smiled, as if ready.
— It can leave! I'll take care of her, Beni. And enjoy your night, because we will enjoy ours. It was good to see you again.
— Lynn, I know you're a great professional, but be smart. We can't risk it.
— I know. Now bye. — Take him to the door.
— Is it just me or am I being kicked out of MY apartment? — he says.
— Yes, we have a lot of conversations to catch up on — she replies.
— Alright, behave! — My friend practically slams the door in his face.
— Okay, we're alone! Let's open the wine, eat the pizza and you will tell me the reason for this discouragement that wasn't there yesterday when you invited me to be your newest friend.
She has a relaxed way of being, literally, a hurricane wherever she goes, because before I notice, we're already sitting in front of the coffee table, devouring a beautiful piece of pizza.
— Okay, I'll tell you. — I start by narrating about yesterday's meeting. I thought I would feel uncomfortable remembering it, but on the contrary, it seems that my past no longer belongs to me, as if it were just a bad dream, which has passed.
— Good, very good — he says, after listening to my story. — About feeling like you've freed yourself, that's exactly how it is. I was really looking forward to this happening, but everything has its time. And I believe that because you were facing all your issues, your nanny being with you at that moment was an added strength. Believe me, now your mind will be focused on solving future problems, instead of reliving old ones.
— Yes, I feel lighter. — I take a sip of the wine. — Once Mom is here with me, there will be nothing more to do with the past. I think this way.
— You're right, however, there is something more, isn't there? I bet it has something to do with how handsome your CEO is.
— Lynn!! — I widened my eyes. — What the hell about “my CEO”, are you crazy?
— Friend, therapy session is over. Tell me! We've already talked about everything, but I know someone is in your heart and I doubt it's Benício, you are totally brothers. So, there's only Noah left. — I make a surprised expression. — Yes, I met him a while ago, also as a patient, so I can't say anything. But he's hot.
— Crazy! Anyone who sees you in the office can't imagine this coming out of you.
— I told you, I came as a friend. So, is it him? — I confirm. — Okay, well, they'll probably be there, gathered. What's the plan to find them?
— I don't know if it's Adam. — I indicate the door. — We'll be able to get out. Guess who he works for?
— Ugh… That’s the least of it. Come on, finish eating and let's get ready. We're going to rock, today is Friday!
That said, fun sets in at the apartment and the conversation flows, revolving around what we would do if they were no longer at John's when we got there. How I would ask the closet itself to find out where the boys went and finally have at least one kiss from the panty buster.
Yes, I ended up telling him the nickname I gave him. Now, I just hope it doesn't take long to find out if he'll tear mine!
— All you need is lipstick and you’re ready. — Time passed so quickly that I didn't even notice.
— Yes. Am I not attracting too much attention? — I question when I see myself in the mirror and I almost don't recognize myself, and that has nothing to do with the brown hair that covers mine.
— You're stopping traffic, I bet everyone will want a chance to get close, so we'll also see the hottie's level of interest.
— I'm nervous, actually, anxious. What if I pay a huge price? Think with me, they won't believe it's a coincidence.
— Let me sort this out, put on that red lipstick and let’s go. — Jump up and down. — The night is a child!
Wow! I'm feeling like a diva, wearing black latex pants that are completely tight, accentuating my curves and defining my waist, paired with a black lace top, which is not vulgar, but rather sensual. On top, a pink blazer that covers just below my ass. In other words, for happy hour, ok, but if we go somewhere fancier later, I just need to take off the blazer and I'll have the perfect look. My dark hair, on the other hand, only has a few strands stuck together and the ends are wavy. To top it off, a pair of light pink, high—heeled sandals.
— I'm ready. Come on, before through some divine interference, I lose my nerve and go back to my pajamas. — I only hear your laughter.
— Ladies, I'll be nearby. You know it's just a precaution — Adam tells us as soon as we arrive at the pub.
I noticed that he is not comfortable with us leaving, we had to cut corners to convince him not to tell anyone. Finally, he negotiated saying that we would have extra security and, within moments, another SUV appeared in the building's garage.
— All good. — Suddenly, I realized something. — If I need to locate you in an emergency, how do I do it?
— Dial number one on your cell phone, we will receive a danger alert.
— Okay, I understand. — I hope I never need it, and I also hope I don't get screwed to the point of squeezing it unnecessarily.
— Nina, come on! — Lynn is beyond elated. We go in and I see that the bar has a good crowd tonight, however, when I look around the place, I can't find any guys. At the time, I felt a hint of disappointment. —No need to get discouraged, let's order something light to drink. — Lynn pulls me to the counter.
— Hello my beautiful. — John speaks from the other side and when he looks at my companion, I see his eyes light up. It will be? — And who is this, Nina?
— Lynn, my newest friend. — I make the necessary introductions and notice that she remains, simply with her mouth open, admiring my friend's conqueror.
— Hi, beautiful person! — Lynn says.
— What can I offer you? I already know! A special drink, what do you think?
— Definitely — Lynn responds, before I say anything and honestly, they seem to have been enchanted.
Our drink is delicious, as he said, weak and smooth. The atmosphere is beautiful, the darker lighting gives an enigmatic and cozy air, giving it a completely bar—like atmosphere, which it doesn't have during the day. However, it is still beautiful on both occasions.
I'm so busy talking that I feel like we've known each other for a long time. I believe we will be friends for much more.
— Good evening, Nina. — My skin immediately prickled. — Good evening, Lynn.
I look to the side and stare at him, unable to respond.
Holy shit! He is here.
Where else would you be, creature? — My mind mocks me.
— Hello, Noah, how are you? — responds my friend, realizing that I have entered a parallel world.
— All good. Would you like to join us? — I feel a kick in my leg. Damn it.
— Hi, I think it could be. Based on the time, I thought they weren't here anymore. — I act stupid. — Let's go to the bathroom first. — I need to get away from him, before I start talking nonsense. — Come with me? — Woe betide her if she says no.
— Oh, Noah... — She won't do that! — Can you accompany Nina? I want to finish my drink first. I'll wait for you here, I promise. — Blinks, with the greatest poker face.
— Clear. Let's go? — He extends his hand to me with that naughty smile on his face.
Dear lady of wet panties, don't let me be embarrassed!
I accept his hand and an electric current takes me, always like that, my heart accelerates and I feel those butterflies in my stomach, that same cliché that I read in books.
No, this is wrong.
In the books, the girls are in love, here I'm just attracted, right?
Damn it! I don't think so.
I feel him tense a little, breathing heavily behind me, as we walk down the narrow hallway. When he arrives, I ask him to wait and he agrees.
I enter the first available toilet, close the door and sit down, breathing uncontrollably.
My head spins, confused, with so many things I feel.
Calm.
Breathe.
Inspire.
For the love of God, DON'T CRAZY.
I go out and look in the mirror. The place is empty, but I hear the door open and lock. Before I can see who it is, I feel it.
It's him! In the blink of an eye, Noah is behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist, pulling my body close to his, kissing my neck softly, making my lower abdomen twitch and me suppress a moan, with great effort.
It makes me feel special and protected.
— You're beautiful, my girl — he whispers in my ear, pressing our bodies even closer together. — I can't stay away from you anymore. — He caresses my face, while I have to hold back so I don't go crazy.