37 #3
“Done.”
We stood there for a few seconds, looking at the tape on the floor as if the counter were already there.
***
The architecture firm placed a second order that week.
This time, they wanted small gifts for a client meeting. The woman arranging it texted to say several people had asked where the anniversary cake came from. She requested options, received the quote, and chose what we could do within the time available.
I confirmed the quote and the delivery date.
When the deposit came in, I called Joana over to look at the order.
She read it and did a quick calculation on her own sheet.
“It’ll work—if you don’t take on three more orders for the same day.”
“I won’t take any more.”
“My imaginary witnesses heard that.”
I laughed.
That afternoon, we did a packaging test. The first one looked nice but was hard to assemble. The second one seemed too simple. With the third, we found a way that protected the candy and didn’t take ten minutes to seal each unit.
I liked that problem. I could touch the parts, test them, make mistakes, and improve. No old story hidden at the bottom of the box.
Before leaving, Joana asked me if Dante would come pick up Bento on Saturday.
“He will. Why?”
“Because you’re smiling at the phone, and I thought it was something more interesting than just confirming a time.”
I felt my face flush.
She crossed her arms, amused.
“You don’t have to tell me. You just don’t have to pretend I work with my eyes closed.”
I laughed and set the phone down on the counter.
“We’re together again. Taking it slowly.”
Joana nodded. Her smile softened a little into an attentive look.
“Are you okay?”
I paused before answering.
“I am. There are still some tough parts. But I’m okay with this choice.”
“Then I’m happy for you.”
She went back to the counter and picked up the box she’d just tested.
“Now tell me if this bow stays or goes.”
I liked that the conversation continued that way. My life had a place there, without becoming the only thing that existed.
***
On Sunday, we had lunch at my mother’s house.
I had invited Dante after talking with Dalva. Marina was coming, too. It wasn’t a formal introduction; everyone already knew him, each with their own memories of him. Maybe that’s why I was more nervous than I wanted to admit.
Dante arrived on time, bringing the dessert my mother had agreed to when he asked what to bring. Bento opened the door with me and pulled him in to show him a piece of the toy he’d managed to put together all by himself.
Dalva greeted him without pretending nothing had happened. She didn’t set the past between the rice dish and the serving platter before anyone sat down, either.
Marina was polite. She talked about work when he asked, answered what she wanted to, and changed the subject when she preferred to. I went along with her without interpreting every pause as a problem I needed to solve.
After lunch, Bento knocked over a napkin, and Dante bent down to pick it up.
My mother continued telling a story about a client who’d brought in a dress to be altered without remembering where the zipper was.
Marina laughed. I felt an unexpected urge to let my whole body relax into that ordinary conversation.
Later, in the kitchen, Dalva handed me a container of food to take home.
“Are you happy?” she asked quietly.
I looked toward the living room. Dante and Bento were arguing about which toy car could fit under a chair.
“I am.”
My mother nodded.
“I still have feelings about him to work through.”
“I know.”
“I’m not going to ask you to feel the same way.”
I rested my head on her shoulder for a moment. Dalva put her hand on my arm, then gave me the container back so she could finish closing the lid.
On the way out, Dante kissed me on the lips before going to get the car. Bento saw it.
He looked at me, then at him.
“Are you dating Daddy?”
I crouched down to get close to his face.
“Yes. We’re spending time together.”
He furrowed his brow.
“Is he sleeping at our house tonight?”
“Not tonight.”
Bento thought for a moment, then pointed to the toy he was holding.
“Then bring this on Saturday.”
He handed Dante a piece he wanted to use in their next game.
Dante looked at me over his head. I smiled.
In the living room, Bento was already looking for the missing piece.
***
On Monday, I put a notice on the bakery door listing the days when we’d adjust production for the small renovation.
A customer read it, came in, and asked if she could still pick up her order at the agreed-upon time. I checked the schedule and explained what we had prepared. She thanked me and asked for two more items to take with her right then.
The world still fit into orders I knew I could fulfill.
I took photos of the marked floor, the shelves, and the old countertop before we started. I wanted to remember what it looked like. I sent one of the photos to Dante.
He replied that he was rooting for the door.
I laughed to myself.
Then I put my phone away and went to help Joana sort out the utensils we’d need to keep within reach.