Chapter 16

Alex

I look at her in astonishment, shocked, still trying to understand her attitude. "For God's sake, woman!" Why are you resigning? - I ask still not understanding anything. - Alex, as I just told you, I have to resign, I can't protect someone I'm attracted to. - she confesses. - Glad you confessed that you like me. "Well, I said I'm attracted to you!" So it's better to go, I need to call Rafa — she is serious, and I reply quickly: — Jackeline, please! What do you want to talk to Rafa? - I ask without understanding anything. - Alex, I'll ask him to see another security for you. — She comments, and then I say: — I don't want anyone! - I answer firmly. - Okay. I tell him. — she just opens the door and goes out, I catch up to her and say: — I don't think you understand me? - I comment. - Of course I understand! - He answers. - No, you didn't understand me! — I repeat. “When I say I don't need security, it's because I don't want someone else doing their job. She looks at me, looks away and doesn't say anything. When she tries to walk away again, I don't let her and I stand against the door. Jackeline looks back at me and is silent. That silence was really irritating me. Oh, stubborn woman, my God! - Aren't you going to tell me anything? I ask looking at her, who still remains silent. "Alex, as I've already told you, I can't be your security!" - She speaks frustrated. “You have to understand this!” “Come on, Jackeline,” I beg. “Look, let's make a deal. If you don't want to, nothing else will happen between us, ok? — I lie. I will not give up on her. “Then I stay,” she says finally, and I'm glad. “So you're going to work with me as my security, aren't you? - I ask cautiously. - Yes, now that we made a deal! she says. 'As you know, I have a modeling agency, I don't want people to know I have security!' - I lie with the biggest clean face. - What do you mean? Won't you say I'm your security? Jackeline looks at me in surprise. “Alex, have you forgotten that I'm being hired to protect you and your kids?” Jackeline, thinks of the press, or even that bitch knowing I have security. - I answer quickly. - Um... And what are you going to say? That I'm your girlfriend? she jokes. - Yea! — I declare. - Not even! - She says forcefully. - Jackeline, it's the only way, think about it, please? - I ask already praying that this woman accepts. “You know I can't be your girlfriend, right? - She comments cautiously. - Jackeline, I want to be your boyfriend. Since you don't want me, I'm content to just be your friend and client, okay? I say half-heartedly. She is silent and I wait for her answer for a few minutes. - OK! Accepted! - Gives in. - Great, so we're boyfriends? I question.

“Yes, we're boyfriends,” she confirms. - Let it be clear, nothing will happen between us! - She declares. - Jackeline, you know that as my girlfriend you're going to have to kiss and hug me! I remember and can't wait for that to happen. "Can't we skip that part?" she asks without looking at me, I notice her face is red and I'm sure she's remembering our kisses. - We can not! I answer quickly. - Now we have to pretend to everyone, even my maid. - All right! she replies. "How will everyone know I'm your girlfriend?" Jackeline asks, making the gesture with her hands. “Tomorrow you show up at the agency and act like a girlfriend,” I ask. “You must act like a woman in love and I'm sure our plan will work, everyone will believe we're really together,” I say with conviction. And of one thing I was sure: "I was already in love with that little, beautiful and delicious little marrentinha."—I think I'm already in love with you? — I hear her confessing softly, I'm glad.

And I make a promise to myself: “I will do anything for this woman to tell me this out loud.”