I left there and went to join Gisa, Fábio, Samantha and Mari. Fábio was exceptionally loving with Gisa that day, not leaving her alone for a minute. She looked very happy. Gisa liked him, I was sure. And I was somehow trying to like him and accept him, because he was her boyfriend.
- And Therry, why didn't you come? asked Mary.
- He went to visit his father... Said he wasn't feeling well.
- The father? That Father? Therry has no living father. – Maria said confused.
Mari and Therry were very close. Maybe even friends. So if she said that, there was no doubt that he had lied to me.
- Like this? – I asked interested.
- Well... - She was a little awkward and thoughtful. – He died… I'm almost certain.
- Almost? I asked, sure she was trying to cover for Therry when she realized she'd said too much.
- Well, I'm sure. – she confirmed.
I stood there, astonished at Therry's courage in lying to me like that. I knew we didn't have anything serious, just a relationship and my intention was even to end it... But I felt betrayed. He had no right to do this to me. If I wanted to go out on Sunday with other people, another woman, let me know, let me be honest. I was also not being honest with him when I kept dating not feeling anything for him. So there was no reason for us to be together. And disinterest was on both sides.
I looked at Fábio who was looking at me ironically. Maybe he didn't like me very much either. I noticed that some were paying attention to the conversation, others were not. So I wouldn't be worried about other people's opinion. Yes, my pride was hurt, but I wasn't suffering from the lie.
Samantha noticed that I was quieter and sat next to me:
- Don't be like that, Ari. - She said stroking my arm.
- Not stay like this? Why did he lie? You know how long I've been trying to break up with him and I'm not doing it out of pity for him. And now look what he did? Why didn't you leave without giving me that stupid phone call with lies? I wouldn't even miss him here, like I don't now. What bothers me is the lie. I don't care what he's doing right now.
- Maybe something happened ... Maybe he has an explanation. – Gisa tried listening to the conversation.
- Therry doesn't deserve a woman like you, Ariane. - said Mary.
- Well, I know that, Mari. I said smiling. - Now let's enjoy our Sunday that this matter for me is already resolved.
- So if Ariane isn't worried, we're not the ones who will be, are we ? – Mari said lifting her beer glass and winking at me.
At the same moment Mari, Gisa and Fábio started talking about another subject.
- I wish I could be you sometimes. - Samantha confessed to me in a low voice.
- Why would you want to be me?
- You have a facility for getting out of unpleasant subjects... Always calm, cautious ... You are amazing, my friend. – she said smiling.
- I wish, Samantha. I have many flaws and you know it.
- You usually hide them very well.
- As if there was someone perfect. - I laughed.
- I think you were one of the people who came closest. she joked.
- Samantha, you are always a sweetheart. Thanks.
- I'm your fan... And very grateful to have you as a friend. - she said affectionately.
- And what would I do without you? I hugged her and jumped into the pool.
Samantha jumped back. We splashed water on each other and I watched Helena from afar, looking at us.
- Does Helena miss when she was single? - Samantha asked, seeming to guess my thoughts.
- Theoretically she still is, because she hasn't married.
- Yet she is no longer free to do what she wants. Looks like she would like to be here with us.
- I have no doubt that she loves Daniel, but I think that in the future she will miss the things we do and did together before... Who among us won't, right? – I questioned myself.
- Truth. If I were Helena I wouldn't marry. I would enjoy more time with my friends. What we live together in this place is wonderful and magical. Every woman's dream.
- Not even with Jonathan would you marry? I asked suddenly, unintentionally.
- Not with Jonathan. – she confirmed .
I was thoughtful. Samantha was confused and changed her mind all the time. So I was never sure if she really liked Jonathan or it was simply a matter of honor to have him back.
I got out of the pool, put on my sunglasses and lay down on the chair to dry off and rest. I think lunch would be served soon.
- Will you accompany me to the club? - I opened my eyes and saw Jonathan shirtless covering my sun.
- Because? What are you doing at the club this time? – I asked confused.
- No more beer. Nearby markets are closed today. Then we'll only meet at the club.
I thought I really had to talk to him, so it was a good opportunity. I got up and put my shirt over my bikini.
- Come on. - I said.
As we walked out the gate, I saw that he had a car key in his hand.
- Shall we go in your car? I asked.
- No... In Fábio's. - he said.
I looked at a huge car parked in front of the Dreamworld. Dark glass, brand new and imported brand... It must have cost more than a lifetime of my work.
- And your car? I asked him.
- At the workshop.
I took a deep breath and got into the car that looked even newer inside.
- Afraid to walk with me? he asked, noticing my concern.
- Not really. Afraid of leaving here with this car that must be worth almost the price of Dreamworld. - I observed.
He started the car and went slowly:
- I didn't think you were afraid of anything. – he observed looking at me.
- Why do you think that? Yes, I have my fears. - I confessed. – Like any normal person.
- Never lets on. Always safe, unshakable. - he said.
So that's what he thought of me? I was happy with the impression it made on him.
- Yes, I'm pretty sure: what I want, what I need and what's best for me. And most of the time I'm unshakable... On the outside, at least. - I confessed.
- Do you ever lose your calm and tranquility?
- Well, sometimes I lose my cool when I get drunk in bars. - I said laughing.
He laughed too:
- I've never been so clumsy, I confess.
- I'm sorry I left that way. I really wasn't having a good day yesterday.
- I was pretty upset when I came back with your drink and saw that you weren't and wouldn't be back. But I have to confess that I liked the Martini. I haven't taken it in a while.
I laughed:
- Sorry again. I should have warned you.
- All right. You are forgiven.
- Jonathan, I think we need to talk. - I said.
- We need? – he asked arching a curious eyebrow .
- Yea.
- About?
- Samantha.
He compressed his lips and sighed. I noticed that he gripped the steering wheel tightly.
- I would not like to talk to you about this matter, Ariane.
- Why run away from this?
- To run away? I do not shy away from this subject. I just don't want to talk about it with you. You should talk about it with her and not with me. Samantha doesn't leave me alone, she chases me everywhere. I do not like her. I won't be with her. And nothing you say will change that.
- Why did you stay with her so long? Why did you deceive her this way?
- I never deceived her , Ariane. From the start she practically threw herself on top of me. She's a beautiful woman and everything that happened between us was just physical. There was no feeling, I don't think even on her part.
- How can you say it was physical attraction on her part too? I see my friend grieving for you every day.
- It was physical attraction, purely and simply corporal. – he reaffirmed . “And I don't want that in my life anymore. A while ago that was enough for me, I confess, but today I'm not looking for a beautiful woman who satisfies me sexually. I want more than that.
I was confused by his honest answer. Was a man like Jonathan tired of beautiful women and sex? Had he overdosed on it? But it also touched me that he wanted more than that. It was the first time we'd talked about something more serious, or about ourselves, and it was interesting to know what he thought.
- And Samantha can not be included in your future plans? – I found myself asking insistently, even without wanting to say it. - She is not only beautiful, but intelligent and...
- No, it cannot be included. - He said not letting me finish talking. - I do not like her. I am not able to love her one day.
- Never heard that coexistence can turn into love?
He stopped the car and looked at me. Then he came very close and put his arm around my leg... Grabbing money from my door console. I smelled his perfume and I think I blushed.
- Would you like me to deceive your friend like this? he asked looking at me.
- No. – was the only thing I could answer.
We were standing in front of the club, but he didn't get out of the car and I started to get uncomfortable with his proximity. And I didn't even know why.
- I'm willing to do anything to help Samantha. - he said. – Do you think I like seeing her everywhere I go after me? But I don't see it as love. She's just obsessed with me. We got along well in bed... Very well. But that was all. I do n't even remember a serious conversation we had when she thought she was dating me. I say she thought so, because I never cheated on her ... I always made it clear that it wasn't dating. I even know that she also had other men while she was having a relationship with me. And I don't criticize, because that's how it was... We were together when we saw each other, but each one took his life.
Me and Samantha are completely different.
- She would change for you if she had to.
- And do you think it's right for her to change for me? - he asked. – Stop being who she is for someone else?
I was silent again. Why was I insisting on that subject. It was pretty clear that he didn't want Samantha at all and a return between them was practically impossible.
He got out of the car and I did the same.