I look at the lines and think about what Cláudia said. As much as I pretend that meeting her – gorgeous, blond, sophisticated, and a statuesque body – didn't shake me, I know deep down that seeing with my own two eyes how fabulous she is, and finding out the warped relationship she and my Viking had, has shaken me up.
How will Klaus react when he finds out about my pregnancy? Will I meet a stranger? The cold, shallow man Cláudia insists in saying is his true face?
KLAUS
Yesterday Bruno and I agreed to meet at nine o'clock and when I near my mum's house he's already waiting for me on the porch. I leave the house to talk with my mum and I confirm the time Jarbas will be by to take them to my house. she says goodbye with a quick pet on my hair and a kiss on the cheek, I'm still not used to these maternal demonstrations of love, but I'm surprised how much these caresses make me feel so good. There's something of warmth, home, protection in them.
Yesterday I called Carlos Ferreira, a friend, who's an assistant coach of the Brazilian national under-18 basketball team, and he asked me to take Bruno to a team practice in Flamengo, nothing formal, a relaxed game between the boys. Bruno enthusiasm is so huge that it moves me, the emotion that I see in his eyes when he puts on his new sneakers and pulls on Flamengo’s uniform is too much to see.
Ulisses Santos, coach for Flamengo, asks him which position he usually plays in, and he answers bashfully, “Center is where I feel most comfortable, but I can also play power forward."
"How tall are you, boy?"
"6'4, sir."
"You're tall, strong, it seems like center would be best for you. Show me what you can do."
Before the game is over, Ulisses approaches us, sitting out in the stands and ask, "The kid is your brother?"
"Yes. So, do you think he has what it takes?"
"I have to tell you he's surprised me a lot. He's very talented, his three-shooters are impressive. Where is he playing?"
Carlos interrupts us and says to Ulisses, "He's never played professionally. Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
"I want him on my team," Ulisses says seriously.
Carlos shakes Ulisses hand, saying.
"Get him ready, Ulisses. Next year I want him on my team."
Ulisses turns to me and ask, "Does he have a manager? Someone to represent him?"
"Yes, me. I have some plans, I think it's time I give back all that people invested in me. Nothing fairer than for me to invest on him and other athletes who are kept down because of lack of encouragement."
I told Bruno about Ulisses's and Carlos's offer, and he went crazy.
"Really, man? I'm going to play for Flamengo? Damn, I don't know what to say."
"Don't say anything, I'll have a talk with our–"
"Our mother, I know. It's still strange hearing you call her that, after all, you've only just met her."
"With time I know you'll get used to it. Like I was saying, they asked me who was representing you, I told them I was. But I want you to feel comfortable looking for a different manager. It's fine, no problem. It's just that I've been thinking that it's time to turn a new leaf on my career. Getting back to the race tracks is no longer possible, but I can stay in sports. I'm thinking of putting together an incentive and professional formation project for the athletes that are hiding in our most needful communities. I think we can do some good there. What do you think, Renato?"
Renato claps his hands and smiles satisfied with my idea.
"I think it's a great idea. Why don't you ask Felipe to write that project down and start attracting other professionals that might want to work with you?"
I stretch my hand and ask him seriously, "Then I think I should start with you. Would you like to be CEO? These kids need a complete multidisciplinary infrastructure in order to become professionals. I want you to be responsible for that team. What do you say?"
Renato faces me, speechless and wide-eyed. In the end he shakes my hands and says emotionally, "Damn it, man. You think I can do it? If you want I can search for someone with a higher education."
"No, I rather work with someone I trust. No one better than you, a guy born and raised in the favela[12], to understand the needs of these athletes. I want you to advise me in this venture. I know I can be an annoying, grumpy boss, but you're used to that and I know I can count on you for whatever comes. That for me is much more important than a foreign specialized degree. Will you take or not, dude?"
Renato pulls me on for a hug then a handshake, laughing.
"Of course I'll take it! Let's do this, Klaus!"
"And you Bruno, will you take me on as your manager?" I ask Bruno who was silently watching my conversation with Renato.
"Yes. And I promise you won't regret giving me this opportunity. Thank you, Klaus."
Before we go back to my house, I hug him and lay out my conditions, "Don't thank me, I have conditions. I'm transferring you from school, but I demand that you apply yourself to your studies and that you keep your distance from those shitty friends. We have a deal? Word of honor?"
"Word of honor, Klaus."
"Then let's go, because Mrs. Mariana, Amanda, and my little cabocla are probably already waiting for us for lunch."
I get home and as soon as I open the door, I hear the sound of women laughter coming from the kitchen. My mum, Amanda, Magali and Das Dores are chatting away while they put food on dishes and Anahí takes a tort out of the fridge and puts it in counter top. I introduce Bruno to Anahí, who cleans her hand in the dishcloth before shaking his hand.
"This is my fiancée, Anahí, my little cabocla."
"It's nice to meet you, Bruno. Today is such a nice day, a cool breeze, we could have dinner near the pool. What do you think, Klaus?"
"Perfect, babe. Do what you think best."
I give my mum a kiss and greet Magali and Das Dores, that are having a friendly discussion on which is the most beautiful samba school, Vila Isabel or Salgueiro. Anahí excuses herself and discreetly asks me to follow her. As soon as we get to the hallway she whispers so no one else can hear.
"Klaus, I think we're going to have one more for lunch. Your father called earlier and without meaning to Das Dores told him that you had gone to your mother's house and that she was coming for lunch. He practically invited himself. Please don't be angry with her, it was unintentional."
"Das Dores and her big tongue. It's fine. I just wish that today old Chico Schneider comes in peace."
Speaking of the devil, less than fifteen minutes later the bell rings and there's my dad, all spruced up in dress pants and a blue shirt. He's visibly tense and holding a huge bouquet of red daisies.
"Hello Klaus. Das Dores told me about the lunch for Mariana and I decided to drop by."
Margarete tells him to come in and he greets me with sweaty hands. What's happening to my father?
"It's okay, Dad. You came alone? No Andréia? That's the name of your wife, right?"
"Yes, Andréia. We're not together anymore, I'm getting a divorce."
"Damn it, again?" I mumble awkwardly speaking my thoughts out loud.
What is this one? The third or fourth marriage for my dad? I've lost count, there are so many ex-wives that I can't understand while his love live is such a disaster. He's still a good-looking man, his blond hair turning gray, intense blue eyes, cared-for body, I don't know why he's always in this roller coaster of marrying and divorcing like it's something trivial, a delivery service, a simple pizza delivery. There's something missing in his life, but I have no idea what it is.
His eyes sweep the house and as soon as he sees my mum, he leaves me talking to myself and follows her, giving her the flowers shyly.
"Hi Mariana, I was passing through when I heard you were here with Klaus. So I thought I'd come see you. It's been a long time since we've seen each other, right?" He says one hand on his pocket and the other holding out the flowers awkwardly.
"Hi Chico. It has been a long time, more than twenty years."
"I bro
ught red daisies. Are they still your favorite?"
"Yes, thank you. They're beautiful."
Das Dores comes from the kitchen and takes the bouquet from my mum telling her she'll put them in water to keep them fresh, and the two keep talking in low voices until my mum introduces Bruno and Amanda to my dad, walking with him to the balcony. Anahí keeps watch from afar and laughs at my look of confusion.
"Little cabocla, shouldn't you, being the lady of the house, be the one he brings a bouquet to?" I ask frowning and annoyed to see Anahí laughing at my face.
"Yes, but he brought flowers to your mum. Leave it alone, Klaus. You know they have unsolved business, I think it's good for them to talk, get closure. Don't be a jealous teenager."
"I'm not fucking jealous! It’s just that until very recently he was married to a little nympho and now he's inviting himself to bring flowers to my mum. I don't know if I like that.”
We have lunch in the barbecue area, near the pool. And it's a friendly, comfortable affair. Renato's children play in the pool while the adults and the almost adults, my siblings, talk excitedly. During the chat I find out that Amanda's grades are above average and she dreams of becoming a pediatrician. I make a mental note that I need to have a talk with my mum soon about the move that I would like them to make to one of my apartments in Leblon. The conversation flows easily, the women talking about the preparation for my wedding with Anahí, and at some time, my dad takes my mum to talk in the balcony, separate from the rest of us. They talk about something that makes my dad hang his head, looking wrung out, and mum dries the corner of his eyes, kissing his face. Bruno sits next to me looking serious and asks unfriendly, pointing at both of them talking.
"What do you think is happening there, huh? I don't know if I like your father so close to her. Didn't you say he's married?"
"Was married, he got divorced recently. I'm not sure I like it either, but they’re adults, they have a long history together, I'm sure they have a lot to talk about. I think it's best if we don't butt in. I need your help, Bruno. We need to convince our mother to accept moving. I have a furnished apartment in Leblon, it's vacant. It's closer to the gym for you to train, and the schools near it are better for you and Amanda. I won't rest while knowing you're living in such a dangerous place, when you could have a calmer life here near me. Can I count on your help to convince her?"
"Yes, I think if we explain the educational opportunities are better for us, I think she'll accept it. My mum is one of those super-mums that move heaven and earth for their children. When Amanda and I were younger, just after dad died, she would clean houses during the day and sell snacks and cakes on the side. Sometimes, we'd find her in the middle of the night, sleeping in the kitchen, leaning over the table in the middle of decorating a cake. And the next day she'd wake at the crack of dawn to clean houses. Our mum is a warrior, Klaus, that's why I won't allow anyone to hurt her. Not even you father."
I nod watching the two chatting from afar, sitting next to each other, fingers subtly touching, gazes locked to each other... I don't know, I think their love story was stronger than I thought. Something tells me that when it comes to this, mine and Bruno's opinion don't matter at all.
CHAPTER 24
KLAUS
The last three weeks have been none stop. Úrsula came back from her honeymoon, I presented a pilot project for the Klaus Schneider Sports Center to some business men in the field, and they were so excited that I got two endorsements. Felipe agreed to work together in this venture, along with Ciro Abib, as chief of PT services, and promised to interview, with Renato, health care professionals that will be working with us. And, the icing on the cake, today Bruno tested for Flamengo's under-17 team and was approved.
Anahí left earlier with Magali and my mum to visit our wedding venue and, in a little bit, Úrsula will come by so we can go to a bar near here to celebrate our victories. I put on a jean jacket and hold Lady Godiva with an immense joy. Last week I retired my crutches and I confess, when Anahí and Ciro told me I didn't have to use them anymore, I cried. I hid in my room and cried like a stupid hungry baby, thankful that life was taking one more huge step in the direction of my recovery. Ciro had a conversation with me, saying even though from now on I'll walk better each day, limping or feeling back pain is natural because of the trauma. There will always be limitations in my life, like running on the boardwalk or racing in F1 again, none of those things are possible. But the things that are possible fills me up with joy, like I'm witnessing a miracle. Walking freely, even with the support of a cane, when my spine squeals for the effort... Hug, kiss, and make love to my sexy little cabocla standing up. That's fucking priceless.
I yell for Renato, but he doesn't show. He's always late, every time that we go out it's the same thing. One of these days I found him polishing his bald head with a towel, as if he still had hair. I honestly don't think he plays with all the tools in the shed, which is why he's my best friend.
"Big, where the fuck are you? You take as long as a girl. You're ugly, there's no need to try to make yourself pretty."
"Ugly is your sour face. I'm ready, I was just sprucing up the goatee. Where's the kid?"
"Bruno is with Úrsula, they're waiting downstairs. Ciro and Felipe are already at the bar."
If there's anything better than drinking a cold beer with friends while the night falls in Rio, I don't know it. Even though I wasn’t born here, I've lived here for so many years, I'm basically a native. As soon as we choose our table, I find our waiter's name since it makes be easier to ask for rounds. All we need to do is to raise our glasses, and yell, "Pereira, one more, my friend!"
Úrsula and Bruno have become fast friends. I told him to not listen to Úrsula's advice, she might be married now, but before she used to be a big-time player, one woman after the other, and he needs to focus in basketball.
Pereira is taking forever to bring us our caipirinhas, so I squeeze between the people dancing in the bar's improvised dance floor and go to the counter to ask for a drink. I feel a hand hold my shoulder and when I look to my side, I have the unpleasant surprise of seeing Cláudia again. She gives me a smile and kisses my cheek, sitting next to me.
"Small world. Look at us meeting each other again. You look great, Kau."
"Thank you. How are you Cláudia?"
Can't I even get a drink in peace without having to put up with the presence of this gold digger bitch? I greet her with a nod of my head so I'm not rude and I ask the bartender for a caipirinha, ignoring her presence and her sickly-sweet perfume.
"Aren't you going to offer me a drink, Kau? I'm so happy to see you like this. You're practically walking normally."
I count to ten so I don't answer like she deserves, but I give up. I see no reason to be nice to this woman that made me lose so much time in a shitty relationship.
"Not with your help, right Cacau? Because from what I remember you left me in the dirt the moment I needed you the most, and to twist the knife in, emptied out my apartment."
"I know, I know Kau. And I'm so sorry I acted like that. I was so lost after your accident that I heard bad advice from Nelson, my lawyer. If you could ever forgive me, it would make me so happy. We can leave here and have a talk in your house, more comfortably. I miss you, Kau. I miss your mouth, your skin on mine, that delicious cock taking me over. I have a friend with me, what do you say the three of us–"
"No way, Cláudia. I'm engaged and I love Anahí. Do you know what that is? Love? I don't think so."
"Are you actually telling me that your marrying that little Indian girl? You must be crazy, you're Klaus Schneider and who's she? She's not anyone famous."
"That beautiful little Indian girl will be my wife in less than a month. A fantastic woman, smart, sexy as hell, and I would never leave the woman I have to get involved again with a whore like you. You and your friend better find another schmuck. I'm immune to your charms. Now excuse me while I go to the bathroom."
I go to the bathroom to get r
id of Cláudia and come right back to the counter to finish my caipirinha. I take my jacket off because the heat is unbearable and drink two more beers, my throat is drier than the Sahara dessert. Renato gives me a sideways look and whispers that I should slow down on the drinking. I have a glass of water to see if the alcohol leaves my system, but it's no use. I laugh uproariously at every stupid thing Renato says and he teases me saying that I'm drunker than a skunk.
"You've got it bad, my friend. Soon you'll be climbing on the table."
"Why not? Help me up here?"
Úrsula stops me from climbing on the table and everything around me spins, and I throw up before getting in the car. Renato and Úrsula have decided to take me home, for me the night ended early. Renato and Úrsula help me take my clothes off, leaving me in my underwear and put me to bed. The walls spin like a kaleidoscope and I hug them, kissing their foreheads.
"Thank you Big, Ursa, I love you both."
"It's okay. Now be quiet, soon Anahí will be home. Just don't do anything stupid, lie down in bed. You understand, Kau? If you feel worse, please call me," Úrsula says in big sister protective mode.
After Úrsula and Renato leave I go to the bathroom and take a cold shower hoping to feel a little better, but I'm still too nauseous and throw up in the sink, falling into bed still wet.
ANAHÍ
I go into the living room and see Klaus's shirt and pants thrown in the room and when I cross the hallway I can hear voices becoming clearer from inside the bedroom. A rush of adrenaline floods my system and my hands shake uncontrollably. I can’t believe this is happening. NO! My Viking wouldn't do this to me... Even before I open the door I recognize the voice of the skank that's with him, but I move forward. I need him to face me, to give me some kind of made up excuse. Some lie that will make me believe I wasn't an idiot for getting involved with him, and making him a part of me.
Fatefully Yours Page 18