- If you have any idea in the meantime I would like you to tell me - asked Antônio stopping at the sign on Avenida Presidente Vargas. He turned to face her and Amanda almost swallowed. She had never seen Antônio as at that time. He wore dark glasses over his well shaped nose, over the fleshy and manly mouth. The sun contrast catching on him made him extremely sexy in her eyes that turned her attention to the movement on the sidewalks. “Something is not fitting here," she thought.
They paused the conversation a little and soon arrived at the small building where Amanda and the child lived.
- Bye Tony! - Lucas said while Antonio put his hand on the boy's head messing up all his hair.
- See you in a few days big boy. - Antônio replied pretending to organize the child's hair again.
- See you Tony - Amanda spoke in jest.
- I think from now on I prefer you call me like Lucas does, Tony, the name was very beautiful spoken by you. - The two of them smiled at their cynicism and Tony left.
- Mom that house will really be ours? - asked the confused boy.
- Yes, honey, and soon we will move there. – One more problem came up to her. Her son had fallen totally in love with the new house and he wanted to live in it right away. – Let’s go my darling. Today, we’ll have a nice and big lunch for you to grow strong. – Mother and son went along hand in hand.
On the following day Amanda was about her chores at the store when Breno came up.
– Good morning, princess. – He said coming in.
– Howdy Brian. – Amanda greeting him ignoring his fake kindness.
- Would you like to spend the weekend with me on my family’s farm? - Invited Breno approaching her.
- Lucas will be happy if you invite him. He loves farms. - She replied with critical tone because the invitation was made in the singular.
- By inviting you I'm including my son - defended Breno with the usual shattering-heart smile.
- You do not have to invite me and extend the invitation to your son, but rather the opposite, right? – went on Amanda, drily.
- You seem a little nervous today Amanda. I do not remember seeing you that way when we were together. - The comment almost made him laugh if the situation was not so sad.
- You had very little time for my problems and I did not like to bother you with mine. Did you understand? - she said trying to stay calm.
- Are you still wearing that ring? - Breno criticized her changing the subject.
Of course I am. I'm getting married so I'm wearing it. - His insistence toward the jewel was making her tired.
- When is the wedding? - He asked politely.
- In about a month and a half. - She didn’t have an established date yet, but it would be around that period.
- It's a shame to use your name in a scam. - He wanted to find evidence that their relationship was not true because whenever he spoke about that subject he watched her closely.
- Why do you say that whenever you talk about my marriage? - Amanda wondered indignant at his distrust.
- I know you do not like him, I see it in your eyes, so why go on with it. - He was sure of his words. He seemed to know her more than she did.
- Even if I did not love Tony, which is not true, that would be just a detail, because surely I would learn to love him and this would not be difficult, which usually does not happen with couples who marry for love and over time this feeling ceases to exist and will never be the same. - She was certainly one of them.
- Your point of view is bright, but actually it does not work as well as you make it sound. - Breno did not understand the first thing about clean relationships or those without ulterior motives which made his arguments invalid.
- Did you learn anything about feelings while you were traveling Breno? - The criticism made him approach her quickly.
- A lot, dear, and I'm dying to show you. – He wanted to kiss her, but was prevented by Carol who came from inside the store.
– How are you Breno? – She greeted him politely.
– Better, impossible, Carol. And you? – He didn’t seem pleased with her presence.
– I’m great, thanks. - she said, leaning on the counter and making it clear she would remain there.
– I’m glad to hear it – said Breno turning to Amanda. – Gotta go. You’ll hear from me. – He said greeting both with a slight head gesture.
– You didn’t tell me he could be so nice. – joked Carol.
– I also found his attitude strange at some moments; I still don’t know why, or I know and do not want to see. – She felt he seemed to be very confident about her battles.
– It is all bark and no bite. – joked Carol.
– Sometimes, by believing that, many are bitten when they least expect. It is better not to take that popular saying to the letter. – She knew him enough to know that when he felt demeaned, he could have irrational attitudes.
- If you say so, who am I to doubt, you are the one who knows him. - Carol said raising her hands in self-defense. Amanda agreed with her before returning to finish what she had left unfinished due to the arrival of the ex-husband.
In the late afternoon when they were preparing to start to organize the store for its closure a well-dressed man came looking for Amanda.
- Could I speak to Mrs. Amanda Castro Gonçalves? - He asked. Upon hearing her name she went into the other room.
- What can I do to help? - Amanda asked meeting him.
- I am a bailiff and have a document for you. - He took some papers out of his briefcase and handed them to her. She checked and signed returning them to the man. Amanda thanked him and remained silent until the bailiff left the store.
- He left here very calmly and self-confident. - She said looking at the envelope in her hands.
- Did he fulfill his threat? - Her assistant asked looking doubtful.
– Yes. - Amanda replied looking away thinking about the next steps. - Now it's working for me so that on the big day I can put Breno in his due place. - Amanda expected for that news, but having it confirmed was a bit more painful for her.
- You will win. I'm sure - comforted her friend.
- That's what I hope Carol. I will fight for my son – she answered more confidently.
Amanda was looking at the piece of paper when her cell phone rang. It seemed that her guardian angel knew the right time when she needed him.
– Hi Tony. – She said trying to smile.
– How are you Amanda? – he asked, happy to hear her call him the way her son did. Something in the tone of her voice, however, warned him. – Anything the matter Amanda? – Tony was a very observing man and he used to notice Amanda’s changes of mood whenever they happened. It was not normal for her to have these oscillations, but since her ex-husband had returned, she usually did.
– A bailiff brought news that I didn’t want to receive. – She said forcing her throat for her voice to come out as normal as possible.
- If you need a good lawyer I have a friend who is already familiar with the matter, I have been talking to him about it. - He had not expected for such a move on the part of the other man so soon, but Tony knew that Breno was uneasy to realize he was missing his opportunity to have what he wanted again. He needed to keep up a good player too so that he and Amanda had the deserved victory.
- I'll take yes – she thanked.
Are you all right? You want me to come back today? - Tony asked hoping to year a yes, because it would be terrible to be away from her at a time like that.
- No need to worry Tony. Everything is fine and we can’t do anything for now, so do not change your plans or I’ll be upset if you do. - She would not bother him any more than necessary. I would not also falter for a brainless idiot who did not know the value of what he had and that now he thinks he has the right to coerce her to live with him.
- All right, if you need me, call at anytime, got it? - he asked
- I'll call - said Amanda with her energies better charged.
– Amand
a? – He called after a brief pause.
– Yes. – Amanda felt an enormous joy every time she heard him say her name. There was such respect in Tony’s voice that made her warm. That friendship would win the barriers of a fake wedding, yes, it would.
– He won’t get what he wants. Believe that. – That caress almost drove her to tears. Amanda kept firm, although her wish were to fall into his arms and cry. How not to love such a man? Yes, she did love him to the fullest, where sex and ownership would never understand a pure feeling such as that between them.
– I do believe. – Thanks for the great support you have never denied me. You are very special. – she said.
– You and your son are special. – Hearing him talk about her son, a huge joy took over her. She would be strong and would act within reason. The child’s well-being was at stake. – Kisses, take care! – Amanda heard and also said goodbye going toward Carol.
– Isn’t that man too much? – Carol asked euphoric for the information.
– I never doubted it – defended Amanda. – She knew well that any woman in her right mind would be totally sure of it, she was one of those.
– Yeah, but there is nothing to hold him. - Amanda kept quiet looking at her friend who regretted seeing her sad look. – I’m sorry, friend. Here you are full of problems and I stand here criticizing you – she apologized by hugging her. – But being your friend, I am entitled to tell you this, enjoy that chance you got, analyze your feelings and do not let yourself be carried away by any foolish fear. Men like Antônio can’t be found easily and one should not miss the chance when luck grants us with such a specimen. I can say that because I know how difficult it is to find one. – The sweetness in Carol’s voice made her happy, but also worried.
– All right, deep down, I believe I do deserve the scolding. – Hand in hand with her assistant, she confesses. – I cannot stay here and cry for what Breno did. This is certainly what he wants. I will get ready to confront him and win this game. – She knew that it would depend more on her than on her ex-husband, because he would be the victim, not having his son with him and it was up to Amanda to make him what he already was, the villain, the bad guy. – I will pay more attention to this relationship, as well. Maybe I am not the one seeing the obvious, she confessed.
– That’s a girl - encouraged Carol.
After that day energy recharged, Amanda became less tense and could work more peacefully. When she went to pick up the child at school her heart hurt again by the likely loss that she could have. Her child came quickly to meet her and they kissed as usual.
- Hi, my darling! How was your class? - she asked returning the smile received from the child when he let go of her neck.
- It was cool mom. I did many tasks today – he said merrily.
- This is good, that way you learn more and improve your reading. - Mother and son had always been close and she wished this to continue. Taking his hand, they went their way together.
- Mother do you remember Arthur, my classmate? - She said yes. - He called me to sleep over his house tomorrow - said the boy. - I invited him to sleep at home, but his mother said that this time it had to be at his house because he already slept at ours. May I sleep over there? - He pleaded more than asked, which left her helpless.
- You know I do not like you to spend many hours away from home son. - She said realizing he would insist more.
- But he already slept over and it was really cool. If his mother let him go it is because there was no problem; at his home there is no problem either mom.
- Do you really want to go, my love? - She asked knowing what the answer would be.
- Yes I do. He told me he has a lot of cool toys and we are going to play with them. - Lucas pulled his wheeled-backpack of the Spider-Man, animated character he loved so much and sometimes jumped it around little, knocking it to the ground.
- All right. You can go, but remember, it's not your home and you should behave like a good boy - advised his mother.
- I am a good boy Mommy – he meant it while Amanda took the lunch box of the same character from his back and placed it on the back seat, next to his seat.
- I know you are, my love, but it never hurts to remember, right? - she said hugging him. The boy went in and after Amanda helped him fasten his seat belt, she went to the driver’s seat and they left.
At home Amanda called her son’s classmate’s mother to agree on the night over; then, she prepared dinner while listening to the child tell her, without forgetting a single detail, how this adventure would be. Lucas was like her, although sometimes he was a shy boy. He was determined and intelligent. He had always been one of the highlights of the classroom. Even in the period when there was the separation of his parents. At the time Amanda was attentive to his possible changes at school and his mood at home. In many cases of family separation small children tend to turn aggressive and aloof. For this reason she watched him closely, but for her joy he only became more standoffish for a short period of time, but soon came back to life again. At first, Amanda studied the possibility of having psychological counseling, but a professional acquaintance of her parents observed the child and came to the conclusion that he was okay. She should only be attentive to drastic changes that fortunately did not happen and she could breathe in relief. After the child fell asleep she went to her room where she showered and rested as well.
On the following morning, Amanda stayed home taking care of her son because he would spend the rest of the afternoon and evening out. She left him at school and gave him the same advice she had given the day before.
- Do not be stubborn with Arthur’s mother. Do not eat a lot of goodies and leave everything tidy. - Amanda guided realizing a spout in the boy’s mouth.
- I know mother. - The boy already knew every word.
- I'll see you tomorrow dear. - She hugged him giving him a long kiss on his cheek. It was not very good to demand a lot of him, there is time for everything. She thought, standing away from the boy.
- No one will take you away from me love – she said quietly observing the child going into the school waving at her.
When Amanda arrived at the store, she found out that Tony had called.
- He called to see how you were doing. I said you looked good and did not come to the shop today because you were taking care of Lucas who was going to sleep out, and you as a mother was preparing to set him free. - Amanda smiled at her comment. Carol was with her always and knew how attached she was with the child, but for her this was normal. After all, what woman would not act like this with a piece of herself?
- I so wanted him to stay with me, but you should have seen his eyes pleading for me to allow him to go. I could not deny - she concluded happier for letting her child go.
- He needs these findings. It will help him grow more independently and you will have more time for yourself – she advised.
- Time to be alone at home! - she exclaimed annoyed by the lonely night she would have.
- If you want, you can come over. We can go to the mall to watch a movie - invited Carol.
- No, thank you. I have many movies and lots of popcorn at home. - The girl heard it all looking at Amanda with a negative sign and returning to work.
- I do not know why you insist on being alone, if it is not Antônio, at least another person. A cool company, who cheers you up. Just that and you would feel a lot better.
- I can imagine that company. - Amanda said smiling.
- If you, yourself, are not enough for you to be well, then, yes, you should look for something pleasurable. There is nothing wrong with that.
- I'm fine alone. - Amanda said without much conviction and her friend made a negative sign.
- No, you’re not. Something is missing friend. - she heard her say in a soft voice and with such certainty that it messed with Amanda. Would it be so obvious that she was not happy with herself for some time now? She remained silent reviewing the cash book until the end of the day.
&nb
sp; - If you change your mind call me - Carol said as she was leaving the store.
Amanda organized her things and went home to enjoy her solitude. There she took her bath, prepared a quick snack and watched TV. Since she was not interested in the programs, she sat on the porch and watched the street until she heard the door bell ring. Concerned thinking it had something to do with her son she ran to answer.
- Antônio?! -She said surprised. - What are you doing here, were you not returning tomorrow? - She asked.
- I anticipated some things and could come back before. - He explained coming in after she invited him in.
That’s good! - said Amanda still surprised, but pleased with her friend's presence.
Tony waited for her to close the door and came close touching her face and embracing her. That friendly comfort was all she needed. She did not miss any ordinary man, as Carol had said, she missed that friend.
- I'm sorry you'll have to go through another ordeal. - Tony said in her ear. - I missed you. - He confessed caressing her nose. - Making her smile.
- Me too! - She replied feeling comfort invade her from head to toe.
How are you? - he wondered still close enough to disturb any woman except Amanda.
- Much better now. - She said accepting his hand in hers.
They looked at each other for a few seconds until Tony took her lips for a kiss. Amanda stiffened and was surprised at his reaction. But ignored the warnings that throbbed in her mind. When Tony penetrated her mouth with his tongue her defenses fell to the ground. Thirsty for that comfort she let herself be carried away by the caresses and the light touch of male hands on her back. Clinging to the virile body, Amanda could feel all the strength and virility of the man. She wanted him, she knew it. She just did not know to what extent. On impulse she hugged his neck to savor more deeply the soft, sweet mouth that devoured her as no man had ever done before. Tony hugged her strongly in order to end the agony he felt when he was away. He had two feelings that accompanied him relentlessly during her absence. The fear that Amanda would falter and surrender to blackmail by her ex-husband and the fact he deeply missed her. Her sweet and feminine way, little noticed by herself. And finally, the very unpleasant news that her friend would have to face a judge to have the right to keep custody of the son she loved. Kissing her had been the best way to relieve that tension. Maybe it was not the most rational way, but it was the one that brought her most comfort. After the explosion, the kiss became tender and calm allowing them to feel the trembling of their bodies and acceleration of their heart.
Make-Believe Marriage Page 9