by Mary Norton
And I when I want to eat in peace, but no one needs to know.
- Yes, sir, just I ordered one for me not to have to depend of Juliane. - She tries to sound sweet, but it is so cynical that even that hydrogen peroxide can.
My boss laughed as Augustus. And to my greatest surprise, the man who has my attention says.
- All here we are dependent on Juliane. - He looks at me.
My body heats up and I fight the shock that is wanting to dominate my body. Augusto smiles corner saying all he wants to do with me.
- Whether or not. - Complete He returned to look everyone at the table.
- I have to agree with the boy. And warning that Juli is going early today and I'll be the rest of the day off.
They all leave and I'm collecting the papers left behind. When all have gathered, I hear footsteps of someone approached. When Augusto appears at the door, it is the first time he does not scare me.
- Your body is recognizing mine. - Says naughty. - I like it.
- My Heart Thank by heart attacks avoided. - I say when I watch approach. - You are exposing yourself.
He shrugs.
- You're leaving here twenty minutes to leave your friend at the airport. - He holds my hand in his. - Will stay with him until the time of boarding, as I'll be here, analyzing numbers and hearing complaints of Katya does not have access to room.
- You can take it. - I give a quick kiss on his lips. - And to think that later you will have dinner with me and my brother.
- And then I'll be able to eat you?
- No, my brother definitely will not like this your idea. - I say through it. - Now I'm going because my brother arrives early and I do not want my doll waiting outside my apartment. - I stop at the door and look at him. Augusto is so beautiful. He gives me his shy smile. - I missed you this morning.
Augustus closes his eyes and sighs.
- Your brother may kill me, but I will not let you today, Juli.
With his statement I go to my room pack my things and go to the airport with my friend and it comes a Leo message.
Leo: I do not know if I have everything I need.
Laughing I answer him that it's only two days and what need he turns. The important thing is to have the ID and the card with him. The rest is the least. I turn off everything and leave my room open so if someone needs some material. Bad to have everyone in my closet, it is that always have people coming to me for pens, post-it and so much. And the good that is able to control these little things.
I take the car and go to the condo where my friend lives. The lucky managed to live close to work. He does not know what is traffic coming here. Leonardo is already waiting for me when I arrive at the gate where he lives. He plays his little suitcase in the back seat of the car.
- Seriously you not learned anything all these years? - I ask taking the exit and go to the airport. - The list I taught you?
Leo smiled.
- Forget it and let's go, I do not want to keep waiting Ly you long.
Ω
I was with Leo at the airport until he enter the departure lounge. After that, I ran home. Of course I did not. I drove on the limit to get well. I packed the room for my three visitors. And while I do that, I had the idea to fix it to make it the refuge of my girl when she wants to stay the holidays with me. My brother need not know that.
quiqui:We just arrived at the bus station. I'll get a taxi.
Jump when I see your message. My brother preferred to come by bus to have to drive. But my concern was my doll. I do not want her to stress a five-hour trip. But it is a well-behaved girl. I'm sure they did a good trip.
I wanted to get him on the road, but my sister has forbidden me.
I take a quick and seen me bath to receive them. I have made the concierge told I'm waiting them. Man, I do not restrain me with such animation. I'm sending a message to Mom when the bell rings. Almost break my jaw when stumble and fall near my couch.
Once you open the door, I have a perfect view of my doll dressed in her beautiful blue little monkey.
- Ly! - I picked up and grip on my arms. My niece secure my hair and laughs heartily when I start to kiss his chubby face. After attacking her, I embrace and feel your baby smell I love. - Aunty felt you so much. - Alejo his face to mine and see that she smiles at me.
- Aunt Juju! - Nicole kisses my nose.
- Yes, it's Juju aunt. - I say almost crying.
- What is Juli. - My brother spoils the moment. - You saw has five months.
- It's been a long time. - I squeeze more my niece and then lay on the floor and I turn to my brother. - I also missed you, quiqui!
My younger brother rolls his eyes and pulls me a big hug.
How I miss him. How I miss them all. His embrace is what triggers sentimentality stuck in me. When he realizes I'm crying, my brother hold me even harder.
- Juli, Juli! - He cherishes me and kisses my hair. - How I've missed you, my periquita.
Hear my childhood name makes me laugh. I turn away from him.
Joaquim is younger than me a year, but he's three children, it seems the older. Her brown hair, cut military form gives him a dangerous guy air and it should not move. But he's just a guy who is more peace, love and uproar than fight.
- I thought it was also the family. - My sister Bianca says behind my brother. Joaquim takes a step back and let me hug his wife. - Cunha!
- Hi Princess! - I say this just to annoy her and she knows it. I step back and stare at her. - Ui! 're A cat! I think I'll introduce you to some friends.
- Do not even think about it. - I get a reprimand from my brother.
I let them come and see my niece is sitting quietly on the couch.
Babo as an aunt very stupidly proud.
- She is so beautiful. - I mean next to my brother. - You create it as well. When I, Joachim and Cass were behaved that way? I'd be suspending me in the rack.
The three of us laughed while Nicole and the curious stares.
- I'll take a bath in it as you talk.
- So you bought the things I asked for? - My brother asks staring at me.
- I'm fitness this week his fault.
He hugs me again.
- I missed you, periquita. So much!
I, and needless to say aloud. I say through my embrace. For us, we were always together, we stay separate as adults was a huge blow. Joaquim is the closest to me in a matter of distance. And even though we're close, I feel as if there was an ocean separating us.
- Let's make dinner. - I say dragging it to the kitchen.
- I thought it was lunch, Juli.
I give him a wink.
- So my little brother. You will make our dinner because tomorrow morning, you and my beautiful sister, who happens to be his wife are going to enjoy a day in a hostel.
My brother opens and closes his mouth twice.
- Juli!
- No way, I know it's hard for you seize something with even small Ly. And I'm more responsible than to stay with my niece three years. - Squeeze his hand. - Seize the day with his wife. And while you are doing things, I'll take my niece to the mall and spoil it. And when you return in the evening, we dine out. It's a good idea to me.
- I can not refuse it. - Said kissing my forehead and opening the refrigerator. - Since we dine here, I want to tell the plans did with Dad.
- I forgot to warn you. We're having a guest today and is not Leo.
I hear the bowl down on the ground. I managed to shock my brother.
10
Nicole is the most behaved baby I've ever seen. Not even when it's something that she could achieve only with crying. She does tantrum. His mother and father say "no" and she agrees with a nod.
sure Mom would feel proud of Joaquim so. He's a great father and wonderful husband. I say this because I see how he helps his wife to care for her daughter. He treats Bianca like a queen and little Nicole as his most precious treasure.
And he's spoiling me too. Made my favorite fish as my juice
and cake. I did not ask anything, he said that that would pamper me now for what I got ready for him and his wife.
- Nicole, because it does not say how his aunt is beautiful. - Bianca enters the room with a beautiful pink dress. His black hair is in a very elegant braid.
Eye corner, see how my brother is illuminated by the simple fact that she entered the room.
- Aunt Juju. - My niece comes to me. She holds my hand and smiled beautifully. - It's beautiful, it is a princess.
- You're the only princess here, my love. - I picked up in my lap. - And because this beautiful behaved princess, tomorrow I'll take you to a place where the aunts spoil nieces and then return to parents.
Bianca grimaces, but she knows she can not stop me.
- You can go bathing you two. - Bianca puts her daughter sitting on the couch. I created a profile on Netflix just for her. - Ly will be here watching Fishtronaut is not, daughter? - His daughter agrees. Bianca looks at Joaquim. - Love, I left your clothes on the bed. Please do not crumple.
- Twenty-five years and you have not learned to ironing? - I push my brother with my shoulder and he does the same thing.
- You live from microwave food most of the time. You have no reason to talk about me.
- At least I know spend my clothes.
- And I know how to cook!
My brother goes to the bathroom hallway and I to my room. I grab my phone and see a message Augusto.
AB I'm taking wine. I'll be there in an hour. I do not see the time to see you.
That was fifteen minutes. Lucky me I washed and brushed my hair this morning. I take a bath long enough to be presentable to my guest. Depilo my legs and moisturizing step not to irritate my skin later. I put a red pants and a white blouse I got from my sister. Passing a lipstick on lips, go to room.
Almost let my phone fall when Augusto meeting sitting in front of my brother, talking as if he already knew. As soon as my brother sees me, the wag grins of those who are up to. Augusto turns his face and sees me, then get up without taking his eyes off me. His mouth draws a charming smile.
Let my brother aside and come to me.
Augusto holds my hand and kisses her slowly, then, startling everyone in the room, hold my face with one hand and kisses me. That kiss that does not hide anything. That says to everyone that we are closer than you think. A wet and noisy kiss.
I'm starting to like this kiss.
- Hi. - He put my hair back.
- Hi, I saw your earlier message. I lost the time.
Augusto nods and smiles.
- I understand this well. I am already intrusive enough to be here when it should be just for you. In fact, her niece is beautiful.
I look over my shoulder and see my princess curiously looking at the big man in front of me.
- She is yes and is curious. - So I see my brother looking at me. - Well, I think I met my brother, Joaquin, and my sister, Bianca.
- Yes, nothing hidden that you are brothers. And Nicole, with all respect, is the mother's enchantment.
Augusto goes to the black bag and pulls out a package.
- As I have nephews, I did not know what to buy for her. But Juliane once told me that her niece loves to paint. - Augusto delivers the package to Nicole. - I hope I have set.
I said?
My Princess looking for her parents and receiving the consent of both, she begins to open his present.
- Help me please! - She asks the person who has your full attention.
Augusto is happy to help her. Both are careful not to tear the paper. The eyes of my niece become stars when she sees a large sketchbook with a kit with several colored pencils.
- Thanks! - Says brightly. - I liked very much.
Augusto seems delighted with the education of my child.
- For nothing, starlet. - Says and picks up something else in the bag. - From what you told me that day that would be our dinner, I did not know what the right for the occasion.
He hands me the wine. I look at my brother who wants to laugh, but it controls.
- Well, it's not what I thought to follow. - He hits the Augustan shoulders. - I was thinking more for a cold beer.
Augusto agree with him.
- Of course, the boss is perhaps the kitchen things. - Augusto turns his attention to me. He smiles again and caresses my face. - The trip was quiet to the airport?
Wave so.
- How nice. - Continue stroking. - Your brother seems like a nice guy.
- It is when it is not being annoying. Like now. - I mean looking at Joaquim standing with arms crossed staring at me from the kitchen door. - I did not know you were a gossipy, Joaquim.
My brother still laughing.
- I'm just keeping an eye on my sister. - He points with his chin to Augustus. - If it has sister, you know what I mean.
Augusto agree with that.
- I know, but I'm the youngest, could not do anything about taking care of them when they bought me with new games video game.
It takes me a laugh.
- Cass and I knocked on it. Nothing more than that.
Augusto stares at me shocked with my confession. A noise makes me look at the outside of the window and see the rain falling with full force.
- Let's have dinner to the sound of falling rain. - Joaquim pronounced and goes to the kitchen.
- I think of other things we can do to the sound of rain.
I smile embarrassed for him.
- But first, let's have dinner with your family. - Said holding my hand in his and go to the kitchen.
The table is filled with all that there are times I do not know to describe the taste. I love my brother visits. He is with me whenever he can. And I pampers all the time, doing all my favorite foods.
The smoke and the smell that comes out of the pot that is on the table is enough to make my mouth water.
- Arapaima, like my sister asked. - Joaquim allows us to serve us.
I expect nothing, I am the first to eat. I have no shame in moaning in the first race of the delicious fish.
- You are guaranteed in the sky, just for that dinner. - I tell him.
I can not concentrate on anything else, just the food in front of me. My brother starts talking to Augusto about football and stuff. I just focus on fish and dessert after.
- Juliane said you doctor. He is an expert in something?
My brother faces me curious and debauched.
- Funny, Juliane never commented about you today in the afternoon.
My desire is to skip this table and give the face of my brother.
- I'm an obstetrician, the one who has followed the career of our father. And you, Augusto, where he met my sister?
Sigh frustrated with this inquisition.
- Work in the same company Juliane. In fact, she saved my life all week. - His hand is mine on the table. - I have the pleasure to meet more of it every day. It's not just professional appreciation, I realize that every day that goes by.
My brother faces me. And I can not identify what it is.
- Well, a long time that I hear that my sister is dating someone. - Joaquim takes a sip of his beer. - And I like to know you before things get serious.
- Joaquim!
Augusto shakes my hand and rubs his thumb over my skin. I look at him smiling with quiet boldness of my brother.
- I'm just saying what I think, Juliane. You know it. You know that after the last time, I promised I would take care of you.
- You're not taking care of me, you are too intruding.
Bianca clears his throat and face her husband and reprehensible way.
- Juliane is an independent woman and knows what to do with life, Joaquim. - Said firmly. - I think beautiful that you want to protect it, dear. Shows that will do the same with our daughter. But I think with his sister, there are limits you should not exceed.
- I know how she was after ...
- Joaquim! - Kick your shin. Deep breath. - I love you so much. And I love that you're here wi
th me. I love you're knowing Augusto and I will love you even more if you bring me a piece of black forest cake you made me.
My brother sighs.
- Sorry, Augusto. I just do not want history to repeat itself. I'll just ask you to take care of my little sister.
- Of course, man!
Joaquim go to the refrigerator and bring the pie. Nicole is on my side, finishing his food. I smile at her that gives me a beautiful smile.
- Tomorrow we blow dad's card in stores. This is my punishment for him.
My brother groans and sits in his chair.
Augusto uses more fish and have no mercy beer. But he does not seem to get drunk. We talked about any nonsense to appear. Augusto closer to my chair of his, pulling my hand to rest on his thigh. He interweaves my fingers and occasionally he kisses my hair. This does not goes unnoticed by my sister in law and not by me. Since always smile when he does it.
- She always did the same thing the same way. - Joaquim says grabbing another beer and delivery to Augustus. - Our sister had to change rooms with me.
- I can not believe.
- Yeah, buddy. Juli always found a way of doing things. Even with Cass in another room, she managed to cut the fringe of our sister in the middle of the forehead. - Joaquim was just laughing. - Cass stayed four months using a clip to hide the French court that Juli gave her.
Augusto stares at me amazed.
- Why was that?
I shrug.
- I was kind of vindictive at that time ...
- Half? - My brother asks, amused. - You tore with the knife Dad to my favorite shoe soles because I did not let you play ball with me and the boys.
- So as I was saying, I could not get along with rejection not then. And as they always were prohibiting me from doing the things I liked, I did the same. But Cass was meaner. - I mean looking away. - She knew the day I liked the week was Thursday when she would pick me up from school and went to lunch.
- What happened, dear?
- She got a boyfriend. She would pick me up at school and left me in the house corner, watching me to enter. I did lie to Mom five times, saying she was going to the library. Then I started to cut your hair.