Revolving Doors

by Perri Forrest

  She focused directly on my eyes, and I knew what she was thinking. She was worried that I might view her differently.

  As shocked as I was, my best friend sat before me confiding something about her life that needed no judgment. My sole job as a friend…as a sister, was to honor that.

  “So you say you love it, huh?” I mustered.

  “I do enjoy it…very much.”

  I gave her an approving smile to relax the tense mood. “Then, you know what, Talia? That’s honestly all that matters. If we don’t have happiness, what do we have?”

  She leaned in and snaked her arms around my neck for a quick hug. I was relieved that she was relieved because tension was present for a bit.

  “It means a lot that you support me in this. I was soooo worried! But I knew I couldn’t keep it from you. You’re the person I tell everything to.”

  “So tell me more about this place,” I encouraged.

  “Okay! Well, it’s no-strings-attached. It’s entertainment. You get to meet and spend time with interesting people and it provides a real outlet, you know?”

  “I do. I get it.” I found myself saying.

  “Really, sis?” she asked, seemingly stunned.

  “Uh huh. I really do. When you put it in those words, I can see exactly why it would provide enjoyment. Sounds like an escape from real life, and we all need that sometimes.”

  She stood up and tugged me away from my swing and we bear hugged for the second time.

  “Thank you for being so understanding. I was worried how you would take this – or even worse, how you would look at me. You mean a lot, and I never want you to view me in an unfavorable way.”

  “Please! That would never happen. Look at me in my eyes.” I held her face, reminding myself of my mother in that moment. “Never happen, okay?”

  “I’m glad…” she said. “I couldn’t handle that.”

  “I know it was hard enough for you to tell me and my visit caused an even bigger strain because you were probably forced to tell me sooner than you’d planned. Whatever the case, I’m glad you did. The pressure is off.”

  “The pressure is off,” she confirmed. “It absolutely is.”

  “Great! And now that we got all the mush out…tell me everything! Spare no details.”

  Excitedly, she kicked into full gear and began sharing the details of Paraiso Belo.

  “Well the owner is Valentina Matos, and she is a sweetheart. She has taken me under her wing. Her story is amazing! Just one day after her twentieth birthday she met Dionisio, a rich businessman, and get this…twenty-nine years her senior!”

  “Whoa! Seriously?”

  “Yes! She told me that he was the love of her life. Of course since he was much older than she was, her parents didn’t approve. He was after all, only two years younger than her father! She said that she felt it was a love that couldn’t be denied, nor matched, and she went with it. Isn’t that romantic?”

  “I guess…kinda…but that’s a lot of years between them.”

  “Yeah, but love is love, Gabriella. Age isn’t always a factor. At least I don’t think so.”

  “All I know is that if I brought a man home my dad’s age, it would be an issue for the gods!”

  “Yeah, I could see that,” she laughed. “He would probably birth a cow if he knew the boy that took your virginity was 21 to your 15!”

  “Okay....okay! Enough about me!” I said eager to shelf that topic. “Back to details about Beautiful Paradise, Valentina and Dionisio!”

  “She told me that Dionisio was leaving for business one day and while he was waiting for his flight, they talked about what it would be like for businessmen to have a place to go in between making deals, to clear their heads – away from the hustle and bustle of real life; Belo Paraíso was born from that idea.”

  “After Dionisio passed away, which Valentina doesn’t speak of at all, his best friend Alexio became Valentina’s business partner.”

  “Personally, and from my own observations during the short time I’ve known them both, I think Alexio is in love with Valentina. I believe her loyalty to Dionisio keeps her from giving in to the temptation. I don’t want to pry because as much as we’ve shared, she is very tightlipped about her love life. She might view it as trespassing, so I leave it alone.”

  “I don’t blame you. It might be something she’s not ready to share just yet. She does sound interesting though, and her life has the makings of a book! How did you guys meet?”

  “I was coming out of Samba class one day. Isabelle, one of the girls from class introduced us as they headed to dinner and it went from there. I was skeptical as hell at first and I thought it was some kind of prostitution ring! I didn’t know how to feel about it, even though I was drawn to the idea of meeting new people and being at a resort.”

  “What changed your mind?”

  “Valentina extended an invitation for me to visit Paraiso Belo. There, I got to know her better and gained an appreciation for how the business was run, the glamour of it all, and I was all in after that.”

  “It sounds like you made a good choice and that you found a good friend in Valentina.” Then playfully wagging my finger at her, “Just don’t let her take my place, you hear?”

  “Don’t sell yourself short. Nobody can take your place, girl!”

  “I know, I know. They better not!” I scolded. “Now, describe the resort to me. I’m dying for the visual.”

  “Trust me when I say that describing it wouldn’t do it justice. I’d have to show you,” she said.

  “That’s fine. So when can I see it? We can drive past right? I know I can’t come to work with you, but I would at least like to see where it is, what it looks like.”

  “Well, it’s kind of why I brought it up now. I need to be gone for a few days and usually when I go I tell my parents that I’m on business with my boss and they don’t question. Now with you here, it complicates things a bit because I don’t want to leave you here by yourself. Although…you would have full access to my car and could hang out with Noelle for the time I’m gone. I plan to go by driver, so it wouldn’t be an inconvenience.”

  Noelle was a childhood friend that had been around since Talia was a young girl, and that I was friends with as well.

  I liked Noelle, but multiple days of her? Not! She knew very little English and even though I was fluent in Portuguese, it didn’t necessarily appeal to me when it was coerced.

  I clasped my hands together underneath my chin, and looked at her doe-eyed. “Please tell me there’s another option.”

  “Happy you asked,” she smiled. “When I knew you were coming, I may have cleared with Valentina for you to come stay in one of the guest rooms attached to Paraiso Belo.” She paused briefly for my reaction and then continued. “Of course you wouldn’t have to interact with any of the guests. You could just slip in and out…incognito. There’s staff that live there and they’re really sweet. You can get to know some of them.”

  “Yes!” I beamed. “I like that option. A lot. Swimming, tropical drinks, resort life! When do we leave?”

  She clapped her hands together in animated excitement.

  “You’re going to come, Gabriella? I was hoping you wouldn’t be upset at the suggestion or thinking ---”

  “Thinking what? That you have a high price tag on your goodies?” I interjected, and laughing as I did so.

  “Oooohhh! You cut me deep!” she laughed, as we got into the car to head back to her house.

  CHAPTER 4

  ~*~*~

  When we returned from espionage in the park, the parents were home and the kitchen smelled all kinds of good.

  We sat down to dinner together, and I filled my second family in on the slightly altered version of why I was there, mere months from the last visit.

  Had I told the truth, I would have arrived home to a father loaded with a torrent of questions, and a little less than thrilled. I had to protect myself…and my mom, who put the bid in and sealed the d
eal for me to be there in the first place.

  As far as they knew, I was taking a small break before school started which wasn’t entirely a lie. It did, however, manage to open a whole other dialog about Natalia and her decision to put college off – maybe indefinitely.

  Ohhh, I felt so bad!

  When Natalia and I finished cleaning the kitchen and were alone in her room, she was beside herself at how they double teamed her.

  “My god! They make me so angry. That was unnecessary…especially, at dinner! I knew as soon as the word ‘school’ exited your mouth, they were going to start in with me. I knew it! It’s a constant debate in this house.” Then she changed to a pitched whisper. “If they only knew how much money I make, they wouldn’t be so quick to judge! Wait…who am I kidding? Yes, they would. It’s who they are, which is exactly why the next time you come I’ll be living in my own apartment!”

  I couldn’t tell her that it wasn’t an exclusive club belonging solely to her parents. There were many who would be upset with her choice – especially, if their daughter forfeited college to be a high-priced call girl. Yeah, that would definitely cause a mild to severe heart attack.

  I wanted to suggest that she at least have a plan B, but I didn’t want to add fuel to the fire. I knew it was the last thing she’d want to hear. In truth, what I might hear in return was the screeching of the driver’s tires as she left me behind on her trip to Paraiso Belo.

  So what did I do? Switched topics…

  “Your own apartment? That is going to be fun!”

  “Yes, it will be. I’m actually signing the lease in two weeks!” she gushed.

  “Have you told tia e tio, yet?”

  “Not yet, but soon. I’m sure it won’t be a problem, but you’ll get an email with the details. Maybe it will take the pressure off and keep them from worrying about my future so much. They’ll see that I’m doing fine and can take care of myself.”

  ~*~*~

  That evening I raided Natalia’s closet for a full-length piece of gorgeous. I was prepared to go shopping if I had to, but just as I thought I was able to find what I needed amongst her things. Our tastes were something like identical, so all was well.

  Luckily, my luggage was still semi-packed so for everything else, I was set.

  Talia’s excitement was contagious and had found its way onto me. I had no idea what to expect, but by the description Natalia provided, I knew Paraiso Belo would be something immaculate, something intriguing and definitely something to remember. I couldn’t wait to see it in person.

  I made it a point to check emails before I headed to bed that night. Of course there was one from my mama:

  From: Mama

  Subject: Miss you!

  Date: Monday, May 24, 2001

  To: Gabriella

  Hey Baby Girl,

  I miss seeing you when I get home from work! I hope you are enjoying your time with Natalia. When you get back, I was thinking we should do a mama/daughter spa day in Napa or something. Stay the night out there at the Embassy Suites. Daddy’s been busy lately, finalizing the plans for the new house. He wants to be in before end of summer. I can’t wait to see it! I’ve been trying to find plans around the house or the smallest piece of mail to get a glimpse of the address so you and I can take a secret drive by. Unsuccessful! That man is good at keeping secrets. I guess we will just have to be surprised. Are you ready, baby girl?! Mama IS!

  I love you. Make sure you email soon

  From: Gabriella

  Subject: Re: Miss you!

  Date: Tuesday, May 25, 2001

  To: Mama

  Mama!

  I missed you as soon as I got on the plane! Talia and I are having fun, so much fun. I’m going to a sleepover with her this weekend so that should be fun. Her boss is treating her to a weekend stay at this really nice hotel in Sao Paulo and she’s taking me with her. That should be relaxing…Just as relaxing as that spa day and Embassy Suites! My favorite place to go…besides Disneyland, and of course here

  Now…STOP trying to figure out daddy’s secret. I think it’s romantic that he’s surprising you…I mean US with a new house. You know he won’t disappoint and it is exciting knowing that we are gonna have this new and fabulous place to live in the next few months! I better end up with a man just like daddy who’s full of surprises, and knows how to treat his woman. I’ll accept nothing less!

  I LOVE YOU, LADY. Kiss daddy for me.

  The next email was from Joi. Argh! Damn! I was so busy trying to get out of dodge I forgot to send her any kind of anything. It may have been more the fact that I didn’t want her to know...not yet anyway.

  From: Joi

  Subject: Sorry!

  Date: Monday, May 24, 2001

  To: Gabriella

  Hey Gabs…I’m so sorry to hear what happened between you and Kenny. I went by your house today and found out from moms that you were outta town…more like out the country! I’m guessing you just needed to get away. I don’t blame you. I really wish you’d called me before you left or when everything went down, I would have come over. I know heartbreak and I know that nobody should have to go through it alone. When you get home, please call or come by so we can talk.

  I can tell you how Mike and me broke up. That cheating bastard is a permanent dismissal at this point. I don’t know how chicks do it…taking a guy back after they fuck another female. I mean, I just can’t. Yep, that dog cheated. More details when you get home. But yeah. And get this. She was actually the one who told me. Sent me a message on MySpace. I wanted to tear the bitch’s head from her neck, but then I thought about it and just let it go. Obviously, he wanted me to hate him, so goal accomplished. So over the bullshit.

  Got my payback though…at Kenny’s going away party, I danced up on Caleb, made out with him pretty much the whole time, left the party with him, and the rest shouldn’t take too long to figure out. It was good too, girl. Fucking the same dude for so long, I didn’t think I would know how to get down with a new one, but it was easy as pie!

  Anyway, there’s much more to catch up on. Can’t wait til you blow back in!

  Love ya!

  From: Gabriella

  Subject: Re: Sorry!

  Date: Tuesday, May 25, 2001

  To: Joi

  Girrrllll!!! Looks like we got a TON to talk about when I touch down. I can’t wait. And write some of that shit down so you don’t forget a single detail!

  BTW…so sorry I didn’t tell you I was leaving. I was in a whole other state of mind. Slowly getting back to me though, so it will be me who returns.

  Hugs & Kisses…See you soon!

  I did feel a pang of guilt that I hadn’t at least told her a snippet of what happened. We had been friends since we were little girls, both growing up in the same neighborhood.

  Since I homeschooled, she was the person I hung out with the most as she lived so close by. Not to mention, it was at her house that I met Kenny.

  There was no telling how she even found out. More than likely, he’d been running his mouth to anyone who would listen. Whatever. I figured Joi and I would have plenty of time to talk when I got back.

  While I was reading through her email, shamefully, I found myself waiting for it to be said that Kenny asked about me, but in the end I was glad it hadn’t happened. The fact he hadn’t spoke volumes.

  There were questions I wanted to ask, but refrained: Did he dance with somebody? Was he hugged up on anybody? Did he pay special attention to any one person? Did he ask about me and what I’ve been up to?

  Inquiries I really didn’t need to make…with answers I really didn’t need to hear.

  Chapter closed.

  CHAPTER 5

  ~*~*~

  “Gabriella!”

  “Huh?” I was startled by Natalia’s loud voice.

  “What the hell, girl! Where did you drift off to?”

  I playfully nudged her shoulder. “Sinto muito, Boo Boo! I was just thinking…”

  She crossed he
r arms and gave me a stern look.

  “Don’t you Boo Boo, me. Just thinking what? You trying to chicken out? You want Max to turn around and take you back to the house?”

  “No! If you uncross your arms, take the tone out your voice, and let me finish…I was thinking…” I stalled.

  “Come on! Thinking what?”

  “See, now you know what it feels like, huh?” I teased. “Remember dragging me out of the house yesterday and taking forever to get out what you had to say? Huh?”

  “Argghh! That’s the past, girl! Get it out!”

  “No, it was just yesterday. My how the rules change for some people!”

  “Gabriella, if you don’t spill it, I’m going to strangle you!”

  “Okay! Threats are so unnecessary…I never threat---”

  She shot me a, “I’m not playing Gabriella,” look and I couldn’t help but laugh.

  “I was thinking…of taking a hostess gig while I’m at Beautiful Paradise…if Ms. Valentina would allow it at this late date. I think I might have what it takes to properly entertain and please a man. No-strings attached is all the better.”

  “Are you serious, Gabriella?!”

  “I am…very serious.”

  “Okay! Let me two-way her and give her a heads-up. Then as soon as we get there, I’ll see if she has time to meet with you and the two of you can pound out some details. If not, at the very least you’ll get to talk to her and get to know her. She is good people.”

  ~*~*~

  When we drove through the gates of Paraiso Belo, its beauty was breathtaking. I’d been to some nice places, but it was by far one of the most beautiful.

  Upon arrival, I saw a split-level building made of smoked glass. There were trees everywhere and pulling curbside allowed an immediate view of the marble-floored lobby that looked to be bustling with early morning energy. It was like entering a whole new world.