Rio de Janeiro. January 24
The waves crashed against the rocks, the scenery was worthy of kings, and the nights were serene. People lived joyfully, and anyone there could see how calmness seemed to be a way of life. Those watching the entire spectacle from their seats saw something paradisiacal; from any angle, a small stairway was occupied, polished, and orderly. The hill of Pão de Açúcar and Corcovado, white beaches, and waters as clear as glass.
Overlooking the beach and watching over the people stood a Christ the Redeemer, about 38 meters tall, beautiful in its own unique way, and, of course, along every stretch lay a world heritage site. The blending of nature, culture, and architecture was perfection, shining like a jewel.
People were preparing for Carnival, from February 4th to 8th—an extravagant parade to watch and laugh along with. On February 9th came Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Billy felt tempted to stay, but Argentina awaited, and so did his audience. Adriana was by his side, unaware of the night with Alessandra, and it hardly mattered; Adriana was skilled at closing herself off when such situations arose. Still, it was clear things would be different if they were engaged—or at least when it came to her future husband. It was a difficult choice, but she weighed that between them; their company was like a sip of cool water.
-I really love the vibe of Brazil. I almost wish I could stay here forever, - Billy remarked. In another restaurant, he was savoring an Oswaldo Aranha steak—garlic-seared, with rice, farofa, and French fries. Beside it, some cod croquettes—bolinho de bacalhau—smoky and, to say the least, fantastic. Billy was enchanted by the flavors.
-I think that's way too much food, - Adriana said, picking at her plate, taking only small bites from each dish.
-Try the salgadinhos, - the young man urged, handing her the plate. Even though they were on a second-floor terrace in a reserved area, floating cameras arrived. A paparazzo snapped photos from various angles, working with pleasure and patience, capturing the two sharing bites. The twins' photos and the video were uploaded—nothing that could be misinterpreted, but still, things were never simple.
-So, could you give us some recommendations? - Billy asked.
-You want me to be on your blog? I don't think you know, but I'm a model. My contract is strict, - Adriana replied.
-I want the world to know how sexy you sound speaking Portuguese. I'll talk first, then you'll speak—it'll be my way of telling the world we're friends, - Billy answered.
Her precious, unique eyes met his, and she nodded while Nicola handed her a script Victoria had prepared in the morning. It might not help much, but in their hearts, they thought otherwise. They practiced together, the camera recording, knowing they'd edit later.
"Carioca que é carioca não vive sem uma feijoadinha aos sábados, aquele bolinho de bacalhau com uma cervejinha bem gelada, e, claro, o clássico Biscoito Globo com mate gelado na praia, (A true Carioca can't live without a feijoada on Saturdays, that codfish fritter with a cold beer, and, of course, the classic Biscoito Globo with iced mate on the beach,)" Adriana said in Portuguese, that natural movement and her mesmerizing accent a delight for the audience. She went off-script, but Billy would add subtitles.
-You can enjoy any delicacy from anywhere—there's always a spot on the corner to taste something new, - she continued. - The Oswaldo Aranha steak—juicy, with golden garlic, white rice, crunchy farofa, and thin fries. The best is to eat it in Lapa, with that historic air I love so much."
She moved her lips quickly, sensually, describing the dish, the flavors, and how she preferred to eat it. She took a bite and wiped the sauce from her lip in such a way that Billy was certain the video would gain some fame—the term 'viral' barely covered it.
-The meat is great, but these croquettes are an absolute bomb. I like that hint of smoke—it wakes you up, you know? You breathe the fire while the sauce melts in your mouth. And the fish—it always strikes that perfect balance between seasoning and spice, different from how they do it in America. Sure, America has great cuts of meat, you can get any kind of steak, and the marinades are excellent. No doubt, when it comes to barbecues, we've got skills… but here in Brazil, there's another way the flavor reaches you. Sometimes I take a bite and think, I wish I could take Rio home with me. -
-Then don't leave anything on your plate, - Adriana laughed.
-That's your plate. -
-It stopped being mine the moment I told you it wasn't, - Adriana replied. -When you try a Brazilian dish, I hope you do it off-season—eating slowly is a luxury few allow themselves.-
-Cut.-
Nicola nodded in approval, even without understanding a word. For him, the chemistry and the showcase of the dishes were enough to earn his agreement.
-Wow, that was tough—and exhausting, - Adriana said, sipping her mango juice.
-Well, I've got a concert in about five hours. You could join me backstage. Later we could dance in the hotel room, sip that herbal juice you like with a splash of vodka, maybe enjoy ourselves until morning before I head to São Paulo—my flight to Buenos Aires leaves after that,- Billy said.
-I can come with you,- Adriana replied.
-Count on it,- Billy said, asking for the bill while a car waited below—two bald, broad men, straight out of a story about marines, SEALs, and covert missions.
-You're a fool,- Adriana said.
-I heard you're going to Live 8,- she added.
-I am. Want tickets?- Billy replied. -Of course, it's for charity, but I can buy a few at a price. People are crazy about it.-
-A favor for a friend.-
-Any favor you ask is almost by default a favor from my hand,- Billy said, caressing her face, the atmosphere thickening with unspoken tension. Hidden now behind tinted glass, she hit his chest hard, her expression a mix of annoyance and mischief—an unfinished gesture.
-Careful—you know well your girlfriend is… well, your friends aren't exactly calm. They're controlling, jealous, imaginative, with a streak of revenge straight out of a comedy movie. What was it Avril said? A basic, pretentious, proud, and idiotic attempt at being human. -
Billy watched her lips as she kept speaking in Portuguese, catching bits of what she said. She was quick with it. Without warning, he captured her lips in a kiss, and she returned it—in a relationship as different as it was indifferent.
...