Weeks ago, I would have just seen myself as a toy. I probably still am, but there’s a difference in the way he looks at me that tells anyone straightaway I mean something to him.
We all watch Estelle leave, then we eat breakfast together.
It’s weird because even though I’ve spent most of my weekends with Alejandro and Mia, we never do this part.
Half an hour later,we’re packed up and ready to head out in his truck. He’s taking the Range Rover today instead of the Bugatti. With Mia in the back, it has a more family-like feel.
He looks more casual in a pair of khaki mid-length shorts and a worn T-shirt that still manages to make him look sexy. I’m guessing we’ll get stares from all the women we pass by like we did the other night.
“What beach are we going to?” I ask, trying to liven myself up. I can’t succumb to grief. I at least have to continue to play the part I’ve fallen into until I can figure things out.
“Castelhanos,” he replies with a broad smile.
Hearing that actually brings a genuine smile to my face. That is one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil.
“Really? We’re going there?”
“Yes, we are. Haven’t been there in a while, and you haven’t been. I thought it would be a great place to start sightseeing.”
“It’s perfect. When were you there last?”
“Maybe around thirty years ago.” He chuckles.
“No way.” He would have been eighteen.
He looks at me and smiles as we drive off the premises.
“Yes.”
I notice the black truck following closely behind us. It’s his guards. Seeing them makes me feel more at ease for knowing we’re not by ourselves.
If something happens, we have backup.
He reaches across and taps my thigh when he sees me looking at the truck.
“For protection. They won’t disturb us, though. You won’t even know they’re around.”
“It’s okay. I understand.”
Mia starts talking in her baby language, and we both look at her and laugh.
She claps when we do. It’s the sweetest thing. I’ve grown so attached to them both that I can hardly imagine life without them. I wish things were different, and I hate the lack of control I have in the situation.
I rest my head back on the seat and watch the beautiful scenery outside.
The landscape I watch as we drive by is what I first imagined Brazil to look like. There are palm trees and tall coconut trees. Blended in with the lush green rolling hills, it all looks like paradise.
I believe I’m in paradise all the more when the crystal blue waters of Castelhanos and rock formations come into view.
The sight takes my breath away.
“Splash, splash!” Mia blurts.
“Yes, baby girl,” Alejandro says. “That is the biggest splash, splash you’ve ever seen. This is the first time she’s seen the sea.”
“Thanks for making me a part of this day.”
“I didn’t think it would be the same without you.”