Helena approaches the guys standing on the sidewalk right where she had reserved the bike rental and two-wheeled tour. She was distracted when she notices one of the guys turning towards her, and to her surprise, it was Bruno's face she comes face to face with.
The blonde feels her face flush, and she was sure her face had turned into a tomato at that moment. "Compose yourself, Helena," she thinks as she gets closer to them. The situation only worsens when Bruno smiles at her and says, "Hey, girlfriend."
"Girlfriend?" Lucas questions, not understanding anything.
"Hello, Bruno," Helena responds awkwardly, tucking her hair behind her ear to disguise her shyness. "How are you?"
"Girlfriend?" Lucas repeats, emphasizing the word, being ignored.
"I'm fine, and you? How are you after your twenty-second birthday?" Helena replies.
"Girlfriend?" Lucas repeats once more, being ignored again.
"I also turned... I mean, I'm also twenty-two," Bruno stammers.
"Cool..." Helena says, feeling uncomfortable.
"Cool..." Bruno repeats, staring.
"Then, Bruno, aren't you going to introduce your new girlfriend?" Lucas asks, drawing their attention.
"How rude of me. Lucas, this is Helena; yesterday she was my girlfriend for five minutes during her birthday. Helena, this is Lucas, one of my best friends who works with me at the store."
"Pleased to meet you," Helena says, smiling at Lucas.
"The pleasure is all mine," Lucas replies before giving two kisses on each of the young woman's cheeks, surprising her. "Local custom."
"Okay..." Helena says, feeling awkward. She turns to Bruno and continues, "What a coincidence you work here. I have a reservation..."
"Great, follow me," Bruno says, making way for Helena to enter the store. He's about to follow her when Lucas grabs his arm. "What's the matter?"
"Forgot the promise you made?" Lucas asks.
"No, I haven't forgotten."
"Looks like you did, especially by the way you're looking at that girl. Are you going to break the promise?"
"Well, actually, I met her yesterday," Bruno explains with a mischievous smile. "So, technically, it doesn't count."
"I see... you're too clever," Lucas says, narrowing his eyes at his friend.
"Hey, I didn't imagine she would come today... Let's just say it was a twist of fate."
"A twist of fate? You're something else."
"Relax, Lucas. Yesterday, she met Suzana, she probably isn't interested in me at all," Bruno concludes before entering the store.
He approaches the counter with Lucas and watches Helena as she now talks to Jonathan. The magnetism Helena had on him was incredible, especially when she smiled, even if it wasn't directed at him.
"Found your package," Jonathan says, bringing Bruno back to reality. "A seven-day package... rental of two bicycles. Are you waiting for someone else to arrive, or do you want me to release only one bike, Mrs. Albuquerque?"
Jonathan's words destabilize Bruno: Helena was married? How is that possible? She didn't seem like someone who was married, not even wearing a ring, or did he not notice? In any case, he struggles to look at her left hand, which is now completely red.
"I'm not Mrs. Albuquerque," Helena corrects nervously, staring at Bruno without understanding why she said that. "I mean, I was supposed to be Mrs. Albuquerque at this moment, but... umm... I'm not." She continues, showing her left hand without a ring. "Anyway, could I exchange this package I made for a honeymoon that didn't happen?"
"Of course," Bruno says, relieved. "Jonathan, find a better package for her... to make up for it."
"Well, we can offer a package with a tour guide and add a difference..."
"I see, but will I have to pay more for that? Is that it?" Helena asks seriously. Not only did she have to deal with the humiliation of being there alone, but now she might have to pay more for it too.
"No, actually, Jonathan can provide the guide service for free. I'll personally be your guide," Bruno says, looking at Helena.
"Okay," Jonathan agrees, not at all surprised. Offering a discount was Bruno's way of expressing interest in a client, so the fact that he waived the fee meant he was very interested in the young woman.
"Thank you," Helena says nervously, facing Bruno's smile.
"You're welcome," Bruno responds, admiring Helena. He leans on the counter and continues, "What time would you like to start the tour?"
"Now, if possible," Helena says, offering her best smile.
"Great, I like your enthusiasm," Bruno praises, turning to Jonathan. "Let's keep my schedule for today closed for her, okay?"
"Alright... Don Juan," Jonathan replies to his friend.
"Then, let's choose your bike?" Bruno suggests.
"Sure," Helena responds, following Bruno.
***
After choosing the ideal bike, Bruno gives Helena a lesson with safety instructions for cycling around Parati. Even though the streets are generally flat, there are some steep slopes. Bruno secures the locks on the bikes, while Helena adjusts her helmet on her head. When Bruno approaches to help her, his touch makes her hold her breath. She tries to understand why a touch from Bruno sends shivers down her spine, and the situation worsens when she notices he always leaves a silly smile on his face. He tightens the buckle of Helena's helmet under her chin, and she tries to control herself from biting her lips in front of him, repeating the mantra "he has a girlfriend" in her mind.
"Now you're ready," Bruno comments, staring at Helena. He steps back and then mounts his bike. "Ready for the best ride of your life?"
"Without a doubt," Helena replies, settling onto her bike.
The two ride off towards the tour Bruno prepared. Within minutes, they take the asphalt road and gain speed, ensuring safety and guidance all the way. Bruno accompanies Helena throughout, signaling where they would go and when to stop. They descend on trails, dirt paths, and rocky terrain, just as Helena had imagined. Then they take a short and narrow paved street leading to a small chapel, which also marks the beginning of another short trail, and then they pedal another fifty meters until they reach a beach.
"The first stop is Corumbê Beach," Bruno announces, stopping his bike with Helena following, amazed by the landscape. "This first stop allows you to take a swim and enjoy the scenery at your own pace."
Helena gets off her bike, securing it to one of the trees along with her helmet, and walks towards the beach, which is beautiful and has very calm waters. Right at the entrance, there's a cozy bar and also a pool formed by water dammed from some nearby waterfall. She sets her feet in the sand while gazing at the sea and the anchored boats, grateful for the privileged view. Bruno comes right behind her, admiring the way Helena walks on the sand and then runs towards the sea, splashing the salty water upwards like a child seeing the ocean for the first time. The young woman's hair dances to the rhythm of the wind as she sits down, still gazing out towards the sea. The guy then approaches and sits next to Helena, who looks at him with a big smile.
"What's up?" She asks when she notices him studying every corner of her face, making the blonde girl shy.
"Nothing..." Bruno whispers, then clears his throat to fix his voice. "I mean, it's been a long time since I've seen someone react like you did."
"Did I do wrong by acting like that? Was it bad?"
"No, not at all. It was... beautiful to watch," Bruno responds, being sincere, something rare for him as he usually preferred to hide his opinions to impress his clients. He then reaches his hand towards the young woman's face, who looks at him, startled, and then he moves the blonde strands that were close to Helena's rosy lips, guiding them towards her ear. "Who are you, Helena?"
"What do you mean? Who am I?" Helena asks, feeling embarrassed.
"Well, I know you almost got married, but I don't know why it didn't happen," Bruno explains.
"Do you ask about the life of all your clients?" Helena questions quickly. "What does your girlfriend think?"
"Ex-girlfriend," Bruno corrects, receiving a surprised look from Helena. "And I only ask about those I find interesting to know."
"I'm not interested in that."
"I disagree, Helena almost Albuquerque."
"It's complicated..." Helena says. "And time-consuming..."
"We have plenty of time. Besides, I'm offering my services to you for free," Bruno argues. He touches Helena's shoulder with his own and continues, "Come on, girlfriend, tell me what number one did?"
"Why do you think he was the one who left me?" Helena asks.
"Because you left him? Wow, now I really need to know what happened," Bruno says, smiling.
"Fine. I'll tell you, but..." Helena begins, narrowing her eyes at Bruno. "I want a whole week of bike rental and your guide services as a bonus."
"Hmmmm... you're tough, huh?"
"I am since you're so interested in my story... that's how it's going to be," Helena decides, shrugging her shoulders. "Take it or leave it."
"Okay, a week of Nilton's Bike services," Bruno accepts, extending his hand towards Helena, who shakes it. "You can start, young lady. But I want to know everything."
Bruno's request makes Helena close her eyes, allowing herself to go back to the moment that brought her there. "Open your eyes, Lena," Helena's mother asks, making her daughter open her eyes in front of the mirror. Regina sighs as she sees her daughter beautifully dressed in that princess-style white dress, filled with lace, just the way the mother of the bride had imagined. Helena could even say she was surprised, but she would be lying, because knowing her mother, she knew the dress would be nothing less than perfect. In fact, perfection was Helena's motto ever since she was a child, as she was certain about how her life would be. Or rather, the life imposed by Regina on Helena from the night Augusto, the young woman's father, ended his marriage with Regina, right in front of the children. Marcelo was younger and understood very little, but the girl understood very well the argument between her parents, which at a certain point culminated in the conversation that would forever cha
"The bachelor party that you and Mom forced me to end at ten o'clock in the evening, without any alcoholic drinks? If you're talking about that, don't worry, I left your fiancé safe and sound at home. No need to worry," Marcelo replies. "Okay, he needs to be at Sala São Paulo by 6 p.m. We still have the photos in thirty minutes," Regina says, looking at her notebook of notes. "Great," Helena says, looking at the mirror while making some faces. "What's this?" Marcelo asks, annoyed by his sister's expressions. "What are you doing?" "Your sister is practicing expressions for the wedding," Regina replies in place of her daughter. "She can't appear horrible in the wedding photos. The photographer's service is extremely expensive." "Why not hire a cheaper guy? Besides, this wedding could have been much cheaper..." Marcelo comments, flopping down on the sofa. "It's such a waste of money, all of this. And for what? People will eat, drink, and still gossip about everything! I don't know, t
Bruno gazes at Helena, deep in thought. In a million years, he wouldn't have imagined that this sweet girl had gone through all that. She turns towards him and offers her best smile amidst the pain in her eyes. Helena looks back at the ocean and then feels Bruno's hand holding hers in the sand. She continues staring at the sea because if she looks at Bruno, she feels the tears will take over her face, and Lena isn't willing to allow that. Cry in front of a stranger? Not in a million years! Gradually, Bruno's fingers move away from hers, and he turns back to face the sea, in silence. They remain like that for a few long minutes until Bruno takes a deep breath and asks: "So, you decided to come on this trip to try to convince him that you're not the person he accused you of being?" "No," Helena denies, shaking her head, smiling. "Actually, that would be an obvious reason, but no..." "Did you come because the tickets were non-refundable, and you decided not to waste that money?" Bruno
Helena opens her eyes and for a matter of seconds, she had the feeling that she was awakening elsewhere, at another time in her life. A moment a few days ago, to be more exact. Perhaps because it was exactly the day, I would be returning from this trip. She holds up her left hand, making sure it was just a feeling to feel the weight of her perfectly chosen 18-carat gold wedding rings for her wedding day. Close your eyes by smoothing your finger as you let go of your mother’s words. It was true that Helena did not want to have the fate of her mother, and that she had agreed to go to Parati just to rub the email in the face of the daring attendant. And of course, also reflect on how to reverse the situation, but now... Now that didn’t make any sense. It would reverse the situation, and w "Bruno, this way I might have to hire you as my employee." Bruno and Helena turn towards the direction of that calm voice and come face to face with a woman with long gray hair in a generous braid, sit
Bruno and Helena dismount their bikes, panting. They gave it their all, pedaling as fast as possible to get back to Parati before the sunset was over. Some stars were already appearing when they finally stopped in front of the inn where Helena was staying. She takes off her helmet, hands it to him, and receives in return her bag with the cachaças she bought. "Thank you for today," the young woman says, adjusting her blonde hair behind her ear. "Always at your service," Bruno replies, looking at the girl with a daring smile. "What's up?" she asks, smiling, feeling awkward. "And so?" "And so what?" "Did you feel the passion? Are you in love?" Bruno asks nervously. Helena's face turns as red as a tomato, forcing Bruno to continue quickly: "I mean, with the place... Maria Izabel's story." "Oh... Yes, it was all incredible and captivating," Helena replies, relieved. She then raises an eyebrow, saying, "Of course, that doesn't change our deal." "Of course not. I hadn't even thought a
Bruno arrives at the closed store where his friends have already put the bicycles outside. He stores the bikes and takes the helmets to the locker. He puts away his helmet and then takes the one used by Helena, caressing it carefully as his mind wanders through the day's memories. Bruno focuses mainly on the moments when she smiles at him or looked at him, enigmatic. He smiled, recalling how happy Helena was on Corumbê Beach. "Glad we'll see each other tomorrow, Helena," Bruno thinks, putting away the helmet. Just thinking about the next day makes him anxious, leaving butterflies in his stomach as he counts the minutes to see the young woman with blonde hair once again. He arrives home, and his parents are already in their room, which is better for Bruno, who also goes to his own room. He takes a shower and then lies down, falling asleep while thinking about Helena. The next day, Bruno gets up before his father, who is surprised by his son's enthusiasm as he has already prepared break
Helena opens her eyes and, for a few seconds, feels like she's waking up somewhere else, at another moment in her life. It's a moment from a few days ago, to be exact. Perhaps because it was the day she would be returning from this trip. She raises her left hand, making sure it's just a sensation to feel the weight of her 18-carat gold ring, perfectly chosen by her for her wedding day. She closes her eyes, caressing her finger while letting her mother's words sink in. Indeed, Helena didn't want to end up like her mother, and she had agreed to go to Parati just to rub the email in the face of the audacious clerk. Of course, she also wanted to reflect on how to reverse the situation, but now... Now, it didn't make any sense. She would change the situation, and then what? Marry Leandro and pretend that nothing he said affected her? Ignore that this trip had affected her? Conceal that Bruno was stirring something in her in two days that her fiancé couldn't do in years? "What?" Helena excl
Helena starts shaking her head, refusing to go, but gradually, her gesture turns into a yes accompanied by a broad smile for Bruno. "Great! Let's take my bike," Bruno says, walking towards the back of the shop while holding Helena's hand. She follows him, under the curious gaze of their friends, who don't understand Bruno's actions. Bruno adjusts the bike and then helps Helena get on the back. The blonde feels awkward, not knowing where to hold on, and then Bruno places her hands around his waist. "Hold on tight," he said. He starts pedaling, making an effort not to focus on Helena's breath on his neck as she tries to balance. The feeling of her being there, holding him, sends shivers down his spine and warms his heart, as if he had been expecting this moment for a long time. Helena, on the other hand, is intoxicated by the scent of Bruno's cologne. She tries not to admit it, but it's challenging to contain herself while feeling the defined abs of the young man. The two get lost in