"Sometimes fate steps in to help sort things out"
My phone was blaring at full volume, killing my patience on a perfectly good Saturday — the ideal day to nurse a hangover.
I dragged myself toward the noise.
"Who died?"
I didn't even know who was on the other end, but if they were calling with that kind of urgency, it had to be someone I knew.
"Did you forget you're my date to an event today?"
I knew that voice. I wanted to tell her to go to hell, but I'd given my word, and I'm not a man who goes back on it.
"Of course not, I'm getting dressed right now!"
No way I was admitting I'd forgotten. Wasn't going to look like the guy who blows off a commitment.
I put the phone on speaker and jumped out of bed, heading straight for the bathroom.
"I'm picking you up in twenty minutes."
She was crystal clear about how much time I had to get ready.
Anne hung up and I ran to the bathroom like a rocket. Quick shower, brushed my teeth, picked out something dressy.
Already dressed, I came down the stairs practically jumping, running into my mother in the living room.
"Who are you?" she asked when she saw me.
A car horn blasted from outside — that woman is always in a rush. I gave Mom a quick kiss on the cheek before heading out.
Outside, Anne was standing next to her car, and she looked gorgeous.
"Damn, Anne, you look incredible!"
"So do you, boss."
"No 'boss' today — I'm just Vinicius."
I'm a gentleman. I opened the car door for her to get in. If I were into women, Anne would be the perfect candidate.
The drive to the venue took about an hour. When I realized it was a wedding reception, I wanted to kill her.
"Why didn't you tell me it was a wedding?"
"Easy, boss — this is just the reception. I didn't say anything because I know you hate these things."
We walked in side by side, looking like a couple. To my complete surprise and delight, I spotted the guy I thought I'd never see again. He was standing next to the same woman from the other night. They were talking to some people, but he had a sour expression the whole time, even surrounded by women.
To my relief, everyone eventually drifted away and he was left alone.
"Want something to drink, Vinicius?" Anne asked, pulling my attention.
"I'll head to the bar and see what they've got. You find us a place to sit."
I answered her without taking my eyes off him.
"Make yourself at home, boss. I'm going to go say hi to the newlyweds," she said, walking away from me.
Thank God the bar was empty.
"Make me a drink."
It was his voice — deep and husky behind me — that sent a shiver down my spine. I turned around. Our eyes met. It was him, ordering the same drink I was.
"You two want the same thing?" the bartender asked, looking at us both.
"Yeah! But you can serve him first."
I jumped in quick, trying to start a conversation.
"No worries. The way these women talk, there's time for a few rounds of these."
All three of us laughed at his comment. And that smile — those dimples.
Thank God the bartender was making a batch.
We stood there side by side, waiting our turn.
A few minutes later, our drinks were ready.
"Here you go, gentlemen," the bartender said, handing over the glasses.
"Are you at a table?" I asked, fishing for more conversation.
"Not yet, man," he said, quick and easy.
"If you want, you can sit with me and my... friend."
I made a point of stressing the word "friend."
"Man, I'll take you up on that... I'm Saullo."
I was caught off guard by the sudden introduction.
"I'm Vinicius."
We shook hands and split up for a moment. Even though he didn't have a table yet, I'd already spotted an empty one — that would be ours. As we walked toward it, I noticed his gaze wandering across the room. I'll admit, my heart was racing in front of this man with his intense expression and piercing eyes.
We found the table and sat down. Started working through a few drinks in comfortable silence until the woman he'd been with showed up.
"Thank God you found some company!" she said, smiling.
"Vinicius, this is my sister Sara."
Hearing the word "sister" made my heart soar. There were definitely some family resemblances. She shook my hand. It wasn't long before Anne appeared too.
"I see you're no longer alone!" she said with a grin.
"This is my friend Anne."
I made sure to introduce her properly. She gave me a look that said everything — she'd already sized up the whole situation.
"Since you're not alone, I'll go back to my conversations. Don't drink too much."
She said it with a wink.
"I'll do the same, Saullo. I won't be long," Sara said.
It was like both women had conspired to leave us alone.
"Looks like we're stuck waiting," I grumbled, pretending to be annoyed.
"Should've seen that coming," he said, lifting the glass to his lips.
I needed to take advantage of being alone with him to learn more.
"Do you live around here?"
A pretty basic question, but it was the first thing that came to mind. Hard to believe I'm a cop trained in interrogation techniques.
"Yeah, but I was away for work," he answered, cold and clipped.
"You don't have to answer if you don't want to, but what do you do?"
"I'm a chef."
I was surprised to hear that, but to me, he was the meal.
"A real chef?"
My question was dumb and made him frown, but I recovered fast.
"Sorry, man, that came out wrong. I mean, like, at one of those big fancy restaurants?"
He broke into that gorgeous smile when I corrected myself.
"Even though I don't work at a big restaurant — yeah, I am."
I could feel the pride when he talked about his work.
"Now it's my turn to ask. What about you, Vinicius — what do you do?"
"I lead a security team. We do contract work across different sectors."
That was always the same cover story I used. It wouldn't be any different with him. I can never reveal my real job — can't expose myself or the people who work with me.
"Man, that job suits you," he commented, taking a sip of his drink.
"One of these days I'll swing by your restaurant."
"It's not mine — it's my brother-in-law's. But you'll be more than welcome."
I'd be more than welcome if I could eat him. My thoughts were a mess — what the hell am I thinking? The guy is probably completely straight, and here I am wanting to fuck him.
"For sure, I'll stop by one of these days."
The hours slipped by as we kept ordering different drinks, sharing some appetizers. The conversation was incredible — we talked about everything and nothing. Anne and his sister had vanished for a good while, but my buzz was killed when I saw Anne coming back.
"Ready to go, Vinicius?" she asked, looking sheepish.
"Sure, if you're done, we can head out."
I agreed, but at that moment I could've strangled her. I got up practically dragging my feet.
"Saullo, it was a real pleasure meeting you."
I extended my hand. He stood up too and shook it.
"Same here, Vinicius."
Hearing that voice say my name was already getting me going. I walked out practically being pulled by Anne.
"What was that about, rushing me out of there?"
"What! I thought you didn't want to come in the first place!"
She teased me sarcastically.
"You're right, I didn't come willingly... but meeting that man made my whole day."
"Am I wrong, or is he the same guy from the club last night?"
"No, you're not wrong. Same guy."
"And? How'd it go? Are you meeting up again? Did you exchange numbers?"
She was practically interrogating me.
"None of the above. He seems very straight. You know — the type that genuinely isn't into other guys and just wants some good company."
It made me sad to think that, but that's the impression I got. Saullo seemed like a man who just wanted someone to spend a morning with, talking and drinking.
"Come on, boss — you look pretty straight yourself, and you love fucking a guy."
"True... but maybe it's better this way."
We got in the car and headed home.
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