NOTE: For a better reading listen to the song "Superman by Joe Brooks" when I tell you to on the chapter :) 

----- 

Luiza's POV

You know when you are sleeping and wake up with a different energy? A good energy? That's how I woke up today, stretching in the huge bed feeling all my muscles more relaxed than usual. I opened my eyes looking around the room where I had slept, it was big, luxurious and at the same time comfortable. I confess that I was still very tired, I rolled over in bed several times thinking about everything about Valentina's life. Imagining how hard it was being for her to face her father's disease. 

From the little I knew Alzheimer was incurable, and it only got worse with time. Michael was too young to have such evil, but unfortunately he does. The man seemed happy, so far I only saw smiles on his face. Clara and Taylor seemed to be conformed to live with the disease. Only for Valentina it was more complicated, and I could even understand.

Last night had really left her too fragile, I remember exactly the sad glow of her eyes as she stared at me, it was heartbreaking to see her like that. But what really left me surprised was the request for a hug. Does Valentina consider me a friend? Or did that only happened because she was in her worst moment?

No...

Valentina wasn't like that, I saw her as fully determined and sincere person, and to imagine her in another way was too hard for my head. But then, what did she expect from me? Maybe nothing, only a friendship. It was clear that Valentina kneeled at Karla's feet, or better, at my feet. But it wasn't like that that I wanted her. I wanted her, I wanted to feel her affection, I wanted to be cared for, loved. But at that level I hadn't gotten in.

Karla conquered Valentina with the body, the desire. And I? What had I done? Nothing. What had I conquered in Valentina?

I got up from bed leaving all those ideas behind. Thinking about so many things would leave me confused. So I had made a decision. I would make this weekend something special, I wouldn't worry about Karla, or with the fact that Valentina was my boss. Like she had asked, we would only be Valentina and Luiza. Nothing more. 

After a hot bath, I put on a pair of jeans, ripped in the knees, and a gray blouse that left my stomach showing. My hair was loose and slightly wavy. I looked in the mirror one last time before leaving the room, by now everyone should already be at the table for breakfast. 

I descended the stairs without making a noise, I heard some laughter coming from outside that I guessed to be from Mike and Taylor. They weren't in the dining room, through the huge window I saw them outside sitting at the table, eating breakfast. I approached them slowly. 

- Let's say that I believe that she's not, but she should, she's very beautiful.

Michael said to Valentina. Were they talking about me? Valentina let out a laugh at Mike, throwing a little bread at him.

- Wasting food is a sin. Good Morning everyone.

I said as I approached the table. They all quickly looked at me, leaving me embarrassed. Valentina stared at me from head to toe as if she was analyzing every detail in me. 

- Good Morning, Luiza! - Taylor said excitedly. 

- See, Valentina? Luiza is even religious. 

- Dad! 

Valentina nudged him. 

- Good Morning, Lu, sit with us. - Valentina said smiling.

Lu? I had won a nickname from Valentina? Dammit! Stop being a silly little girl, Luiza, it's just a pet name. I smiled shyly, and approached her, there were two chairs, one beside Taylor and the other beside Valentina, I walked further away from that woman. 

- Here, by my side.

Her tone was calm and at the same time decided. I sat beside her, receiving a beautiful smile.

- Did you sleep well? - She whispered while pouring me coffee. 

I looked at her, seeing her light green eyes, they weren't sad like last night, they were happy, maybe.

- Yes, I slept very well, and you?

- I slept very well too. Today we are going out, right? 

- We are? I asked confused. 

- Sure, Taylor is preparing my dad's birthday party for tomorrow and she wants us to help her pick up some things. I didn't want to go but she doesn't take a "no" for an answer.

I looked at Taylor who sent me a smile.

- That's a family thing. 

Valentina smiled at me, probably causing another stupid smile on my face. 

- It must be! Do you want a croissant? I didn't make them but they are great.

She said grabbing the small basket where were the croissants that had an amazing smell.

- Do you want to make me fat?

- That's impossible.

- You should try, Luiza, they are really delicious. - Mike spoke taking a bite out of one. 

- I took her to "Le Café", dad, and guess what, she loved it!

Mike smiled.

- It wasn't for less, baby girl, that place is divine, tomorrow when I go to work at the company I'll stop by.

- Dad... - Valentina began.

- What? I can buy you one, and then we go to the company. I have a million problems to solve.

Dammit, a negative point. Mike had had another memory lapse, I just placed one hand over Valentina's trying to tell her that everything was fine. She looked at me, took a deep breath and to my surprise she just nodded. She didn't go into a bad mood nor grumbled.

- Good Morning, good morning family.

A tall boy with dark hair and frowzy clothes spoke as he approached the table. 

- You finally showed up, Chris, I thought that you had already moved into Alessandra's house.

Taylor spoke while typing on her phone.

- Not yet, but maybe one day. Sis! What a miracle to have your majestic presence here.

Valentina arched one brow, giving a fake smile to the boy who bowed at her in reverence. 

- The prodigal son returns home. 

- Always, right? 

- Of course.

The boy grabbed a glass of juice, and sat at the table to then look at me.

- Well, well. Unpublished facts, Valentina brought her girlfriend to meet the family?

- This is Luiza Campos, Valentina's secretary at the company, my son. - Clara spoke, serving the boy with small breads. 

- You date your secretary?

- No, Chris, Luiza and I aren't dating. 

This was getting annoying. Valentina's brother was the typical troublemaker. By his words and appearance, he cared little for others. 

- Great then, the road is clear. Good Morning, Miss... Campos, right? 

- Yes. - That was all I said.

Valentina got up from the table, to lean down and whisper in my ear:

- Have you finished? 

Feeling her breath against my skin made my entire body shiver. I stared at her, and now she seemed rather irritated. 

- Yes, I have. 

- Let's go then, I don't want to stay here. 

I nodded and got up from the chair. 

- But already? You didn't even let me get to know your secretary, sis. Stop being selfish. 

His tone was provocative and mocking. 

- You don't have to know her, and let alone speak with her. Let's go, Luiza. 

- Excuse me, good morning Mr. and Mrs. Albuquerque. 

Mike and Clara smiled, and I walked away. I walked behind Valentina who left stomping into the house. 

- Let's go? - Taylor approached us.

Valentina huffed, putting her hands on her waist with a mean face. 

- Geez, what happened? - Taylor asked confused. 

- Chris, ironical and provocative as always!

- Valen, you know how he is. I don't know why you still get all worked up about it! 

Valentina was in pure rage. Maybe she didn't like her brother so much.

- Are we going or not?

- We are going to take Luiza to meet LA. Tomorrow we'll take care of everything for dad's birthday party. 

- Fine by me. You are going to love LA, Lulu! 

- Lulu? - Valentina asked, making me laugh. 

- Yes, I imagine that her nickname is Lulu, right? 

- Yes, Taylor. You nailed it. 

- See? - She said smugly - I'll grab my bag and we can go. 

The girl walked away, leaving us alone. 

- Please don't take into account all the intimacy, ok? 

- Relax, it's okay. 

- I'll take you to some really cool places today, Miss Campos. 

- Are you going to discount something from my salary? For the tour? 

Valentina let out a relaxed laugh. 

- I'll think about it. Do you really want to go with this outfit? 

I looked at her confused, wondering what was wrong with my clothes. 

- Something wrong? 

- No! On the contrary, you look stunning, Luiza. I mean it... 

One minute for an awkward silence between us. 

- Fuckboys will be all over you dressed so beautifully like this. - She grumbled, making me smile. 

If I didn't know how crazy Valentina was for Karla, I might even think that her attitude was pure jealousy. But it would be crazy of me to think such thing. So I just smiled. Within minutes we were already in the streets of LA. Valentina at every instant told stories about her and about the places where we passed by. It was good to know more of her, of her story and her life itself. She could be so different from the arrogant businesswoman that everyone imagined her to be.

- Valen! Today there's a mega Dodgers game, we could take Luiza to watch it.

Taylor gave the idea. Valentina seemed to be thinking as she drove her car.

- I don't think Luiza wants to go to a baseball stadium, Tay. 

- If it depends on me it's okay, we go, no problems. 

I spoke calmly. Valentina looked at me and smiled. 

- Are you sure? You do know how crowded it gets, right Miss Campos? 

- Yes, Miss Albuquerque. I know. 

- Do you always treat each other so formally like this? 

Taylor asked from the backseat of the car, causing a relaxed laugh. 

- Sometimes, yes, I like Luiza's surname. - Valentina spoke staring at me. 

- Is this serious? Or are you kidding? 

- I'm being very serious. I like Miss Campos's Latin blood.

The atmosphere had become tense. Our gazes crossed with certain mischievousness, and I wasn't sure if it was with this intention that Valentina had spoken. 

- Well, let's go to the stadium? The game should start in half an hour.

In exactly twenty minutes the three of us were going through the huge crowd that entered the Dodgers' stadium. Valentina walked in the front, leading us through the best way, and Taylor made us get into the spirit, we bought snapbacks and jerseys, which suited Valentina really well. She was wearing light jeans that outlined her curves perfectly well, a blue jersey with the name of the team and a snapback. I literally never thought that I would ever see her like this.

- I found seats up there, come on. 

Valentina spoke louder due to the big noise, the woman held my hand pulling me through the crowd. She was right, I had no idea of how much that place was crowded. We walked with some difficulty until we arrived at our seats. 

- Finally! - She spoke sitting down. 

- What heat is this, God?! - Taylor spoke as she fanned herself.

I sat next to Valentina, cussing inwardly the heat that made this morning. Luckily I was wearing light clothing despite being dark, however jeans. As soon as I crossed my legs beside Valentina, her eyes immediately landed on me. I knotted the hem of the team jersey, leaving my stomach completely showing, but I wouldn't care, I would prove to Valentina that it wasn't only Karla who knew how to seduce.

- Jesus, this is not working! - Valentina spoke taking her eyes off my legs, and fanning herself with the pamphlet she had received.

I held in a laugh, turning my snapback backwards.

- The game is about to start. - Taylor informed. 

- Do you want something to drink? You seem to be hot. 

 Valentina spoke staring at me, was it madness or was she eating me with her eyes? 

- Yes I do. 

- You look beautiful, Luiza. 

- You too, Valentina. 

She smiled and got up to get the drinks. Taylor who was beside her just casted us a mischievous smile. Valentina soon returned with soda and popcorn. The game was pretty animated, the stadium was sold out . It was without a doubt exciting. And the Albuquerque family definitely loved that kind of game because both understood everything and some more. Valentina time or another explained me some pitches, and laughed at my lack of knowledge on the subject. I was good, and she seemed very happy to be here, she laughed a lot.

- I had already forgotten how good it is to watch a game like this.

- You should have more fun, leave work aside for a few hours. 

- I can't, Luiza, I am alone and I have a lot of commitments. 

- That can be paused for a moment of rest. It does wonders to the mind, you know? 

- I bet it does. I'll leave you in charge of that.

I didn't understand, but I just nodded. We paid attention back to the game, which luckily the team that Valentina and Taylor liked had won. We left the enormous stadium in pure joy. It was so weird to meet this more relaxed side of her, but it was being wonderful.

After there I met the entire downtown LA. Valentina and Taylor were great guides. We took a lot of pictures, against Valentina's wishes of course. She hated to take pictures, without reason of course, the Albuquerque family had an outstanding beauty.

- I spoke to mom, and she said that we should have lunch at home. Dad wants to spend more time with you, Valen.

Taylor said getting in the car. 

- Alright, we are going home. Then I'll take you to meet the rest, Lu.

The woman spoke gently, making me smile.

----- 

After a cold bath in that hellish heat, I wore a long white skirt with lace details and a huge slit in the thigh. On the upper body, a blouse of the same color with long sleeves but loose, it also left part of my stomach showing. I wanted something light, soft. I just wanted to be Luiza.

- You look wonderful, Lulu! 

Taylor said when she found me in the middle of the corridor.

- Thank you, where is Valentina?

- She's talking with dad in the balcony. Let's go there?

I just nodded, being guided by the girl to where Valentina was. Getting there, she smiled broadly as soon as she put her eyes on me, they were evaluative and curious.

- Do you always dress in such a beautiful way? 

Mike asked, making me blush. 

- No, Sir, I just dressed normally. 

- Valentina, you are a lucky woman! 

- Dad... - She whispered. 

- What? You have a beautiful secretary. When I was working, your mother didn't let me have beautiful secretaries. That's why they were always old with one foot in the grave. 

We let out a fun laugh at the man. 

- It's true, you can ask her. 

- What are you talking about me? 

Clara asked as she served the table along with Meredith. 

- I was remembering my secretaries with them. 

- They all were very well interviewed by me. 

She said making us laugh. 

- I see that I was lucky then. - Valentina said with her eyes on me, making me blush.

The lunch was peaceful, we were on the balcony of the huge seaside mansion talking about various subjects. It was getting late and the sea breeze made everything more refreshing. Valentina's family surely was very different from what I imagined. From what I know they came from a humble origin and that was shown in the simplicity of Michael and Clara, and it obviously didn't interfere at all in the high society conduct in which they lived. They were always very friendly.

- Are you finding it awful?

I heard Valentina speak. 

- What? 

- Staying here, I promised that I would take you to meet LA.

- Don't worry, the goal is that you spend time with your family, besides, I love talking to them.

- Really? 

She asked surprised.

- Really, Miss Albuquerque. - I spoke faking formalities. 

- Valentina, don't start with "Miss Albuquerque" this weekend, Luiza. 

- As you wish. 

- Perfect, Miss Campos

- You can and I can't? - I asked faking annoyance. 

- Yes, I'm the boss here. 

- No, we are outside Albuquerque's Industry, here we are just Luiza and Valentina.

- You are too clever.

- I know. 

I winked at her, which made her smile.

- I thought that we could go for a walk on the Santa Monica's pier. What do you think, Tay? 

- It's a great idea! 

- Really? I always wanted to go there! 

Valentina smiled. 

- Well then, let's go! Like now! 

- I'm going to stay, ok? - Taylor spoke quickly. 

- But why? 

- I need to meet a friend now, but go with Luiza. 

- But Tay... 

- Shush! Enjoy, sis!

Valentina and I didn't understand the reason why she didn't want to go. But it didn't take even an hour and we were already parked next to Santa Monica's pier, the place was simply gorgeous. We walked across the whole extension of the pier where there were several kids playing around, some adults taking pictures of their families, and friends near the huge Ferris wheel of the place. 

- This place is wonderful! 

- You like it? 

- Of Course! You don't? 

- I love it, Luiza, when I was younger my parents always brought us here. I, Chris and Taylor played a lot in these games they make here. 

- You are a beautiful family. 

- You think? 

She asked with a confused look, while putting her hands in her pockets. 

- I'm sure, Valentina.

We stood in silence for a few minutes, only walking towards the beach. Valentina was the first to get to the sand , kindly helping me take my flat sandals off my feet.

- Nothing better than bare feet in the sand. 

She said taking her black combat boots off. 

- You are absolutely right. 

Valentina stood up quickly, extending a hand to me. 

- Let's go? One walk only, I promise to not go far away. 

- Deal!

We were far away enough from the pier to have a wonderful view of it. The sun was setting at that time, the view was simply breathtaking. The sky had an orange coloration, with spaced clouds, leaving only the vague drawings in that immensity.

- This sunset is definitely going in my ranking as one of the best. 

Valentina spoke sitting on the sand, dropping her shoes aside. 

- You have a ranking? - I asked joining her.

- I have, and this is in second place. In first place is the one that I saw with my dad and my grandma. It was amazing, and it was here, you know?

- Really? 

- Yes, in this same place that we are now.

- How do you know that it's exactly here? - I asked in challenge, making Valentina smile. 

- I simply know, Lu. I feel it, it's an important place, I always came here with them until my grandma died, of course. I had never brought anyone here before.

I took a deep breath, feeling my heart weaken. Why did she have to be so wonderful?

- Why did you bring me? - I asked without thinking. 

- I don't know, something told me that I had to bring you here, Miss Campos. 

- Something?

She nodded. 

- I don't know what to say. Can I be happy with that? - I asked.

Valentina smiled while staring at me. Her hair was a bit disheveled due to the sea breeze, her eyes were in a lighter tone, calm and cozy.

- If you think it's good, yes. You can. 

- It's good, yes.

- Great then, but tell me a little about you. By now you know a lot about me, and I don't know so much about you. Why were you sad yesterday? - She asked while drawing something in the sand.

I took a deep breath, remembering yesterday, I looked away from her eyes, just appreciating the twilight that happened there, the sun had already set, leaving room only for the brightness of the stars that night.

- It's complicated. 

- I can understand... - She said softly. 

- I don't have a family like yours, Valentina. I don't have parents who love me, who take care of me, who worry about me.

She stood quiet, only staring at me.

- I don't talk to my mother for years, and let alone with the man who claims to be my father.

- And why?

- She hates me, and I don't even want to see him.

- What happened between you two?

- You probably don't want to know, I'm not going to fill your head with my problems. - I spoke lowering my head.

Valentina got even closer to me, staying right beside me.

- I do, I want to get to know you, Luiza. 

I looked into her green eyes, and they seemed so sincere, they transmitted me so much trust. 

- My father left us very early, left us in an endless misery. We spent days without having anything to eat because of him and his gambling addiction. He sold everything, everything we had for gambling. He would come home drunk at dawn, breaking everything with fury for having lost it all. And sometimes he would even beat my mother, you know?

I closed my eyes when I remembered those moments, trying to control the urge to cry. 

- I saw so many things that I would do anything to forget. But then one day he left for good, and we really were with nothing. I couldn't handle anymore seeing my mother and my sister in that situation, so I looked for a job, and got some money, but my mother didn't like the job, and she said several things to me. Things that I will never be able to forget one day. But I still continued, I left home and promised my sister Sofi that I would return for her. It was when I started working at Albuquerque's Industry, and I met Dinah and Ally, and with the money that I started earning we rented an apartment, and the rest I sent for my mother and sister every month. And everything was working, you know?

Valentina nodded, her forehead was furrowed, maybe trying to understand everything. Or part of everything, I could never tell her what job had been, even feeling that at that moment she would forgive me for everything.

- And you went back to see them yesterday?

I nodded, wiping the tears that insisted on falling.

- I received an eviction letter for my mother, so I went to check what had happened because every month I send them enough money for the house. And when I got there I saw my sister. Ah, Valentina, she was so beautiful and big.

I said remembering Sofi, feeling a pang in my heart for having her far away from me.

- We talked for a few hours until my mother arrived, and as expected she hurt me again, she mistreated me like I was nothing.

- What a bitch. - Valentina said without even realizing - I'm sorry, but I have no other word for it.

- Don't worry. It's fine. Maybe you're right. He was there too, with her. 

- Your father?

- The same, Alejandro Campos. He already messed her head again, and I'm sure that's him that's been taking all the money.

- You can't leave things like that, Luiza. - Her tone was angry. 

- I can't do anything, Valentina. The only solution would be to take Sofi from there. It's only with her that I worry, but I don't know how I can do this. 

- Well, I do, don't worry. I have some friends who are lawyers, and most certainly, they will make it happen.

- No, I can't accept it.

Valentina stared at me serious. 

- You can't accept that your sister lives with them, that is what you can't accept, Luiza. She deserves a home, a real home with love and care, and there's no one better than you to give her that.

I had no more control, I could only cry, thinking about everything that I had lived, in all the humiliations and contempt. I couldn't let the same happen to Sofia, no, I couldn't. I raised my head, staring at Valentina who stared at me with a worried countenance. 

- Thank you, Valentina.

She didn't say anything, only hugged me tightly.

Maybe I had never felt like I feel right now. I wanted to understand how Valentina was able to leave me like this, mesmerized, with the nerves on alert at every instant, with that butterflies in stomach cliché. What was it about her? That turned my world upside down, that made me do crazy things. Damn, I was lost. Lost in those green eyes that time or another stared at me curious, that relaxed smile in the middle of our simpler conversations. Lost in the desire that she made me feel, in her body, and in her hands when they touched me. In her lips that kissed me with desire under the night's disguise. Oh Luiza! There were absolutely no more doubts, I was lost, but hopelessly lost in love with Valentina Albuquerque. 

- I had an idea!

Valentina exclaimed, staring at me with a broad smile.

- What idea?

- Let's continue with our walk? It's getting late, and I still want to take you to meet the central park of Los Angeles. I don't want to see you sad, ok? I promise that I will help you with Sofi, and I'll want to meet her.

She spoke getting up, and wiping the sand from her pants.

- Look how I look, my eyes are probably red. Let's go home.

- Stop being lazy, Luiza. You'll love it! I guarantee you, I'm your guide this weekend, and the tour of LA is not over yet, missy. You still look beautiful, I assure you. 

- Is this gonna cost me a lot? - I asked playing along. 

- Maybe a few years of slave work at Albuquerque's Industry.

I let out a laugh with her.

- That is not good!

- Now it's too late, no one told you to accept spending the weekend with me! You know how annoying I am.

- You are not...

- But I'll be now, so let's go, please. 

It was really cute how excited she was to take me to this place, I wouldn't deny her request, especially because most of the time Valentina didn't ask. She ordered like a good businesswoman and president. Valentina extended her hand to me and helped me get up. 

After a few minutes in the car we arrived at one of the biggest parks in LA. It was beautiful, and somewhat busy this night. We walked through the huge extension of it, around the central lake that was illuminated by led lights floating on the calm water, until we saw a group of people sitting in front of a huge screen that was there.

- We can buy something to eat if you want, and sit somewhere to see the movie. What do you think?

Valentina sometimes seemed to read my thoughts.

- Really? 

- Of course! I confess that I always like to come to outdoor theaters. But I never came accompanied.

- Well, here I am. - I said smiling.

- Perfect, sit in that place, there's some blankets that they deliver here, I'll get something for us to eat and I'll join you. 

Valentina spoke and quickly walked away, I looked around noticing how much of a couple program that was. I sat on the blanket that was on the soft grass, the movie had already started. Around there were families, sitting all together watching the movie that would probably be a romance, some couples were hugged amid fondles, causing a tiny hint of envy for wanting to be like this with her.

- I'm back, Luiza. 

I heard Valentina's voice, and she carefully sat beside me. In her hands a medium bucket of popcorn that smelled divinely well, and a bag with some candies and soda. How old were we?

- I feel like a kid eating so much crap like this. - I said smiling at her. 

- Me too! But it's only fair, it's been awhile since I didn't eat these things. 

- Seriously? Well, I always eat it, I'll get fat one of these days. - I whispered. 

Valentina arched a brow. 

- Luiza, with all due respect. You are anything but fat. 

I let out a laugh at her who smiled.

We were in the back, most people were closer to the screen. Around us there were only two couples amid caresses. I quickly glanced at Valentina who was focused on the movie. How could she be so beautiful? Dammit! It wasn't enough for her to drive me crazy with all the fire she had when she met with Karla, she still had to be kind and sweet with Luiza. Our closeness was being so surreal, Valentina wasn't an open person with others, she didn't let anyone inhabit in her personal world. But with me she was different, I just didn't know why.

I shook my head trying to stop those thoughts and focus on the movie that seemed to be really good. 

- Is everything okay? 

No, everything was not okay, I liked her too much to stay like this. 

*(Play song)* 

https://youtu.be/otx0Bnru0dY

- Yes, I was just thinking. 

- Can I know about what? - She whispered to not disturb the people around us. 

- About how this here is being good. 

Valentina stood quiet, only with her eyes on mine. To then open a smile. 

- I'm going to tell you a secret. Valentina got closer, sitting right next to me, and leaned in to speak in my ear. 

- I am also loving this here. 

She whispered softly in my ear, making all the hairs on my body stand on end. I lowered my head and smiled.

- Do you mind if I lay my head on your lap? I don't want to seem abused, but since I am... 

- There's no problem, you can lie down.

Valentina quickly put aside some things, and accommodated herself on the floor, putting her head on my legs. 

- Vero is going to kill me, I'm lying on the lap of her conquest. Or Austin, right?

- I don't have anything with either of them.

- Great then. I don't want to get into arguments with anyone because of jealousy from one of your suitors, Miss Campos.

- Ha! It wouldn't only be with them, you know? There's your fiancé, Alexa. She would be one of the first to argue.

- Oh God! Don't even say the name of that woman, ruining our night it's a no-no. 

- You are so different from her. 

- I know, you must wonder what I saw in her, right? 

- No, I don't wonder that. Alexa is pretty woman, fancy and I bet she comes from a prestigious family. 

- You have absolutely right. But that to me doesn't mean anything. There are many, many things that I like in a woman. 

- Like?

Valentina seemed to be thinking about her answer.

- Like the way of being, I like to see that the girl cares about me, that she tries to understand me the best possible way. That she's beautiful and delicate, or sexy and hot. That she smiles often, that talks to me about simple things, that makes me feel different, you know? As if I was a different Valentina, who takes risks for desire or for love.

My heart pounded at every word that left her mouth. I knew that there in the middle she had mentioned Karla, that she had thought about her for a few instants, but in whom else had she seen the other traits?

- I understand perfectly well.

- I like you, Luiza. 

She dropped in the air, leaving me mute, without reaction. Making it seem that that hadn't been for me. But on the inside, my heart was beating frantically and I could swear that at any moment it would come out of my chest.

- Perhaps in years, you are the only woman that I met who makes me feel so at ease, you know? And in just a little time. I know we have a working relationship, but I don't regret at all having brought you to spend this weekend with me, or to have let you meet a little bit of my life, that I guarantee only a few people know.

- I don't even know what to say, Valentina... only that I am loving being here with you, and that surely you took me from a depressing weekend. - I smiled shyly - And that I feel good with you, I like your friendship. 

Friendship. It wasn't quite the word that I wanted to use, but it was the only that should be said there. We stared at each other for a few seconds, without looking away, her breathing was paced, calm, giving me a certain relief.

- Did you feel this? - She whispered.

- What?

- This! - Valentina put her hand on my face.

I smiled without understanding. Until I felt one drop of water fall on my shoulder. I waited for a few minutes and more drops started falling. 

- Wait... Are you talking about...?

I didn't even finish the sentence when the rain suddenly started, and I was referring to a beautiful and heavy rain. 

- Oh God! Valentina!

Valentina's POV

We quickly got up from the floor, noticing that most people were already running out of there. We quickly grabbed our things and ran under a huge tree. Luiza passed her hands on her arms trying to take the remnants droplets of water off her clothes. It was a true storm, and staying there wouldn't help at all to protect from the rain. 

- This can only be a joke. 

The brunette grumbled, making me laugh. It was at least comical that situation.

- What are you laughing about? 

- The situation, Lu, I'm sorry. 

- Look, I'm all wet, and I'm wearing white.

Indeed she was, Luiza was wearing a long white skirt that had a huge slit in the thigh, that by the way left her leg showing, a lot. On the upper body, a blouse, white as well, loose and that left her smooth tummy out. But both pieces were already a bit wet when I decided to help her.

- Take this, put it on and we'll go. 

I said handing her my leather jacket. Luiza looked at it, but decided to accept and quickly put it on. 

- Pay attention, we'll run to the other side, ok? My car is over there.

She looked to the other side that by the way was really far. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, when I pulled her under the storm. 

- Valentina! - She screamed, making me laugh.

- Run!

That was all I said. We left running through the soft grass of the park, under the storm that wetted us. Luiza let out a few agonized squeals every time she stepped in the huge puddles in the middle of the way, the wind made her skirt lift sometimes, forcing the woman to hold it with her hands.

- Wait, Valentina! 

I stopped running when I saw her stopped way behind me, I went towards her who was breathing heavily, we stopped in the middle of the storm.

- Wait, I need to take off these shoes. 

- Take them off, I'll wait for you. 

Luiza stared at me, a bit afraid that I would run and leave her alone. The woman leaned down and took the delicate sandals off her wet feet. And then stared at me, smirking, to then start running. 

- So that was a trick? 

I asked myself as I watched the brunette run ahead of me, I tried to run fast to reach her, I could only hear her fun laugh as she ran towards the car. But this time we only stopped when we arrived to where my car was parked.

- I can't... run anymore. - She spoke breathless, leaning against the car, letting out a delightful laugh. 

- Get in, quick!

Luiza got in the car and so did I. We closed the doors harshly, laughing like two idiots, we were completely soaked wet and dirty inside the car.

- Remind me to see the weather forecast before leaving the house.

She said laughing, leaning against the leather padded. I let out a laugh at her, who stared at me. We remained for a few seconds without saying anything, only letting the laugh die down, leaving room for only the sound of rain outside.

- I think it's best if we go home. I don't want to be blamed for a cold.

She opened a beautiful smile at me, and nodded.

In exactly half an hour we were already parked in my house's garage. I got out of the car under the thin drizzle, helping Luiza get out. 

- Look at my state. I'm awful. I'm not entering your house like this! 

- Yes you are, come on. - I said pulling her by the hand. 

She grumbled looking at her skirt that was full of mud stains, and completely wet. The thin fabric glued on her body, leaving very clear all of her beautifully sinuous curves that I couldn't help but notice. Miss Campos was the owner of an extremely desirable body. 

- Don't worry, you'll take a bath right away. 

She nodded, we ran to the entrance, laughing again at our deplorable state. 

- Oh my God! What happened? 

My mother asked as soon as she opened the door and found us like this. 

- Rain, it caught us in the middle of the way. 

I spoke pulling Luiza into the house, we were leaving a wet trail on the floor with each step we took. 

- Thank God I stayed home. - Taylor said laughing - You look awful! 

- Thanks, little sister. 

- C'mon girls, go immediately to the bath, I'm going to ask Meredith to bring warm towels for you. 

- Thank you, Mrs. Albuquerque. 

Luiza spoke polite as always, to then go up the stairs completely wet.

- Good bath.

She smiled when she heard me and continued on her way to the bedroom, and so did I. 

After a hot bath, I dressed warm clothing, the weather was cold. I lay in bed thinking about the day that I had, and I caught myself smiling at the thought of her. The image of Luiza smiling and running under that strong storm filled my mind, making me daydream, even like that she could be so gorgeous. I remembered how beautiful she looked with the Dodgers jersey, or how sweet she was with my family, with me. Or how she made me feel different when she was with me. Jesus, Valentina. What are you thinking about? 

I closed my eyes and brushed off those thoughts that insisted on staying in my head. What was she doing right now? Was she also thinking about our day? I could go check it out, or better not. 

Yes...

I could!

I left my bedroom, went down to the kitchen, there was no one there anymore. I took the opportunity and prepared two neat hot chocolates, and went up to her room. I stopped in front of the door, feeling a certain nervousness of bothering her. Would she find it weird? Valentina, you are not insecure like this! What's happening with you? I took a deep breath seeking courage, I opened the door slowly without making any noise, she must still be taking a bath, to my disappointment. I entered the room, putting the hot chocolate on the nightstand, until I decided to leave, it wouldn't look good to wait for her inside her room. I looked around and grabbed a small piece of paper and a pen: 

"I thought you would want one of these in this cold, I hope you like it, I made it myself ;)

Valentina Albuquerque"