Building My Life

Chapter 31 - Someone Is Dissatisfied with This History

Josias and Melissa entered the building. At the reception, Teodoro was nowhere to be seen, but the radio was on, playing Blondie’s “Call Me.”

“My mom loved that movie, ‘American Gigolo’,” Melissa said. “Have you seen it?”

“I don't think I ever had the time. And the television has probably been stolen by now,” Josias replied with a trace of sadness.

Melissa’s smile faded, and she immediately regretted the question. She often forgot that Josias wasn't living a “normal” life; he was a man who had lost almost everything. If he was still struggling to buy basic clothes, it stood to reason he didn't have the luxury of a TV.

“I’m sorry, Josias. I’m such a fool. I didn't mean to upset you.”

“It’s alright, Melissa,” he said earnestly, turning to face her. “I understand. You’ve just never met anyone who had to run away with nothing but the clothes on his back to avoid being murdered.”

“And you never went back after this?” Melissa asked with sincere interest.

“I’m afraid that if I do, I’ll be spotted by the moneylender’s henchmen,” Josias admitted.

Despite his words, his posture: the firm gaze, the set jaw, and his arms crossed over his bare chest suggested a man who could hold his own against any criminal.

Melissa noticed his body language and chuckled. “You know, looking at you like that, it seems you could handle knocking out any thug.” She leaned over the counter. “Look, Teodoro left some paper and a pen here.”

Melissa scribbled down her number and handed the paper to him. “Call me, okay?”

“I don’t know the number here yet, or I’d give it to you now,” Josias said apologetically, raising his hands. “But I’ll call you. Just like Blondie's song.”

Melissa burst out laughing as they said their goodbyes. Just as she left, Jeremiah appeared in his overalls, once again strutting as if he were on a catwalk. Josias noticed that Jeremiah had left the top buttons undone, purposefully baring his chest.

“What’s up?” Jeremiah asked with a mocking smirk. “Think you’re the only one who can go bare-chested on the street? It’s hot today, though in the workshop, I keep my overalls closed for ‘safety’.”

“Good for you.” Josias, determined not to be drawn into another fight, picked up his bag of creams and headed for the stairs.

But Jeremiah’s taunting voice followed him. “Who was the chick?”

Josias spun on his heels. A sleazy smile was plastered on Jeremiah’s face.

“Don’t mess with her,” Josias said with a short, sharp phrase delivered with enough iron to intimidate anyone.

“Whoa, take it easy, buddy!” Jeremiah scoffed, but Josias could tell the big guy had been rattled.

‘Did I actually intimidate him?’ Josias wondered.

“If she’s your girlfriend, just say so. I guess being half-naked in the street actually works. You know what? I’m going to keep my buttons open too, to see if any girls throw a ball my way. If a skinny guy like you can get one...”

Josias shook his head and turned away, ignoring Jeremiah’s acidic, sarcastic laughter as he climbed the stairs.

***

Meanwhile, Melissa was on her way home when Pamela appeared, pretending she had just “casually” bumped into her.

“Good morning, Melissa! Ready for the math test?”

Melissa looked at Pamela with a smile that bordered on irony. “Yes, I studied. I locked myself in my room and devoured the books. I didn’t watch the soaps, and I didn’t answer the phone.”

Pamela gulped, her eyes darting to the ground. The message was clear: Melissa hadn’t spoken to Fabrício.

“You didn’t answer? Did someone call you yesterday?” Pamela asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

“Some bore keeps calling at night. I don’t know him, and I have no idea how he got my number.”

“If you’re curious, just answer and find out,” Pamela encouraged with a forced smile.

“You know what they say: curiosity killed the cat. And I’m not ready to die yet.” Melissa beamed at Pamela, who failed to return the smile.

As they passed the construction site, Pamela scanned the workers, looking for Josias.

“I don’t see the helper. Is he still around?”

“His name is Josias,” Melissa corrected her sharply.

“Aren’t you even going to ask about him?” Pamela turned to face Melissa, her gaze flickering with a challenge.

Melissa weighed her options. ‘Is it worth telling her I just saw him?’

She decided against it. Pamela had a negative opinion of Josias and Melissa wasn’t willing to argue with her so early in the day.

“No, I want to get home. My mom needs this aspirin. She’s had a terrible headache since yesterday.”

“Why didn’t you say so?” Pamela feigned concern. “Let’s hurry then!”

After dropping Melissa off, Pamela rushed home, certain the phone would be ringing with an indignant Fabrício on the other end. However, she got a much bigger shock. Fabrício was already there, standing at her door.

“Pamela!” he said, his tone dark and angry. “We need to talk. Now.”