Building My Life

Chapter 40 - An Unusual Invitation

“Excuse me, Fabrício,” Melissa said, wiping the stray tears from her cheeks. “I didn’t mean to be so rude. I was supposed to go out with someone else, but my father forbade it.”

Fabrício stepped back, observing her. She was clearly dressed for a date, though the crying had begun to smudge her makeup.

“And may I ask why? These tears worry me.”

“Pamela showed up... she said that Josias was planning to take me to a motel,” Melissa said, turning a deep shade of crimson as she finished the sentence.

Fabrício suppressed his predatory instincts as he realized Melissa was indeed as innocent as she seemed. “Really? What a guy... and he seemed like such a gentleman.”

“I don’t believe it!” Melissa sputtered. “Josias isn’t like that. He’s noble, kind, and respectful... just like you.”

Fabrício bit his lip, stifling the urge to laugh. His actual plan was to take Melissa to a motel and stay there until the next day, but he knew he had to play the long game.

“I would never do something like that to you, Melissa,” Fabrício lied, donning his “good guy” persona. “Intimacy should only happen when a girl is fully aware and truly wants it.”

“But I don’t! And I never will!” Melissa exclaimed, blushing even harder.

“That only makes it worse. If he took you to a motel room, and you said no... he might have tried to take you by force.”

Melissa went pale, feeling as though the world was spinning. Josias? A r****t? “No... that can’t be. It doesn’t fit the Josias I know.”

“Then why would Pamela say something like that?” Fabrício asked, hitting her with the one question she couldn’t answer.

“I don’t know. Pamela is my best friend. At first, she was just cautious, saying she wanted what was best for me — that I should be with someone with means, like you. But to lie about something this serious?”

“There you have it. You don’t think your best friend would lie about your safety,” Fabrício concluded smoothly. “Better to trust a lifelong friend than a guy you’ve known for... how long, exactly?”

Melissa went quiet, thinking. She had known Pamela since elementary school. Josias, on the other hand, had only been in her life for a few months. She had only really started learning about his past this very week. What if he’s hiding things? What if I don’t know him at all?

As she brooded, Fabrício watched her with satisfaction, pleased that she was swallowing the poison he and Pamela were feeding her.

Their conversation gave Simeon enough time to return, still fuming from his encounter with Josias. He stopped short when he saw another young man standing at his front door.

“Who are you, and what are you doing with my daughter?” Simeon shouted from down the street, drawing the attention of curious neighbors.

“It’s my dad,” Melissa whispered. “The conversation clearly didn’t go well.”

As Simeon stormed up, Fabrício offered a polished, confident smile and extended his hand. “A pleasure to meet you, sir. I’m Fabrício. I’ve been calling for—”

“And my daughter refused to see you! So now you show up here wanting to take her out and get her pregnant too?”

“Daddy!” Melissa turned purple with embarrassment. A few neighbors, feeling the secondhand shame, actually retreated back into their houses to stop listening.

“Forgive me, sir, I didn’t mean to upset you,” Fabrício said, his voice full of feigned sincerity. “I’m just trying to get to know your daughter. I have no such intentions.”

“Neither does Josias!” Melissa repeated stubbornly.

Simeon turned to her, his face contorted with fury. “I don’t want you ever speaking to that boy again! Pamela was right. The man practically confirmed it himself — well, his friend let the dirty little secret slip!”

Melissa recoiled, her hand flying to her mouth. What? Josias confirmed this atrocity?

“I’m sorry, daughter, but as your father, I have to protect you,” Simeon continued. “This Josias tried to act polite, but his friend spilled the beans. Josias got nervous, and I saw right through him.” He turned back to Fabrício. “Forgive my outburst, young man. Now you understand the situation.”

“Sir, if you’ll allow it, I’d like to come back tomorrow, perhaps for lunch, to get to know your daughter and your family properly. We met at Pamela’s party on Tuesday.”

“Ah, I see. Very well, you can come. My name is Simeon Campos.”

The two men shook hands. Melissa watched them both, her mind a whirlwind of confusion. Is this really happening?

After finalizing the plans for the next day, Fabrício bid them goodbye.

“He seems like a good man, Melissa,” Simeon noted. “I hope you answer his call next time.”

Melissa just rolled her eyes and retreated to her room, locking the door behind her.

***

Fabrício walked toward Pamela’s house with the slow, confident stride of a predator. He knocked at the gate.

Pamela knew exactly who it was. This time, she didn’t act like prey running from a hunter. She stepped out with a confident, victorious smile and opened the gate.

“Shall we go inside and talk?” she invited.

For the first time, Fabrício really looked at Pamela. While Melissa’s clothes were loose and modest, Pamela’s outfit was designed to turn heads: a tight blouse and denim shorts that hugged her curves.

“How about we celebrate the victory instead?” he asked with a sly grin. “I just met the father and tamed the beast. I’m invited back for lunch tomorrow.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful!” Pamela jumped with joy, and Fabrício didn’t miss the way her boobs moved up and down with her.

“Come on, then. I know a diner you’re going to love.”

Fabrício smiled widely, and Pamela accepted the invitation.