“Everything.”
“Everything is a lot. I’m not one to talk about myself.”
“That’s not the impression you gave me at the café.”
She looks up from her hands in her lap. I also noticed that she sat as far away from me as possible inside the car.“There, you were my customer. Outside of work, it’s my personal life. My mother used to say that I’m too open and that I need to be careful not to let people get close too quickly.”
“Your mother was right, but you don’t need to be afraid of me. I give you my word.”
“I’m not afraid of you. If I were, I wouldn’t have let you into my house. I’m not experienced, but I have faith in my intuition. When I went to work at the café, from the beginning, I knew Thomas wasn’t trustworthy.”
“Thomas?”
“The manager.”
The molester son of a bitch. It’s a pity she’s found space in her heart to forgive. I wish I could teach him a lesson.
“I don’t want to sound repetitive, but why are you helping me? I mean, I’ve accepted what you told me about the job and everything, but why did you choose me to help?”
“I have a sister only two years younger than you. Despite what you arouse in me being nothing fraternal.”
Her cheeks instantly redden, and she looks out the car window. “How do you know my age?”
“You told me at the café when you thought I was some sort of inspector.”
“I see.”
“I think you’re not understanding me.”
She looks back at me. “What do you mean?”
“I said I want to be your friend, but I also want to get to know you better.”
“Better how?”
“Everything. You said you’re alone. Tell me about your life. You mentioned your mother a few times. Tell me about her.”
“You’ll be my boss.”
“Technically, I’m everyone’s boss, but that doesn’t stop me from being your friend too.”
“Do you have friendships with other employees?”
“Usually, no.”
Her whole body now turns on the car seat to look at me. “This friendship you’re offering isn’t very likely.”
“Why?”
“Just look at us.”
Unfortunately, I am looking, Olívia. I would really like to avert my eyes, but they don’t want to obey my brain’s commands.
“You have this aura of power. I’m just ordinary.”
I disagree. There’s nothing ordinary about her. I’ve never met a woman so full of life.
“Is being different a bad thing?”
