While Valdimar was having coffee, he smiled and struck up a conversation: —So, Lia, do you like the farm? —I haven't had time to see it yet, I replied. —Well, then, no problem! If you want, I'll show you everything good the farm has to offer.
I felt butterflies in my stomach. Was he really hitting on me right in front of my mother and my aunt? I blushed instantly.
Then he continued: —I don't want you to get a bad impression of us. After that grumpy guy picked you up at the bus station, he must have complained the whole way. But don't worry about it. That's just how he is. —Actually, we hardly talked at all. —Seriously? Then he saved it all for me.
A feeling of anger began blooming inside me again. Who did that Valdemir think he was, treating me like I was a burden and then complaining about me to his brother? Ugh! If only he knew how much I wanted to tell him a thing or two...
But Valdimar was a different person. He seemed really nice. I even felt sorry for him and said: —I'm sorry you had to go through that.
And I gave him a shy little smile.
He smiled back and touched my arm, as if he couldn't control the urge to make physical contact, and said: —Come on! Forget about it. You'll see. I'll show you how beautiful everything is here. Then you'll forget all about it...
Before he could continue, my mother scolded him: —Young man! Don't talk about your brother like that. You know he has his reasons for being the way he is. Respect your older brother! —Sorry, Godmother.
He lowered his head and went on drinking his coffee.
Valdimar was a little older than I was. He was twenty-five and had an air of eternal youth. He looked like a boy trapped in a man's body. And what a body!
He was about six foot two, with broad shoulders and a strong build shaped by farm work. His dark brown hair was slightly tousled, his beard always neatly trimmed, and his honey-colored eyes seemed to smile all the time. His smile was irresistible, accented by a subtle dimple in his cheek.
He usually wore jeans, leather boots, a shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and a cowboy hat when he was working.
He was incredibly fun, spontaneous, and always cracking jokes. He had a contagious energy and could turn any ordinary moment into a good memory. Despite his confident appearance and natural charm, he was humble, polite, and deeply respectful toward women.
He had a way of winning people over without even realizing it. He looked people in the eye when he talked to them, smiled easily, made small affectionate gestures, and liked to tease the people he cared about with harmless jokes.
He was always picking on everyone, but always with plenty of affection. He called my father Godfather and my mother Godmother, respecting them both since he was little. He was also very affectionate with his mother and his sister, Vanessa.
Sometimes, though, he came across as a little clumsy and immature, and that drove his brothers crazy. The worst part was that he enjoyed it. Whenever they got mad at him, he would simply flash a smile.
And what a smile!
So they would end up saying: —You'll never change!
And that would be the end of it.
As soon as he finished his coffee, he stood up to leave. Before he did, though, he touched my arm again and said: —Don't forget! We have plans. Whenever you want, just come find me and I'll show you everything, okay? —Okay! I replied, a little flustered.
An entire movie had already played out in my head... And I think he saw it too, because he looked deep into my eyes, smiled in that way that made me blush, and walked out laughing.
Hopefully no one else noticed... or watched the same movie.
Afterward, I started wondering: Had I given myself away? Had I stared too much? Did anyone notice?
Was this just emotional neediness?
My God! I needed to stop. After all, I had no luck in that department.
But looking doesn't hurt anyone... As long as I didn't touch.
I thought to myself and smiled.
My mother, who was planning lunch with Aunt Lourdes and Vanessa, saw my smile and commented: —Well, look at that! A smile! Only Valdimar could manage that. That boy's a ray of sunshine.
Yeah... she had no idea just how much.