Chapter 8 Let's Get On With Our Dating!

In the master suite, Reginaldo is changing clothes even though he hasn't showered to get the sand out of the sea. He does it pretty hurriedly.

"It's six in the evening still, there must be a store around here that's open!"

He almost falls as he puts on a pair of jeans in such a hurry.

As he goes down to the foyer, Reginaldo goes on tiptoe, looking toward the kitchen door, but Laura and Eduardo don't see him leave. They are too busy talking to each other. Reginaldo leaves and carefully closes the door.

In the commercial part of Sunset Village, Reginaldo enters the bank and goes straight to one of the ATMs. He takes his wallet out of his pocket, takes his bank card, and sticks it in the machine. After entering the password and a few commands...

The screen confirms that R$100,000.00 have been deposited for him!

"It had to be my father." He concludes smiling, "The old man really wants to re-establish family ties. I already gave Anestor my answer... however... this money comes in handy..."

Because it's already dark and there are few people around, Reginaldo decides to leave without withdrawing any money for fear of being robbed.

Later, Reginaldo is entering a men's clothing store and examines the hangers of social clothing. Cotton shirts, ties, suits, jackets, belts, slim-toed shoes... he contemplates everything with a smile on his face.

A salesman approaches him, but first, he looks at the window pane. Reginaldo's old car is the only one in the front parking lot.

"Can I help you, sir?" He asks dismissively.

Reginaldo moves toward the most expensive mannequin, "I want to try on that suit."

The salesman keeps incredulous, "You can see from the tag that it’s quite expensive. Wouldn't you like to examine other options?"

Reginaldo thinks it's because of his sportswear.

A sardonic smile follows the question, "Come on, in 2021 and we still have this nonsense of judging people by their appearance? I live here, buddy!"

"Yes, and here in Sunset Village, we have stores for the middle class. But, this is definitely not it, so if you'll excuse me, we're about to close."

The salesman walks away, but another one, a younger, intern-liked salesman promptly approaches.

"Have you been served, sir?"

"I have, but unfortunately very poorly. I just wanted to buy this jacket and pants set. Look at what a perfect soft fabric!"

The intern smiles nodding, "Yes, it really is very good, great for parties that the people here give."

"I'm going to a party at the Hotel Ferreira."

"Then let's try it on now! This suit here is only used to dress the mannequin, I'll bring another one in your size... is your waist 44?"

"Depends on the good mood of the store."

The trainee walks off giggling into the warehouse while the salesman just sighs, disbelieving in the trainee's sale.

******

At the Ferreira house, the front doorbell is rung.

Laura opens the door and lets Eduardo in. He has exchanged his casual clothes for an excellent tuxedo and bow tie.

Laura's eyes are sparkling and she has a wide smile, "Why didn't I bump into you at the club instead of Reggie?"

Edward replies hurtfully, "Because your female instinct spoke louder for a muscular body."

"Argh, are you going to turn sour like that? Let's go to a party and have some fun, baby."

"And what will the press say about the two of us?" Eduardo questions insistently.

Laura smiles mischievously, "That we're friends, gee. After all, Lagoon City still thinks I'm single, only the neighbors here know about Reggie."

However, Eduardo responds jealously, "Not at all, Laura! I told you yesterday that we need to assume what we feel, that we need to fight for our love. We already started by disobeying your father and showing up at the Mendoza party instead of you and Reggie. Now, at the party, we are going to say in front of the cameras that you are my girlfriend!"

Laura shatters her smile. She didn't want to challenge her father, not now...