Chapter 5 - Friends

Aurora woke to the vibrating alarm on her phone. She turned it off and sat up in bed, rubbing her eyes and staring into the void for a moment. After a deep breath, she got up. The shower was quick, teeth brushed in a hurry, and she dressed for work with the speed of routine.

In the kitchen, glancing at her phone, she made scrambled eggs and a simple omelet, sliced a banana, and set the table before heading to her son's room.

"Nooo," Davi groaned as she pulled back his blanket.

"Come on, sweetheart. You have to go to school and mommy has to go to work."

"I don't wanna go today."

"You have to, my love. And tonight, you get to play with Aunt Marta's grandkids."

"Really?" he perked up.

"Yes, they're visiting her today."

"Okay then," he said, finally sitting up.

Aurora picked out his clothes and returned to the kitchen to finish packing his lunch. Minutes later, Davi walked in, hair damp and eyes still sleepy.

"I'm so tired, mommy."

"Tired? Didn't sleep well?" she asked, touching his forehead gently.

He had been sick earlier in the month. She worried with all the colds going around school.

"I slept. Just wanted to sleep more," he said softly.

"I know the feeling," she laughed.

After breakfast and final touches, they headed out to the bus stop.

At the office, Aurora arrived to find Laura and Sandra chatting near reception.

"Good morning, girls."

"Morning," they replied.

"I was just waiting for you," Sandra said. "Can you come to my desk?"

Aurora followed, unsure. Sandra sat and turned on her screen.

"I need to report yesterday's expenses. I saw you and Leandro leave together at lunch. Did you forget to log it as a business lunch?"

Aurora blinked, unsure if this was work or gossip.

"Oh, yes. We went to meet potential partners. I forgot to get the receipt from him. I'll check as soon as he arrives."

"He's already here. You were the last to arrive today," Sandra added, smiling slyly.

"Right. I'll check on that now. Excuse me."

She went to her desk, left her bag, and knocked on Leandro's door.

"Good morning, Mr. Leandro."

"Morning."

"Sandra asked about the lunch receipt. She needs it for accounting. Said she saw us leave together and figured I forgot to report it."

"She just wants to know why we left together," Leandro said, pulling out the receipt. "Here. Give it to her. And tell her you loved the food—maybe she'll try it too."

"Sure," Aurora laughed. "I told her we were meeting with Mr. Rafael."

"Good. Give it to her. Let her satisfy her curiosity."

He opened an email.

"Henrique sent his notes. Bring the tablet for the site visit. We'll go soon."

"Yes, sir."

After organizing everything, she returned to Sandra with the receipt.

"Here it is. Amazing place, you should try it."

Sandra glanced at the name, eyes widening.

"Of course it is. It's the best in the city center."

"Really? Perks of the job, huh? I love what I do."

Leandro appeared just in time to hear the end of that.

"Sandra, why are you handling the accounting submissions?"

"Oh, Mr. Leandro," she straightened quickly. "I'm helping Gisele, who's covering for Tânia during her maternity leave."

"Got it. But don't worry about my receipts. I handle those myself."

"Yes, sir."

"Let's go, Aurora. Henrique's waiting."

Aurora waved goodbye to Sandra, who stared after them with a strange expression.

In the car, silence was easy. At the site, Henrique stood near the gate with Rafael.

"You took your time," Henrique teased. "I thought you left me here."

"Just because you wake up at five doesn't mean the world does," Leandro replied.

"But it should. Productivity would skyrocket."

"Good morning, Miss Efficiency," Henrique said to Aurora.

"Good morning," she replied politely.

Inside the site, they suited up in hard hats and safety vests. Leandro and Henrique reviewed the plans, Aurora taking notes and comparing data.

"Was this delivered?" Leandro asked.

"Yes," Rafael said. "We need to check if it matches the invoice."

"Let's hope so," Henrique added.

Soon, the site engineer arrived, surprised to see them.

"Everything alright?"

"Just showing Aurora how things work," Leandro said. "And these two decided to tag along."

"I can show you our progress."

"Perfect. Let's see the highlights," Henrique grinned. "But if there's bad news, send it to Leandro later."

The tour validated what they came to check. Aurora noted everything while Rafael watched in silence.

"You hired well," Henrique said to Leandro. "No need to drag me into fires this time."

"I prefer prevention."

"Then give me an assistant too," Henrique joked, winking at Aurora.

"She'd be too distracted by you," Leandro shot back.

"Me? I'm a very serious boss."

Their banter was easy, their friendship built on years of trust.

After the tour, Rafael turned to them.

"Lunch at my place today. The kids will be happy to see you, Leandro."

Aurora was surprised. Henrique raised an eyebrow.

"Your house? That's new."

"Just following advice," Rafael said with a shrug.

"That has a name. Eliza," Henrique teased.

Leandro blinked.

"Who's Eliza?"

Rafael's expression darkened instantly. Henrique grinned, victorious.

"You'll see."

Then Rafael turned to Aurora, voice softening.

"Don't worry. The nanny's there, and you won't be the only woman surrounded by men. It'll be fine."

She nodded with a quiet smile.

Henrique walked off to his car. Leandro and Aurora followed. Rafael lingered a moment longer, eyes on the structure above.

The day was far from over. And no one was ready for what came next.