- Jonas is a great guy, Mauro. He is a great actor, with a talent that is rare nowadays. But he is weak-minded when it comes to women. Don't terminate the contract yet. I'm sure I can turn this whole thing around. - He raised his eyebrow. - You know I've never let you down, or promised you something I couldn't keep.
The man sighed, closing the button of his jacket.
- You have three months to work this out. Three. Months. Not a day more, understand, Bruno?
He nodded his heart racing.
- No problem - the young man answered and quickly left the room before Mauro changed his mind.
He didn't know what kind of miracle would be necessary to contain Jonas, but he would have to manage. Otherwise, both of them would join the statistics of the thousands of unemployed in the country.
Two
Bruno arrived at the Italian restaurant at noon sharp. He took off his sunglasses as he was greeted by the hostess and was led to the table he used to sit at in the back of the establishment when he used to go there with Jonas. Greeting the waiters as he crossed the room, he waved to a well-known TV host and proceeded to follow the beautiful woman's swaying hips as she led him. When he arrived at the table where Jonas was sitting, he saw that he as always, was surrounded by people, mostly women wanting an autograph, a selfie, or even the chance to receive an invitation for a date... or a night out with the big TV star.
The businessman observed his client and friend as he approached. His light brown hair was messy and a little too long, his beard was about three days old, his black T-shirt stuck to his muscular body showing the tattoo that covered a good portion of his biceps, and the smile that was his trademark, screamed player in huge neon letters.
Bad. Very bad.
With a half-smile, Bruno approached the table, dismissing the crowd.
- All right, guys. Thank you all for your kind appreciation. I'm sure you don’t want your lunch to get cold - he said as people started to walk away, and winked at one of the young girls who was standing next to Jonas, with the very deep cleavage of her dress that was almost shoved up the actor's nose.
- Talk to you later, angel. - He heard Jonas whisper to the blonde, who gave a few little jumps before softly locking her lips on Jonas's before walking away.
Bruno was about to sit down, when he heard a low quiet voice.
- Uncle, will you let me take a picture with him? - The little redheaded girl, with freckles on her nose, asked, while holding a cell phone.
He smiled at the little girl, who couldn't have been more than eight years old.
- Sure - he replied, unable to say no to anyone that cute.
She approached Jonas, who pulled her into a hug and gave her a crisp peck on the cheek.
- My mother insisted that I shouldn't come here, but I'm such a fan of yours - she said, blinking her big green eyes.
— Really? Tell your mother that I don't mind. That whenever you see me, you can always come and talk to me.
The redhead's smile grew wider.
- She said that you are a bimbo and that I should choose another actor to be my pretend boyfriend, but no other is as handsome as you are. - Both guys dropped their jaws open in disbelief. Meanwhile, the girl continued talking. - When I grow up and am about thirty, will you date me? My father said I could only date after I'm thirty.
Jonas laughed and Bruno raised his cell phone to take the picture while he answered her.
- When you are thirty, he will be a wrinkly old man. I'm sure that by then you will find a guy better looking than Jonas and about your age.
He took the picture while the girl laughed at his comments.
- You're a cutie - Jonas said, running the tip of his index finger over the girl's nose. She smiled and thanked him, took the cell phone from Bruno's hand and went back to the table where her mother was watching her very carefully.
- You realize that a man's reputation is really bad when even a little girl, who can't be more than eight years old, talks about it - Bruno pointed out, while picking up the menu on the table.
Jonas' laughter echoed through the room.
After the waiter took the orders and brought a red wine for Jonas and a sparkling water for Bruno, the businessman began to talk:
- Man, you're a piece of work. What the hell do you have in mind?
- I didn't do anything... - Jonas started, but was cut off by his friend.
- Don't bullshit me. I've known you since we were seven years old and you kissed almost every girl in our elementary school class. You know I've always busted your balls for being a womanizer, but this time you've gone too far - he complained and lowered his voice. - You had to mess with Daniel Avelar's wife? The guy has one of the biggest names in the network!
While Bruno ran his hand through the dark waves, Jonas held the crystal glass, swirled the red liquid and inhaled the wine's aroma. With that smile that enchants ten out of ten women, he took a sip and turned to his friend.
- What can I do if she wants me, man? - He spoke in a low tone, with that self-confident smile. - And she's a total babe... besides a hurricane and...
Bruno stares with an upset expression and waves his hand to stop what he was saying.
- I do not care what kind of a phenomenon of nature she is. Your reputation is in the gutter. You lost several advertising contracts, I had to almost beg Raquel to continue designing your clothes, and... - Jonas looked indifferently at Bruno, taking another sip of wine. - You lost the role in the nine o'clock soap opera.
- Get in touch with Aloísio Neto. He has just approved a script for the next six o'clock soap opera. It is a period soap opera. I look good in a knight outfit.
- If we don't recover your reputation within three months, I'm out.
Jonas almost spit out the wine he was drinking.
- I can't believe you're leaving me just for that!
- I didn't say that. However, Mauro was very clear. I have three months to convert you into a real prince, otherwise I can kiss my career and credibility as a businessman goodbye. And you, jerk, will have to find a new manager. One who won't let you get away with this behavior.
Jonas leaned forward and placed his hand on his friend's arm.
- I can't believe it, Bruno... - he started to speak, but was interrupted by the glare of a camera flash. - Holy shit! - He grumbled, making a face.
- Do you know that tomorrow you will appear in the Mexerico magazine with the headline: Supposedly catchy actor has affair with handsome boy. More details on page two.
They both laughed and Jonas took another sip of his drink.
- I'm screwed.
- Yes, you are. I'm serious, Jonas. - Bruno's expression tightened again.
- You need to stay away from gossip magazines, celebrity portals and, especially, Bel Dias. He is dangerous.
- He's just a tattletale and... - Bruno interrupts him again, raising his hand.
- He is dangerous and is dying to publish all your secrets. Even the ones you don't even know you have.
They became silent when the waiter approached, serving the dishes. Jonas took the first bite of pasta and sighed. As he chewed his food, he leaned across the table toward the bottle of wine, but Bruno pushed it away from him.
- Negative.
- But...
- One glass. I don't want to even think that you are not behaving. No drinks. No suspicious smokes.
The actor interrupted