Page 82 of Minha Dona

“That’s me,” Caitlin replied, and held out her hand. “It’s lovely to meet you.”

Mariana looked at the hand, then at Caitlin’s face, then at Helena, then back at Caitlin. She shook it, not with warmth, more the way you’d shake the hand of a business acquaintance. Reserved was probably the best description, reserved but not unfriendly.

“Welcome to our house,” Mariana said. “Helena tells me you’re visiting from Houston.”

“I am. It’s a beautiful place. Thank you for having me.”

“It’s Helena’s place as much as mine. She can have whoever she likes.” The words themselves were pleasant enough but the tone had an edge: she can have whoever she likes but I’ll be the judge of whether whoever she likes is worthy of her. Mariana turned back to the car. “Juliana! Stop checking your phone and come help with the bags.”

Juliana climbed out of the passenger side with her trademark wild curls in denim shorts and a tank top, absolutely effortless in both appearance and behaviour. Helena could vouch for that after how well they’d gotten to know each other in the last few months. She was laughing at something the others in the car were saying, then she looked up and broke into a beaming smile.

“Helena!” Juliana hugged her warmly, managing to strike the right balance between the hug of someone who’d been in bed with Helena a little more than a week before and the hug of someone who knew that was in the past now and was entirely comfortable with the transition from deep intimacy to just good friends again. “You look amazing… that tan from just two days?” Helena noticed that she’d gone straight into English, and appreciated Juliana’s gesture, making it easy for Caitlin without making anything of it. A very good sign.

“We’ve been outside a lot,” Helena replied, smiling back. “You’re looking good too, how was the drive?”

“Well, Mariana drove, so…” She turned and winked at Caitlin. “Terrible and life-affirming in equal measure.” Juliana paused for a brief moment. “I’m assuming you’re Caitlin. I’ve heard a bit about you.”

“Helena’s told me about you too.” The warmth in Caitlin’s smile matched Juliana’s. She shook Juliana’s hand and Helena watched them hold each other’s gaze for a fraction longer than was normal, each of them reading the other with an acute awareness that Helena had significant history with both of them.

“It’s really good to meet you,” Juliana said with absolute sincerity. “Helena wouldn’t admit it, but there’s a certain expression she has when you’re on her mind. I’ve been wanting to meet the person behind that expression.”

“What expression?”

“There’s not… there’s no expression,” Helena interjected.

“There is,” Juliana replied. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to describe it in front of you. I don’t want to embarrass you.” Juliana turned her grin back to Caitlin and leaned in with a theatrical whisper. “But it’s very cute.”

“I am not cute,” Helena said.

“Is she cute?” Juliana asked Caitlin.

“She is. She just doesn’t think it.”

“Exactly! How are you finding São Paulo? First time in Brazil?”

“First time. It’s incredible. Helena’s been an excellent tour guide.”

“She knows the city inside out. She’s one of those annoying people who knows all the best places… as I’m sure you know she’s not the type to have a quiet night at home. It’s very useful. Mariana and I always know that if we haven’t got plans we’ll just track down wherever Helena and Isabella are. You met Isabella, right?”

“I did. She’s great. She told me Helena’s married couple story within two minutes of meeting her…”

“That’s enough!” Helena interrupted, blushing.

Juliana was laughing. “I was there that night. It’s a good story. We should compare notes.”

Helena watched as the two women shared a conspiratorial grin and felt a gnawing anxiety that she’d been keeping hidden deep down dissipate. She’d been confident that Juliana and Caitlin would get on well, they were both her type after all albeit in different ways, but there was always a risk. What if Juliana actually had romantic feelings for Helena after what they’d done? What if Caitlin couldn’t deal with meeting what was, in effect, Helena’s ex, and recent ex at that? They’re going to be fine with each other, she thought. It’s all going to be fine.

Mariana’s other two friends, Camila and Thiago, climbed out of the back seat both carrying bags. They were a couple and had been for a while, and their light bickering about who’d forgotten to pack what was simply their language with each other. Introductions were made, and Helena and Caitlin took care of arranging drinks and snacks in the main house’s kitchen while the other four got settled in upstairs.

“How was that?” Helena asked.

“Mariana is terrifying.”

“I warned you.”

“You said she was protective. You didn’t say she’d look at me like she was deciding whether to have me deported.” Caitlin leaned back against the kitchen counter. “Juliana is absolutely lovely, though.”

“Juliana is always lovely. That’s her superpower.”