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“Yeah, I crashed.”
“Brooklyn too. She must be feeling the jet lag because she’s still sleeping. I should probably go check on her.”
Ada followed him back inside to the kitchen. As he disappeared down the hallway, she heard a knock at the front door.
Thankfully, Arlo walked back into the kitchen. “Is someone here?”
“I think so,” Ada replied.
“It’s probably Luiz.” Arlo strode toward the entryway.
Finding only bottled water in the fridge, she grabbed one and headed toward the front door. Rounding the corner, she saw a man that was a few inches shorter than Arlo giving him a hug.
“Oi! Henrique! Tudo bem?” Luiz asked.
The men continued exchanging greetings in Portuguese.
Spotting her, Arlo said, “Luiz, I want you to meet Ada.”
Luiz’s hair was perfectly coiffed and his beard was neatly trimmed. Dark jeans and a white button up with palm trees completed his tailored look. It seemed safe to assume he was Arlo’s wealthy client and friend.
“Hi,” Ada said, shaking his hand which was baby smooth.
He leaned in for a cheek kiss. “So, you’re the one who saved the New Year’s Eve party? Thank you for coming.”
“Thank you for having me.” Ada felt like she should curtsy, but held back.
“Are you hungry? I brought lunch.” Luiz turned and picked up two brown bags. “Arroz e feijão and chicken.”
“That’s rice and beans… and chicken.” Arlo translated for her.
Ada smiled. “Sounds amazing.” Truly she would eat leaves off a tree at this point. Her stomach grumbled angrily.
Setting the bags on the counter, Luiz turned and said, “I’m sorry the kitchen isn’t already stocked. Groceries should be delivered soon.”
“Thank you again for letting us stay here. You know I love this place.” Arlo began dishing up two plates.
“Of course! I love having my oldest friend back on the island.” Luiz nudged him with his elbow. “But, the person I really want to see is Brooklyn! I can’t wait to find out if she is just like your sister.”
“She is,” Arlo said with a mouth full of rice. “It’s a little freaky. Who knew sass was genetic? But, she’s currently sleeping. I should wake her soon.”
Luiz chuckled. “I can’t wait to meet her tonight.”
“Tonight? What’s tonight?” Arlo asked.
“I’m throwing a dinner party for you. To welcome you home.”
Arlo stilled. “I thought we were going to keep everything low key until the New Year’s Eve party…”
“It’s a small dinner party. Just a few friends.”
Arlo shook his head. “Small?”
“Of course. You guys settle in and I will see you tonight. We have business to discuss, but first we have to celebrate the prodigal son’s return!” Luiz threw his hands in the air as he backed away toward the door. “See you tonight. Nice to meet you Ada!”
Luiz’s charisma and personality seemed to fill up the whole room. Ada couldn’t help but feel happy in the midst of his boisterous confidence.
Arlo walked with Luiz to the door. Ada could hear them speaking in Portuguese. The tone seemed more serious, but she couldn’t be sure. She turned her attention to scarfing down her delicious meal. A small rice mountain was about to enter her mouth when Arlo walked in. Reluctantly, she set the spoon down.
