Blossom in Winter (Blossom in Winter #1)(64)

I smile, impatient to finally land in such an exotic city.

When we step outside, I realize Rio’s humid and hot. I didn’t expect it to be that much at nine p.m. There are two cars waiting for us. Probably one for Dad and me, the other for Alexander.

I’m the first to leave the plane. Dad and Alex are still chatting in their seats. The driver opens my car door and I slide inside, waiting for Dad. After fifteen minutes, Dad finally sits beside me. The engine starts and the car drives us downtown to Avenida Atlantica.

As we park in front of our hotel, the emblematic Copacabana Palace, I can’t help but take in my surroundings: the famous avenue looks very much like Ocean Drive in Miami, with the beach right across the road and palm trees lining the other side. Except Copacabana is surrounded by cliffs and exotic greenery, and the ground is made of Portuguese cal?ada—a traditional pavement made of small, flat black-and-white stones arranged like a mosaic to create a pattern or image.

I look a bit down the road, but I can’t see Alexander’s car. “Alex is not staying at the hotel?” I ask.

“No. He rented a villa in Joá to have more privacy,” explains Dad as we walk toward the main door. “You know, he met a wonderful lady in New York. Rafaela is a plastic surgeon and has her own clinic here. She’s gorgeous and very smart. You’ll be introduced to her tomorrow at lunch.”

I feel a punch in my heart picturing them in his villa, fucking in the pool while drinking caipirinhas. Oh God. I try to contain my pain, but it’s hard, so hard. “I heard about her.” I close my eyes for a second to take a deep breath.

“Are you alright, Petra?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Just a bit tired from the flight. Don’t worry.”

We step into a sumptuous marble lobby, which has high ceilings and a crystal chandelier in the center. We are promptly greeted by a young man in a suit and a lady next to him holding a tray with a glass of champagne and a green juice.

“Mr. Van Gatt. Welcome to Copacabana Palace,” greets the man, his face beaming as we take our respective glasses. “My name is José Rodrigues, the guest manager. I hope you had a pleasant flight.”

“Thank you, José. This is Petra, my daughter. We had a great flight, yes. Happy to be back in Rio.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Well, since the check-in has already been done in advance, I just wanted to personally give you the key cards to your respective suites. Also, just to confirm, the brunch for Mr. Marques will start at eleven thirty in the morning at the Cipriani Restaurant right in front of the pool area, which is obviously privatized all day long for the event.”

“Perfect, many thanks.”

“I won’t take up anymore of your time, Mr. Van Gatt. If there is anything else I may assist you with, here is my card with my direct line.” Dad nods. “I wish you both a great evening.” He shows us the way to the elevators, and we head up to our floor.

“Well, tomorrow at eleven thirty, I’ll pick you up to go to the gathering,” informs Dad. “It’s an elegant brunch to greet the wedding guests, and a lot of our clients are attending, so kindly dress accordingly.”

Dad is probably fearful I’ll show up tomorrow in sneakers and jeans. I chuckle picturing just that. “I know, don’t worry. Janine and I went for shopping to get some dresses for the occasion.”

“Perfect. Then see you tomorrow.” He gives me a kiss on the cheek. “If you need anything, my room is number five-oh-six.”

“I’ll be fine. See you tomorrow, Dad.”

I go to my suite. The first room is an elegant living space with two sofas, a low table, and an office desk; a small guest bathroom is on my right, with the bedroom further down. I look through the window and can see the Avenida Atlantica all lit up, many palm trees gently swaying outside and some cars still passing by. Just across the road, I sight the long, vast white sandy beach of Copacabana. I want to run out there now, take off my clothes, jump into the sea, and feel the fresh water of the ocean on my body. But doing it all without him simply isn’t worth it. I let out a sigh, wondering if he’s in his villa, swimming in the sea, or walking around… Will he already be with Rafaela? Ugh. Probably. I try to forget this nonsense and call Mom to let her know I’ve arrived safely.





Rio de Janeiro, October 18, 2019





Despite the comfortable bed, I didn’t sleep well last night. I’ve been so anxious at seeing Alex with his new girlfriend. I know it’ll be a big challenge to see them together. I fear they’ll kiss each other shamelessly in front of everyone. I thought about texting him and asking him not to, but that would be worse. He can’t know I care so much about it.

I take a deep breath and look at my outfit one last time. I opted for a light-pink chiffon dress, knee-length, with a ribbon wrapped around the waist and a lace corset with scoop neck. I also decided to wear the off-white pearls my father gave me a long time ago.

I hear knocking.

“Hi, Dad,” I greet him happily while opening the door.

“Wow. You want Anabela to be jealous?”

“Who?”

“The bride-to-be, Paulo’s fiancée.”

“Oh…”

“I’m joking. You look radiant.”

“Thank you. You look great too.”