After insulted by the guy who insinuated Josias to be a homosexual, he strides out of the bathroom, slamming the door shut, and frowns at the lobby, forgetting to brush his teeth.
Teodoro is sweeping the floor excitedly to The Manhattans’ “Shining Star”, pretending that the broom was his dance partner. Josias for a few seconds forgets his anger and laughs at the scene. When Teodoro notices the boy, he disguises and returns to sweep normally.
“We just work, work... We get to have some fun, too.” He speaks in an apologetic tone, “How can I help you, Josias?”
“Seu Teodoro, can you at least put a sign in the men's room telling the men to close the door? Or rather, can you manage to separate the showers by a box?”
Teodoro stops sweeping, he’s looking questioningly at Josias. How many demands!
“What do you owe so many requests to, Josias?”
Josias gulps; he fears he has overdone his tone. Then he proceeds more calmly, “It's just that an unpleasant scene happened today. A girl who just moved here accidentally entered the men's room. But the door was wide open and she ended up seeing a guy all naked under the shower.”
Teodoro just chuckles. “Poor little girl, it was an accident. But, the bathrooms...”
“Yes, I know.” Josias adds, “The bathrooms are signposted. But, when we open the bathroom door, the jamb ends up covering the word 'masculine'. If the door was closed, the girl would have seen the sign and would not even try to open it. And there's more...” Josias lowers his voice, “I've always found this habit of leaving the door open for a shower to be somewhat bizarre.”
Teodoro realizes that he is getting to the bottom of the matter. “I understand, young man. You came from a more stable family, where each one has a turn to use the bathroom; and you’re now living in this building, where the bathroom is shared by everyone.”
“It is not that I came from a wealthy family. I just haven't gotten used to it yet. And the residents here make it more difficult for me to get used to it. And the worst of all was the jerk laughing at my face and implying that I was a sissy because I didn't want to see his dick! Wasn't it supposed to be the other way around?”
Teodoro gives a hearty laugh. “Son, it looks like you never played football or any other sport. When it comes to the locker room, this is exactly how you describe it. And nobody cares. Of course, you won't be staring... down there, all the time. Pretend they're in black tie and it’s enough.”
“Not really, in my adolescence, I didn't have time for football, movies, dating... I had to start to get by, because my mother was gone and my father was always messed up, he didn't stop at any job. That is when he got a job.”
Teodoro stops laughing. Indeed, Josias's life was not easy. Still, he notices Josias's stance when asking Teodoro to make arrangements for the men's bathroom. As far as he remembered the Bible, Josias was the name of one of the Kings of Israel. And Josias in front of him has some Middle Eastern features; if he grows a beard, he could pass for a Muslim. And Josias was speaking with narrowed eyes, a firm and determined jaw, a stern look... A real monarch, a sheik.
It was then that Teodoro understood why Everaldo said that memorable phrase, that Josias would be destined for big things, for a successful life. Josias had nature, had the posture of someone powerful, with authority, he always took the lead in matters. How he came to suggest improvements in the bathroom as if he were a partner in Teodoro and not just a tenant made it clear to the owner of the building that Josias had a bright future ahead of him. He was going to achieve what he wants.
“Don't worry, Josias.” Teodoro replies, “I will provide your suggestion.”
Josias smiles gratefully, noticing Teodoro's inquiring look. “What's it?”
“You didn't notice that you were talking to me as if you owned this building, did you?”
Josias is gaping, making gestures to apologize. “No, Seu Teodoro, no way! I didn't mean it, sorry if I was rude! It's just that assh—”
“Seu Teodoro, I need to talk to you about a sucker who is trying to put rules in the bathroom, trying to get over you.” The guy in the bathroom appears, shaved and dressed in overalls, probably to work in a mechanic shop. He smiles wryly when he sees Josias near Teodoro. “Ah, speaking of the Devil...”
“What is it, Jeremiah?” Teodoro asks without understanding that Josias was complaining about him.
The eyes of Jeremiah and Josias meet; the latter opens his eyes in irritation.
Related Chapters
Building My Life Chapter 16 Clash
Teodoro quickly realizes that Jeremiah is the man who took a shower with the door open, letting a young lady see him as he came into the world. If she didn't like seeing the black, muscular boy under the shower, it was because she was a family girl. Now he needed to prevent a fight from happening in the lobby.“OK, guys, let's calm down.” Teodoro puts himself in the middle of the two, “Jeremiah, the young man here called Josias was already making me aware of the situation. I happen to agree with his idea, asking you to keep the door closed. When the door is open, it covers the sign that I put on the wall, and other women may inadvertently enter.”“I have lived here for years and this is the first time it has happened.” Jeremias apologizes, not appearing to be sorry, “I can even accept; what I don't agree with is this little guy wanting to teach a moral lesson and speak in decency as if he were the owner of this place. He never
Building My Life Chapter 17 Enough of Jokes
Romualdo approaches the young people with the usual smile. “Good morning, young people! It's good that you are getting to know each other better.” Romualdo notices Josias's dress, “Yeah, there was no way, right? The sweatpants won. But, this is going to be temporary. Shall we start?”Romualdo turns his back and the two boys follow him. The rest of the masons are standing in a corner, waiting for the orders of the day. Romualdo dictates today's schedule, as a real foreman.When everyone goes to perform their tasks, Romualdo takes the famous hoe and gives it to Josias, with a nod. Uélton chuckles again.“See, you did manage to be assigned effectively. I said that I suck with the hoe.”Josias turns to Uélton with the same determined and firm expression. “Don't say such nonsense, Uélton. One day I'll teach you, so you can be proud of knowing how to handle a hoe. Never settle for little. You have t
Building My Life Chapter 18 Who's That Boy?
“Ah yes.” Teodoro smiles proudly. “A great guy. You did very well to invite him to the construction site.”“Yes, he didn't tell me in detail what happened, but it looks like he doesn't have a penny in his pocket and he ran away from home.”Teodoro breaks his smile. Romualdo realizes that there is a sad explanation.“Did something very serious happen to him?” Romualdo asks.“Yes, something very serious.” Teodoro approaches the other side of the counter and speaks quietly, “I heard the news on the radio, and then they made a headline in the newspaper. They murdered his father, and he ran away so as not to die too.”Romualdo gets shocked by the information. “Poor boy! So young and is suffering similar trauma?”“Do you believe he barely had time to mourn his father's death?” Teodoro speaks with great concern, “If he really cried, it was in his r
Building My Life Chapter 19 Melissa
Josias gets tense, expectant. Here is the moment for him to know if she will like what she sees or if she will reject him because he is working on a construction site.Melissa, however, does not seem to disapprove or belittle him. Instead, she is nodding, looking around. Of course, she couldn't help noticing the fact that Josias was still shirtless and wearing the same sweatpants. “Josias, what are you doing here? Did you get a job as a helper?”“Yes, Melissa, I did it today. I was needing.” Josias speaks, still looking forward to her approval.“Congratulations.” She smiles, “If we were going to date, you would have already earned points with my dad.”Uélton looks at Josias with surprise. Josias smiles satisfied with what he hears. “Thank you very much, Melissa. It is not being easy, but it is what we have.”“You go a long way, Josias, and you look like a smart boy. Well, let
Building My Life Chapter 20 Let's Go to the Party
Melissa has a jolt. “Aren't you inviting me to a party like this that we see in the movies? Where will be drinks, drugs, and sex?”The two friends look at Melissa for a few seconds, as if they don't know what to do, or what to lie to her.Finally, the two smile and assure her, “No! None of that, dear friend, what is it! It’s a safe party. There will be residents of Rainbow Garden and Saint Gabriel, it's a good start.”Melissa smiles in excitement. They're not guys from Europe Garden, but it's worth it. The school bell is sounded and the three enter the rest of the students with the class.Meanwhile, Uélton approaches Josias; the two have already finished the job and are being released by Romualdo."Rest for tomorrow, young people," He says this and walks away to join the adult masons.Uélton is washing his hands with water coming out of a hose. "Anyway, the job is over. Are you up for a party today
Building My Life Chapter 21 Meeting at the Party
Uélton says goodbye to his parents and leaves the house with Josias, somewhat embarrassed to know that his friend is leaving for a public place without underwear. But, Josias is not at all embarrassed. He would even wear the same brief, but Uélton said it would not be appropriate... if Uélton kept his mouth shut...Uélton and Josias go to a part of the Happiness Slum where Josias has not yet met. They passed in the direction pointed by Melissa where her house is. So, the chances of meeting her at the party are big, which encourages Josias.They arrive at a two-story house and a terrace. From a distance, you can already see the crowd on the terrace and the sound of loud music = “Off the Wall”, by Michael Jackson. Uélton goes in and greets everyone his age, the boy looks like the son of a politician, he is so well known. And for each friend greeted, Josias is introduced.What Uélton did not realize was that, wi
Building My Life Chapter 22 Let My Friend Alone
Melissa decides to praise Jonas for eating barbecue with a fork while everyone grabs the meat with their hands. “You know what, good thing Josias prefers the fork; it's a lot more hygienic.” Josias smiles in thanks. “That's what I thought. And by the way, I see the owner of the house slicing a steak. Shall we, Melissa?” “Only if it's now,” Melissa smiles at Josias, and the two move away from the others. Pamela sits down again, pursing her lips in annoyance. She calls Uélton. “Hey, you...” “Uélton, miss.” Uélton tries to be as kind as his friend. “Uélton, what do you know about this guy?” Pamela tilts her chin towards Josias. “He showed up at the construction site where I am, demonstrating excellent skill with the hoe, while I was failing, and Seu Romualdo hired him.” “He is the bricklayer assistant,” The second friend comments, “But, Pamela, let's be fair and acknowledge that he is cute.” “It doesn't matter if he's cute
Building My Life Chapter 23 Waking Up From the Enchantment
Josias does not understand how a person who barely knows him can afford to express such a negative opinion about him. "Excuse me, miss, but you don't know me well enough for such a heavy and cruel judgment.""And is there anything more interesting for me to know?" The question comes out of Pamela's mouth laden with disdain.Josias, faced with the situation, decides to shut up. He looks over Pamela's shoulder and sees Uélton talking to Melissa and Pamela's other friend. Uélton "cleans" his hands in the shorts he's wearing and then with the same "clean" hand takes more slices of meat to eat.Josias narrows his view, considering that if Pamela knows about the few clothes he has, it was thanks to Uélton. Why did Uélton tell this despicable girl that he had nothing to wear to come here? Would it have been unintentionally, or on purpose?Upset, and unable to say goodbye to Melissa (she is well involved in the conversation, and the bo
Latest Chapter
Chapter 3234 The Girlfriend Showed Up
At the Mountain Penthouse, Kelvin and Daryl were relieved that everything had turned out okay. Diane and Karen were nearby, on the sofas, chatting cheerfully. “God was merciful and allowed our son to live a few more years,” Diane declared. “Now, you both need to rest,” Karen patted Kelvin’s chest. “We slept beautifully while you two were in that sterile lounge.” Kelvin yawned once more. “I think I’ll take my dear wife’s advice; what do you think, Daryl?” “Who said we own the place?” Daryl yawned as well. The ladies laughed at their funny husbands. The doorbell rang. Tony passed through the living room, offering, “I’ll get it.” When Tony opened the door, he was surprised by the visitor. “Miss Cogo?” “How funny, you don’t call me by my first name. Did Felipe manage to talk to you before the coma?” Suzy asked bitterly, without smiling. Tony reacted perplexed by this torrent of unfriendly words. “Uh... Come in, please.” Suzy entered, ready for the storm. “Who is it, big brothe
Chapter 3233 A Surprising Report
The next day, Matthew Hogan entered the General Hospital lounge and found Daryl and Kelvin incredibly exhausted but hopeful. “Doctor, how did it go?” Daryl nearly jumped on Matthew. “Calm down, the patient survived the surgery. It’s just a matter of time before he’s back in his room.” “Oh, thank God!” Kelvin cheered. Daryl couldn’t resist and hugged Matthew. “Thank you so much, doctor!” Matthew smiled, somewhat awkwardly, but aware that it was a common reaction. “You’re welcome, we did everything we could.” “Yeah, I understand.” Daryl released the hug, rubbing his eyes — whether from sleep or wiping away a tear. “It’s going to take a little while. I suggest you both go home and rest a bit,” Matthew said. “I think we’ll do just that,” Kelvin yawned. “Now that the danger has passed, I think I deserve it. Doctor, let us know if anything happens,” Daryl requested, patting the doctor’s shoulder. “I’ll do. And congratulations to you both.” Matthew left the lounge. Kelvin yawned a
Chapter 3232 The Detective I Trust
At the Rocha Hotel, Eugenio and Jake are talking to Suzy about what is happening. Jake was upset. “Suzy, haven’t you gone to visit your boyfriend yet?” “I don’t know if it’s a good idea to show up there right now.” Suzy lowered her head. “The fight happened... here?” Eugenio responded indignantly, “Yes, in my beloved living room. Luís lost his temper when Felipe called him ‘Spanish Stallion.’“ Suzy lifted her head, completely changing her posture. “WHAT? Well, then, the beating didn’t come out of nowhere!” “Come on, sis, don’t go along with this,” Jake advised her. “They’re saying Felipe’s condition is serious.” “Serious is Luís getting teased every single day by the nickname he despises the most!” Suzy exclaimed. Eugenio decided to tell the whole story, “Suzy, there’s a lot more you don’t know.” “Tell me, uncle!” “Felipe, before being assaulted, said he wouldn’t continue dating you, claiming that the Cogo family would always prefer Luís.” Suzy reacted, paralyzed by this inf
Chapter 3231 The Viper of Lagoon City
Rodrigo and Nadia entered the General Hospital lounge, finding Karen and Diane. “We’re here! Where’s Daryl?” Nadia approached the couch. “He went to check with Kelvin for more information,” Diane sniffed. “Thanks for coming.” “We wouldn’t be family if we didn’t show up,” Nadia sat down near them. “And I’m a mother too.” Rodrigo poured himself some coffee. “Any news?” Diane took a deep breath. “Felipe is still awake. Dr. Hogan said the tests revealed a concussion, and they’re now deciding if surgery will be necessary.” “How horrible.” Nadia shuddered. “Well, whether surgery is necessary or not, I hope everything goes well for Felipe.” “Now, I find it strange that Suzy still hasn’t shown up!” Karen frowned. “Did you see her outside?” “No. We thought she was inside or with Daryl,” Nadia replied honestly. Diane shook her head. “No, guys, I can’t believe Suzy would choose to work or handle investments instead of checking on her boyfriend!” Rodrigo took a sip – the coffee wasn’t a
Chapter 3230 The Lady of Lagoon City Makes a Powerful Speech
At Vaztrans, William swallowed hard before answering Sofia’s question.“Sofia, your cousin really went too far this time,” he began cautiously.“What do you mean?” Sofia narrowed her eyes. “I know Luís can be a bit difficult, but—”“Yes, the hot Spanish blood speaks louder sometimes, right?” William took a deep breath. “Luís assaulted Felipe. Daryl rushed to the hospital.”Sofia reacted with her mouth open, holding her breath.Then she composed herself. “How could he do such a thing?”“Do you want to hear my guess?” William asked with a sly smile.“No! It can’t be because of Suzy Cogo!” Sofia ran her hands through her hair as if to pull it out.“It seems we were wrong to have accepted her partnership, huh?” William shook his head.“If she starts to tarnish Vaztrans’ reputation...” Sofia paced around the office. “First, her statement: her reluctance to raise the salary of the employees here. Now, this love triangle that I thought was over...”“Everaldo warned us to be careful with her,”
Chapter 3229 Despair at the General Hospital
At Vaztrans, William and Daryl were discussing the repercussions of Suzy’s article in Maggiezine.“People are accepting Suzy’s apologies and explanations,” William broke the silence, holding a copy.Daryl pursed his lips. “Whatever. Sometimes I think João Paulo is lurking, ready to pounce on anything to throw us into confusion.”“But the salary bonus we promised will be paid, right?” William smirked.“Of course, what choice do we have?” Daryl pointed to the magazine. “She made it clear in the interview. We’re not going to contradict her, are we?”William laughed ironically. “It seems Suzy is going to be the kind of person who does anything to get out of trouble, even if it means contradicting herself.”Daryl’s cell phone rang, and he answered, seeing it was Diane. “My dear is calling. Hello, Di?”Diane was at the hospital entrance, trying to be strong. “Hello, Daryl. We need you at the hospital.”“What happened?” Daryl’s eyes widened.“Luís Vasquez beat our son to a pulp, as they say,
Chapter 3228 Sarah Shouldn’t Have Let Her In
At the General Hospital, Diane was causing a scene in the hallway while Felipe was being treated in one of the rooms. “What is happening? Someone please give me answers!!” Matthew approached the desperate woman. “Mrs. Mountain, we ask for your calm. Your son is not in life-threatening condition.” “He should never have been in this situation to begin with!” Diane shouted. Eugenio approached. “Mrs. Mountain, we’re very sorry. I tried to call Suzy, but she is at an appointment with Cardozo Perfumes.” “Why is she at my brother-in-law’s company? More investments?” Diane was taken aback. “Perhaps,” Eugenio narrowed his eyes. “She didn’t tell me exactly what she intended to do.” “Oh, this situation is killing me. Doctor, how is he?” “He is sleeping under the effect of sedatives. We are waiting for a room to become available to conduct some tests to understand why he isn’t waking up,” Matthew informed her. “Well, if my boy isn’t going to wake up for now, I need to reach my husband.
Chapter 3227 Business First, Boyfriend Later
At the Rocha Hotel, Luís couldn’t stand being called “Spanish Stallion” for the umpteenth time and gave Felipe the biggest beating he had ever received in his life. However, Eugenio was not in favor of violence and quickly called using his desk phone. “Security, there’s a fight happening in my office!” Eugenio’s euphoric voice jolted Luís out of his trance. When he came to, Felipe was unconscious, with a bleeding nose and cuts on his face. “LUÍS, look what you’ve done!” Eugenio panicked. “How am I going to defend you from this?” “I couldn’t control myself, Eugenio! You know how much I hate that nickname!” Luís shouted passionately. “It doesn’t matter! If you can’t keep your self-control, you’re going to get into serious trouble like right now!” Eugenio pushed Luís away from Felipe as he spoke. He knelt down and checked Felipe’s vital signs by holding his wrist. “At least he’s STILL alive,” Eugenio said sarcastically. The security team arrived in record time. “Here we are, ma
Chapter 3226 The Nickname as a Trigger
At Crystal Blue, the restaurant was still closed, but Suzy was there at the bar, having a drink in celebration. Diane was the one who prepared two shots, both toasting. “A toast to success and personal fulfillment, my future daughter-in-law!” They both drank. Suzy took a deep breath. “What a relief! It’s so good to be victorious!” “It really is a wonderful feeling.” Diane nodded. “Now, do you think the annoying people will finally leave you alone?” “No, of course not! It seems the war is going to intensify even more.” Suzy replied excitedly. “And you are confident that you can fight, win?” “Of course! I have the truth on my side.” Suzy took another sip. “It all started with Sofia discussing salary increases in front of the employees.” “I feel like she did that on purpose, huh?” Diane raised her eyebrows suspiciously. “Yes, I see it that way, too, after thinking it through. What a coincidence that Sofia heated up the discussion just as I showed up warning against making too ma