Chapter 5 Meeting the brother

Alana tried not to be nervous about finally meeting Leandro's brother, but it was impossible to control it, after all she couldn't imagine if they would get along or he would be the complete opposite of her younger brother, hating her and fighting with her for the nonsense he already taught Thomas. He was the only member of that little family she didn't know yet, so she really wanted nothing to go wrong, even though his background made her worry.

Anything was possible in her life and she was always expecting the worst, even from her best friend's brother.

- Stop thinking of ways to get killed. - Leandro said, just for her to hear, as well as his laugh. He knew her too well.

Alana sometimes even got annoyed with how easily he read her, but at other times she was just grateful to have someone like Leandro in her life.

- I'll try. - Alana said, smiling at her friend and sighing, calming down with every step she took closer to William.

- Aunt Alana, Dad said I can go visit Nadia whenever I can. - said Thomas, all wrapped up, hurrying to tell his aunt the good news as soon as he saw her.

Alana smiled, happy for the little one. She was always happy when she could bring joy to someone, especially children.

- That's nice, brat. - Alana said, but bit her tongue when she saw the look of William on her, Thomas' father and Leandro's brother.

He seemed surprised by the nickname he had given his son.

- "Hi," said Alana, trying to relax.

- "Hi. So, I've finally met the famous Alana. - said William, standing up and making a point of shaking her hand.

She couldn't hold in her laughter, starting to breathe normally, calmer since the moment she had arrived. William looked like his younger brother, which Alana should have guessed, although that small age difference and a child to raise gave the older of the brothers a more serious air. Alana could also see how handsome he was, much taller than her and with beautiful blue eyes. She felt as if she could dive in there and had to hold back the sigh that almost gave her away.

- I'm not that famous. Leandro is much more than me, even now... - Alana said then, disguising her discreet analysis of William.

- "This isn't the time to tell you these things," Leandro said, interrupting her, not doubting that some nonsense would come from her, not even realizing that his friend stared at his brother with desire.

- So you mean my little brother is up to mischief? - William asked, amused, also oblivious to Alana's thoughts, although he himself had to recover pretty quickly after analyzing the woman when she approached. No matter how much time passed, the siblings were always going to pick on each other at the first opportunity that arose and this was a great excuse to cover up their less than decent thoughts for the first time in a long time.

- He wanted to. - said Alana, laughing at the annoyed look she received from her best friend.

- Thomas, how about a slice of chocolate cake? - Leandro asked, wanting to get away from them both.

The boy didn't think twice, heading to the kitchen with him, leaving William and Alana alone.

- 'I found someone better than me to make Leandro angry. - said the older Rodrigues, smiling at Alana.

She almost scowled. But she was still herself.

- What can I say? I'm great at this stuff.

He nodded, curious what else she might know how to do. Now she understood why her son and brother adored her.

Thinking about it, she remembered what she had promised Leandro she would do.

- Oh, I almost forgot. - said William, heading back to the bench where he had been waiting, leaving Alana confused for a few seconds before returning.

- Here. As a thank you for taking care of my son and making him so happy. - Guilherme said, handing her a bag.

Alana, curious, ended up accepting it and smiling when she saw two bottles of wine inside, her favorite.

- That bastard. - said Alana, imagining that Leandro must have told him and suggested the gift too, obviously.

William laughed at her reaction, finding her more and more fascinating.

- Thank you. Although I just like your son. - she thanked him.

- I know. You even call him a brat.

He laughed, again, as he saw her frown.

- 'It's in a good way. You should know, I'm the one who leads you astray around here.

- I know. I saw your teachings in real time.

- Really?

Alana wondered what he could have gotten up to. He had already taught her enough things that her mind could travel into so many possibilities.

- 'Yes. Thomas said some not very polite things to an aunt of his.

- Ah!

Alana hid her smile, wondering what he could have said. Leandro had mentioned that moment to her, but had not told her in detail. As far as Alana knew, neither Leandro nor Thomas liked the girl.

- You're smiling. - William accused, and she didn't hold back her laughter, amused by his surprise.

- 'She does that a lot. - said Leandro, returning with a Thomas with a cake on it.

- Good luck with that. - said Alana, seeing the state of the child and imagining the energy he would still expend.

- William gave you the wine. - said Leandro, noticing the bag she had in her hands.

- Yes, and now I have to go. It's getting late. - she said, smiling.

- Do you need a ride? - William asked.

- No. I came by car. Thank you.

Alana said goodbye to the three boys and finally went home, feeling much better.

It was nice to meet William, after all, she was now reassured that he was as good as his brother.