Chapter 16

The Cachaça Festival is crowded, indicating it's one of the most celebrated events in the city. Dozens of stalls have been set up around the main church for tasting cachaças produced in the region. On the makeshift stage, there are various shows, and when Helena arrives, she sees the presentation of traditional ciranda groups from Paraty in their typical costumes. She claps excitedly during the performance, while Bruno admires her from a wooden table at the festival with a silly grin.

"Man, take a napkin," Jonathan says, handing Bruno a paper one. "You're drooling."

"Very funny," Bruno replies, slapping his friend's hand.

"Seriously, in a little while, Helena will leave Paraty with you drooling over her and weighing ten kilos more," Gabriel joins in the teasing.

"What surprises me is that in these five days of you wanting her like this, you haven't taken her to bed," Lucas chimes in.

"What's the problem?" Bruno questions, annoyed with Lucas's remark.