Chapter 2: Must Be A Coincidence

It was a blistering day in Los Angeles as Kayla made her pickups and deliveries. At one point she was given a collection of legal papers so thick they were in a box instead of an envelope. The delivery address was to a specific office on N. Figueroa St., so she returned to her stifling car and got under way. Maddeningly, the air conditioning had failed several days ago, so there was no respite from the baking heat.

Arriving at the complex on Figueroa, Kayla wiped her face and grabbed the box. She could feel the sweat dripping between her breasts, soaking her pits, and unpleasantly wetting her panties.

Walking into the right office, Kayla met a good-looking man answering to the name on the address label. He grabbed a pen, signed, and tore away the delivery receipt. But when he looked up to hand her the slip, he was alarmed to see her sagging towards the floor. In a flash, he had his arms under her knees and shoulders and he gently placed her on the nearby sofa.

As a child, Arsênio Teixeira had emigrated from Brazil. His parents had nurtured his abilities in both Portuguese and English, and after seven years of university he passed the California Bar Exam on his first try. He was working alone that day, which is why he had answered the office door himself.

When he was sure that she was secure on the couch, he quickly strode into the back room and returned with a generous plastic tumbler of ice water. By then, Kayla, was moving to sit herself up.

“Easy, easy. OK. Here, take little sips. Good. I think the heat got to you. It’s just awful today.

“Oof! I’m so sorry, this is embarrassing. Thank you for the water.” She took a few minutes to collect herself. “Could I have some more? But then I have to go.”

“Of course, and take the cup with you.” “That’s kind of you. I don’t want to free on the faint-way; wait, that’s not right!”

“Are you sure you’re OK to drive?” “Yeah, I have to go to my second job.” “OK, well, here’s your receipt, now take care.”

He escorted her out.

Back in her car, Kayla polished off the last of the ice water and moved out into traffic. She was pleased to see that the winds had reversed and clouds were moving in off the ocean. The temperatures always fell quickly when the near sea-level cloud bank pushed inland.

She opened her phone app to begin her list of food deliveries.

Two hours later, she was bringing her last box to an address in the Brentwood section of L.A. The home was rather small for the neighborhood but well-kept. When the door swung open she was shocked: it was Arsênio Teixeira again! “I don’t believe it!” she exclaimed.

He had a huge smile. “Come in! Please sit down. Are you feeling better? Here, let me take that. Would you like a cold drink?”

Kayla sat at his kitchen counter, shaking her head. “I am Arsênio Teixeira. My friends call me Nio. Tell me, please, what is your name?” “Nio, my name is Kayla Wilson, and I am very pleased to meet you—again! Once more, please sign your delivery receipt, and I will be leaving you to your dinner.”

“Have I offended you, Kayla?” asked Nio. “No, why do you ask?” “Because I insist on escorting you out tonight for dinner and dancing.”

“But, Nio, why? I’m just a delivery agent; and you’re obviously a prosperous lawyer. Plus, to be totally honest, I’ve been sweating all day. I would wilt the flowers at our table!”

“Kayla, holding you in my arms today is the most fun I’ve had all week. Trust me, please. You and my sister are about the same size and shape, and she left plenty of nice clothes in my second bedroom’s closet. Also, soap, shampoo, and some extra cosmetics—all unused. If you go get yourself ready, I promise you a first class night on the town!”

She couldn’t say no, and moved upstairs. She closed the door and called home. “Dad? Yeah, it’s Kayla. I met this nice man and he’s taking me for dinner and dancing. Yes, I’m think I’m going to spend the night here with him. It’s likely, yes. It’s ### S. Westgate in Brentwood. Thanks, Dad, I love you. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Turning off the phone, she stripped off and enjoyed a hot shower and washed and dried her hair. In the closet she found a sleek dress in rich scarlet color. Clean and dressed, she returned to the living room.

“Whoa, I need to step up my game! What kind of meal would you like, Kayla?” “Actually, I’m kind of a carnivore. Know a good place for meats?” “Absolutely! A true son of Brazil such as myself must take you to the finest Churrascaria. There’s one I like over on W. 7th St. You’re going to really enjoy it.”

“Please, let’s go. Just the sound of it makes my mouth water.”