22

An admirer

When Brenda left the academy that afternoon, a guy she had coincided with several times copying the same model approached her.

"You're Brenda, right?" he asked.

"Yes."

"I'm Máximo. Are you heading home?"

"Yes, of course."

"Would you like to come with me for a drink?"

"I can't, I have to do something there."

"You can let them know you'll be late," he replied with a hopeful smile.

"No, it's not about letting them know, I really can't," she said uncomfortably.

"Well, another day."

"I don't think so, I'm usually very busy."

Brenda walked away towards the bus stop. She had noticed that the guy looked at her a lot while they drew, but she didn't think he would approach her and ask her out.

It had been funny, though. He wasn't ugly, but the truth was he seemed so dull, so childish...

She smiled at the thought of what he would say if he knew she was married.

Several days later, Máximo approached her again, and she excused herself once more.

But on Sunday afternoon, she was alone at