In fact, His attitude also towards her was incomprehensible, she had shown a certain aggressiveness. While her past as a deceiver should have made her if not embarrassed, at least humble and courteous. He didn't feel very proud of his own conduct, however, Mayra looked really upset to have lost the pram. How could he have guessed that she had sentimental value for it? He had made a mistake in not asking for her opinion and, more seriously, had thrown the money at her feet with unforgivable arrogance. He had lost his temper and forgotten the code of manners, he had been taught since birth. But still, he was also very surprised by the reaction of the young woman.
Etore glanced at his gold watch. 4:30 p.m. The shop where he had left the baby carriage might have stayed open until 5 p.m. After all, maybe it was worth going there? This would allow him to be at peace with his conscience, and rid his thoughts of Mayra. He had done it so well so far, and had coldly pushed it out of his mind after that horrible night a little over a year ago.
Quickly, he put on a black leather jacket, grabbed his car keys and left the apartment. The elevator that brought him to the parking lot in the basement seemed particularly slow. He arrived at his destination just as a stern-faced woman was about to close the store. The charming smile he gave her had the desired effect and she ushered him in. All he had to do was sign a check to get the promise that the pram would be delivered the next day.
On the way back, stuck in the middle of a traffic jam, Etore noticed that something was still tormenting him. What was it ?
What would his future wife Cintia think of his conduct? No doubt she would consider the time and energy he had spent on this story a waste, and she would be right. Mayra had moved in with a friend, which proved that she had around her people available to help her. She was going to find her precious pram, so he should have a clear conscience and be able to completely erase it from his mind. Obviously, it wasn't that simple. What was still bothering him?
The answer to his question hit him with the force of a plexus punch. Cursing between his teeth, he stepped on the accelerator, zigzagged between the lines of cars and headed for Finsbury.
*********************
"It bothers me a bit to leave so quickly leaving you alone."
Tim patted his pocket to make sure he had his wallet on him. But, Joro wouldn't forgive me for missing his birthday.
"Do not worry."
Mayra smiled affectionately at him.
"You really were amazing. I can't thank you enough for agreeing to host us."
Tim was Sonya's older brother, her best friend. Since her marriage to a Canadian, she had not seen him again and had come across Tim in a wine bar where she had worked. Exhausted, lonely, she confided in him. At the time, she was three months pregnant, no longer had the right to exercise her profession as a nurse because of an alleged theft and, alone, the old lady had supported her and welcomed her into her home.
Like the old lady, Tim had not doubted her innocence. He'd jotted down her cell phone number on the back of a business card, making her promise to call him if she needed anything, inclued money for the baby when he arrived, a job at his agency, or a place to live.
The young woman had kept the card and, when her world had collapsed, had turned to him. After the birth of Torry, Marie the old lady, always valiant, had taken care of the baby, thus allowing the young mother to find a job at the local store. The old lady's death had left Mayra devastated and utterly distraught.
She was preparing for the funeral when the owner of her friend's apartment had informed her that he wanted to take advantage of the rising real estate market to sell it and that he was putting her on notice to vacate it as soon as possible. Mayra's first reaction had been to think of Torry's well-being and, putting aside her pride, she had phoned her mother and updated her on her situation.
The answer was immediate and without nuance:
"Don't count on me to get you out of the mess you've gotten yourself into. You just have to give the child for adoption, it would be the best solution for both of you. I can't do anything for you. I'm getting ready to marry a widower, with no kids, thank goodness, and hosting you and your kid might ruin everything. Try calling your sister Annie, but don't rely on her too much. She's beautifully successful unlike you and shares a beautiful apartment with her fellow models..."