"Manuela"

When Melissa dropped me off at Flávio's building, I was waxed, made up, and combed, wearing beautiful, sexy lingerie, a new dress, and high heels that made me feel like a giant. We went to the mall and then to a spa where she put me through every possible procedure, which, according to her, would make me irresistible. The best part was that salt bath with rose petals, which was delicious. When I was ready, I truly felt beautiful.

I stopped at the apartment door and took a deep breath.

"The time has come, Manuela, be brave! Be the strong, confident Manuela you have inside. And if the repressed, fearful Manuela shows up, punch her in the face until she stays quiet, cowering in the corner of your head," I said to myself, and gathering courage, I rang the doorbell. Flávio opened the door, and I didn't think about anything else. He looked gorgeous in black dress pants and a dark blue, long-sleeved shirt with a few buttons undone. I swallowed hard, and when I looked back at his fa