A.C. Meyer

Perfect match

Episode 01

© 2021 A.C. Meyer

Translated by Ana Carolina M. da Fonte

Summary:

Jonas Lopes is the hottest guy in the soap operas, the publicity sweetheart, the most requested actor for magazine covers, and the most desired man by ten out of ten women. Handsome, wealthy, and able to conquer any woman he desires, he has the whole world at his feet... but a wrong move has caused him to jeopardize everything.

To save the reputation - and the job - of his best friend and client, Bruno will need to come up with the best idea of all time. The one that will take Jonah's name off the pages of magazines and gossip websites and turn the spotlight elsewhere other than on his indiscretions.

And what better way to restore the reputation of a womanizing actor? By finding the right girl for him. The love of his life. The perfect match that will capture the heart of the fans' darling. And nothing better than to count on the participation of the public for this choice. After all, what fan doesn't dream of actively participating in the life of their idol?

Perfect match, written by the author of Cadu and Mari and the After Dark Series, is a fun and passionate novel divided into four episodes.

To Felipe. For being the perfect match of my life.

We root for, we root against, we eliminate, we salvage... we fall in love with the person we have just met!

Pedro Bial

Meet Jonas Lopes, the new star of the teen soap opera Hookups!

The teen soap opera Hookups is starting a new season and the network announced today who are the new protagonists. Jonas Lopes, 20, was discovered by one of the production scouts at a rave party.

"I knew he would be perfect for the role," said Lucia Monteiro, one of the producers. Jonas, who is called the prince among the girls of the soap opera crew, is handsome, charismatic, and has that good boy look that we love.

Hookups is his first appearance on the soap operas and he will be the charming young man from a humble, hardworking family who falls in love with the daughter of his boss at a construction company.

Keep an eye on this hunk, he is very promising!

All Teen Magazine

Jonas Lopes blows the country away.

Handsome, seductive, and with a breathtaking smile, star Jonas Lopes has left the teen soap opera for a major role in the new nine o'clock soap opera. A sweetheart of the female audience, at 21 years of age, he will play the main character in the soap opera written by Lyra Machado. The award-winning novelist told us firsthand that the role was written for Jonas after meeting him at an awards ceremony:

"Jonas is a young man who captivates everyone around him. I wrote the main role of the soap opera Dramas of Life for him and I am sure you will be surprised and seduced by the story of the ambitious young man who does everything to grow in life."

"It's a challenge," said Jonas, who will play his first villain. "But I feel prepared and I'm very grateful to Lyra for trusting me."

Check out everything about the characters in Dramas of Life, including the handsome Jonas, on page 7.

Our Soap Opera Magazine

The hunk Jonas Lopes has a new affair.

Seducer. This is how we could describe actor Jonas Lopes, 23, who was seen leaving a bar in the south side of the city cuddling Luna Muniz, his partner in the seasonal soap Once upon a time. The two lovebirds left giggling and exchanging affection, showing that they understand each other very well both on and off the television network. Who must not be enjoying this very much is singer Angelica Vieira, who, until yesterday, was the actor's official girlfriend. Our team tried to contact the country music diva, but her press office said they don't comment on the star's personal life. Jonas answered our call and said only that he and Luna are "getting to know each other better”.

The Gossip Portal

Famous actor loses role in soap opera after director discovers he was having an affair with his wife.

One of the sweethearts of the soap operas was seen leaving a motel, downtown, in the car of the wife of a very influential director of soap operas in the TV network where the boy has a contract. The photo circulated in WhatsApp groups, until it reached the big shot of the soap operas, who went to the dome of the network and demanded his dismissal from the soap opera, which would be directed by the cuckold, or better, by the cheated husband.

As the article is family-oriented, it will not disclose the name of the not-so-holy man, but will leave a hint: he is known behind the scenes as the prince, since he is a true charmer of women..

Bel Dias, column Now I've Spoken.

One

The morning had barely begun and the Star office, the leading artists' agency in the entire country, was already in full speed. With a headset on her ear and a stack of the main gossip magazines and printed notes from Internet websites in her hand, Melissa walked through the corridors of the agency towards Bruno's office, while talking to him on the phone.

- Mauro is furious - she said, referring to the agency's owner. - You need to think of some urgent crisis management action, Bruno. I just saw Bel Dias on TV, talking about the case of the famous actor who was seen leaving the motel with the wife of a TV soap opera director.

Bruno let out a deep sigh on the other end of the line, but his voice didn't lose its usual cheerfulness. Melissa found it incredible how her boss always had a solution for the problems Jonas got involved in, yet without losing his composure.

- Did he mention Jonas' name? - She asked.

- No, since we sued his column for talking about the peculiar tastes of you-know-who, he started saying that "since the column is a righteous one" he doesn't mention the individual's name - she said, citing the case of a famous country singer. - But who else is called a prince in the artistic world besides Jonas? - She asked in a lower tone of voice, as she went to the coffee room to fill a cup, not wanting her co-workers to hear her.

- Did Mauro say something? - Bruno asked, his voice sounding a little muffled, indicating that he had entered the building's elevator. The young redhead headed towards the entrance of the agency, knowing that when she got to the reception she would find him leaving the elevator.

- He asked me to set up a time for you to talk to him. - She started, but interrupted herself as she passed by two directors. - Hello, good morning - she greeted the two men in suits and got back on the phone. - I tried to explain that you had a busy day, but I don't know if we can get away from it for long.

In moments of crisis like these, all Bruno preferred to avoid was a confrontation with Mauro Reis, the Star's president.

- Okay, let's set up a meeting with Jonas - he said.

Ping! The sound indicating the arrival of the elevator sounded just as Melissa arrived at the reception desk. The doors opened and when Bruno Duarte came out, he turned off his cell phone, stuffing it in his jacket pocket, while taking the huge coffee mug from his assistant's hands.

- Thank you, Mel - he said, with a smile that could melt the glaciers of Alaska.

The man was gorgeous, Melissa couldn't deny it, but all she saw when she looked at him was her boss and friend. Unlike Jonas, whom she often referred to as cute but slutty. The guy was the most inconsiderate prick she had ever met and who, due to her job, she was forced to put up with.

- Not at all - she continued, talking without losing the rhythm of their conversation as they walked down the corridors. - I left everything that came out on the topic on your desk and...

Ah, damn it! - She muttered as she saw Mauro leaving the president's office.

Before Bruno could do anything, she pushed him into a room and walked ahead, causing the man in his fifties, who clearly had his hair dyed black to look younger and his skin orange from tanning booths, to stop in front of her. He opened his mouth, but she didn't let him speak.

- Hi, Mauro! I just came from the reception desk and Michelle was waiting to talk to you. - The man's mouth dropped open and his eyes widened in surprise when he heard about the adult film actress who had decided that she wanted to be represented by Star, even though he had told her numerous times that they didn't work in this field. - Do you want me to send her in? - She asked, looking innocent.

- Shh! - He grumbled, motioning with his hands for her to lower her voice. - You haven't seen me. I'm not here! - He turned and ran back into the room as if a thousand demons were chasing him.

When the door slammed, Bruno came out of the small room where he had hidden himself and they walked back through the corridors until they reached the office where they worked.

Taking a generous sip of fresh coffee, the young executive sat down in the leather chair and began to rummage through the pile of news clippings carried by Melissa, feeling his stomach clench as he thought about how much work he would have to do to fix this mess. On days like these, Bruno seemed to feel twice as old as his twenty-five years.

While turning on the computer, he heard Mel answer the phone, as she signaled to him with her hand. Grabbing the headset that was on the table, he put it on his ear just as his assistant was speaking:

- Sure, Raquel, Bruno will take your call now - she transferred the call to him, who answered the stylist with the soft voice that makes women sigh.

- Hi, Raquel! How's my favorite stylist? - He knew it sounded a bit of a suck up, but it was necessary, since the young woman's brand was responsible for the style production at the events Jonas attended.

- Well done. - The voice on the other end of the line sounded sarcastic. - Mostly because I'm not going to put up with your womanizing client anymore. Four couples have cancelled their participation in today's event here at the boutique. The husbands are scared to death to have their wives seduced right under their noses. Besides, he broke the heart of my best assistant, who resigned and decided to go back to her parents' home in the countryside, because Jonas promised her the world to get her into bed.

Ah, damn, Bruno thought to himself. Hurricane Jonas Lopes was leaving a trail of destruction wherever he went. He sighed as he listened to the stylist complain, ran his hands through his short hair, and spoke when the woman took a breath.

- Raquel, we have been partners for years...

She interrupted him:

- And Jonas has been doing these things for years!

- You know he doesn't mean it... he's a very... caring guy. - Bruno softened his tone of voice and Melissa let out a loud laughter, while she answered the other incoming call.

- Caring guy? - Rachel's voice sounded a little high-pitched. - He is a dirty, shameless dog, Bruno. The only reason I didn't cancel the deal with him before was because of you! You know I love you, but if you don't do something about Jonas...

Bruno took advantage of the gap.

- I promise I'll fix him, Raquel. You won't abandon me, will you? - He asked, charmingly over the phone, and was a little more relieved to hear the stylist sigh.

- If he doesn't change in the next few weeks, our deal is off. And there's no point in you coming to me in your needy-boy voice! - She laughed. They talked some more, until Bruno said goodbye, promising that he would fix everything.

During the next hour, Bruno and Mel answered a countless number of calls reflecting the news from the last days, and despite managing to revert the dissatisfaction of some contractors, such as the marketing director of the beverage company where Jonas was the advertising guy, the outcome of the final results of the calls was terrible, to say the least.

- Two cancelled sponsorship contracts, five cancelled invitations to events, eight declined advertising proposals, and the loss of the leading role in the next soap opera - Mel listed cautiously, while Bruno ran his hands through his dark brown hair in frustration. The girl smiled as she saw the mess he had made of his wavy hair, finding it amazing how he could look even more handsome with that hopeless look.

Bruno was the kind of man who could have any woman he wanted. With an above-average intelligence, a persuasive speech that could convince anyone and a surprisingly sweet look, the man was like honey in a beehive. He was on the radar of most women, who competed for his attention... well, that was when Jonas didn't steal the girls he was interested in. It was the onus of being best friends with the prince of the soap operas, the businessman said resignedly.

- Damn it - he muttered, as the door to the room opened.

Mauro appeared in the doorway, his expression rather displeased.

- You. In my office. Now.

The man turned away without giving him a chance to answer, slamming the door hard behind him.

Bruno stood up, removed the headset from his ear, straightened his tie, and pointed to his assistant.

- Mel, call Jonas. Ask him to meet me at that Italian restaurant we like.

- Noon? - She asked. He nodded and left the room, feeling his headache getting worse as he made his way to his boss's office.

Mauro's secretary smiled broadly when she saw him, as she always did. He approached Lurdinha, a lady in her sixties, who took care of the president's agenda with an iron fist. Leaning over, he kissed the chubby cheek of the lady, who giggled and rubbed his cheek affectionately.

- Take it easy, my son. He is very nervous.

- Tell me about it... - he murmured, heading for the door that was half-open.

- You have to tell that boy to calm down. Find himself a nice girl... - she said, and he laughed.

- Let's see what I can do. - He winked his blue eyes at her, who smiled even more.

Bruno walked across the room to the chair across from Mauro's desk. As he walked, his eyes glided over the panel covering the sidewall, with photos of artists, musicians, personalities, and sportspeople. The man was a living legend in the artistic world, representing the main names in the market. Bruno barely had time to sit down when Mauro spoke up:

- I have been in this market for many years, Bruno, and I have represented every type of artist. Temperamental, demanding, annoying... but one who does everything possible to throw his career in the trashcan is the first. Jonas is gone.

- He's just a kid, Mauro. - Bruno tried to appease him.

- A kid? Twenty-four years old?

- The man stood up and began to walk from one side to the other, impatiently.

- He's a rascal. A womanizer! I have been warning you for a long time that he needs to do something about his posture, that he is not the only star in the country. Every day, a new name comes up, a better-looking face appears, and a new talent explodes on TV.

He rested his hands on the table, leaning his body forward.

- We have taken care of Jonas' career since he was nineteen. I hired you because you came in the package and allowed you to devote yourself exclusively to him. However, even though you have become an excellent manager, one of the best on the team, you know that with Jonas leaving, I have no alternative but to shut you down.

Bruno stood up. His heart was racing, and so was his head. This moment was decisive and he needed to use all his power of persuasion with Mauro, not only to save his best friend's skin, but also to guarantee his job. Even though he knew that Jonas would follow him wherever he went, it would not be of much use if his career were ended by the scandal he had gotten himself into. In addition, since he had no other clients, he could hardly pull off Jerry Maguire, Tom Cruise's role in the movie of the same name, and convince other actors to follow him. He could only kiss his boss's ass a little and try to reverse the situation.

- Jonas is a great guy, Mauro. He is a great actor, with a talent that is rare nowadays. But he is weak-minded when it comes to women. Don't terminate the contract yet. I'm sure I can turn this whole thing around. - He raised his eyebrow. - You know I've never let you down, or promised you something I couldn't keep.

The man sighed, closing the button of his jacket.

- You have three months to work this out. Three. Months. Not a day more, understand, Bruno?

He nodded his heart racing.

- No problem - the young man answered and quickly left the room before Mauro changed his mind.

He didn't know what kind of miracle would be necessary to contain Jonas, but he would have to manage. Otherwise, both of them would join the statistics of the thousands of unemployed in the country.

Two

Bruno arrived at the Italian restaurant at noon sharp. He took off his sunglasses as he was greeted by the hostess and was led to the table he used to sit at in the back of the establishment when he used to go there with Jonas. Greeting the waiters as he crossed the room, he waved to a well-known TV host and proceeded to follow the beautiful woman's swaying hips as she led him. When he arrived at the table where Jonas was sitting, he saw that he as always, was surrounded by people, mostly women wanting an autograph, a selfie, or even the chance to receive an invitation for a date... or a night out with the big TV star.

The businessman observed his client and friend as he approached. His light brown hair was messy and a little too long, his beard was about three days old, his black T-shirt stuck to his muscular body showing the tattoo that covered a good portion of his biceps, and the smile that was his trademark, screamed player in huge neon letters.

Bad. Very bad.

With a half-smile, Bruno approached the table, dismissing the crowd.

- All right, guys. Thank you all for your kind appreciation. I'm sure you don’t want your lunch to get cold - he said as people started to walk away, and winked at one of the young girls who was standing next to Jonas, with the very deep cleavage of her dress that was almost shoved up the actor's nose.

- Talk to you later, angel. - He heard Jonas whisper to the blonde, who gave a few little jumps before softly locking her lips on Jonas's before walking away.

Bruno was about to sit down, when he heard a low quiet voice.

- Uncle, will you let me take a picture with him? - The little redheaded girl, with freckles on her nose, asked, while holding a cell phone.

He smiled at the little girl, who couldn't have been more than eight years old.

- Sure - he replied, unable to say no to anyone that cute.

She approached Jonas, who pulled her into a hug and gave her a crisp peck on the cheek.

- My mother insisted that I shouldn't come here, but I'm such a fan of yours - she said, blinking her big green eyes.

— Really? Tell your mother that I don't mind. That whenever you see me, you can always come and talk to me.

The redhead's smile grew wider.

- She said that you are a bimbo and that I should choose another actor to be my pretend boyfriend, but no other is as handsome as you are. - Both guys dropped their jaws open in disbelief. Meanwhile, the girl continued talking. - When I grow up and am about thirty, will you date me? My father said I could only date after I'm thirty.

Jonas laughed and Bruno raised his cell phone to take the picture while he answered her.

- When you are thirty, he will be a wrinkly old man. I'm sure that by then you will find a guy better looking than Jonas and about your age.

He took the picture while the girl laughed at his comments.

- You're a cutie - Jonas said, running the tip of his index finger over the girl's nose. She smiled and thanked him, took the cell phone from Bruno's hand and went back to the table where her mother was watching her very carefully.

- You realize that a man's reputation is really bad when even a little girl, who can't be more than eight years old, talks about it - Bruno pointed out, while picking up the menu on the table.

Jonas' laughter echoed through the room.

After the waiter took the orders and brought a red wine for Jonas and a sparkling water for Bruno, the businessman began to talk:

- Man, you're a piece of work. What the hell do you have in mind?

- I didn't do anything... - Jonas started, but was cut off by his friend.

- Don't bullshit me. I've known you since we were seven years old and you kissed almost every girl in our elementary school class. You know I've always busted your balls for being a womanizer, but this time you've gone too far - he complained and lowered his voice. - You had to mess with Daniel Avelar's wife? The guy has one of the biggest names in the network!

While Bruno ran his hand through the dark waves, Jonas held the crystal glass, swirled the red liquid and inhaled the wine's aroma. With that smile that enchants ten out of ten women, he took a sip and turned to his friend.

- What can I do if she wants me, man? - He spoke in a low tone, with that self-confident smile. - And she's a total babe... besides a hurricane and...

Bruno stares with an upset expression and waves his hand to stop what he was saying.

- I do not care what kind of a phenomenon of nature she is. Your reputation is in the gutter. You lost several advertising contracts, I had to almost beg Raquel to continue designing your clothes, and... - Jonas looked indifferently at Bruno, taking another sip of wine. - You lost the role in the nine o'clock soap opera.

- Get in touch with Aloísio Neto. He has just approved a script for the next six o'clock soap opera. It is a period soap opera. I look good in a knight outfit.

- If we don't recover your reputation within three months, I'm out.

Jonas almost spit out the wine he was drinking.

- I can't believe you're leaving me just for that!

- I didn't say that. However, Mauro was very clear. I have three months to convert you into a real prince, otherwise I can kiss my career and credibility as a businessman goodbye. And you, jerk, will have to find a new manager. One who won't let you get away with this behavior.

Jonas leaned forward and placed his hand on his friend's arm.

- I can't believe it, Bruno... - he started to speak, but was interrupted by the glare of a camera flash. - Holy shit! - He grumbled, making a face.

- Do you know that tomorrow you will appear in the Mexerico magazine with the headline: Supposedly catchy actor has affair with handsome boy. More details on page two.

They both laughed and Jonas took another sip of his drink.

- I'm screwed.

- Yes, you are. I'm serious, Jonas. - Bruno's expression tightened again.

- You need to stay away from gossip magazines, celebrity portals and, especially, Bel Dias. He is dangerous.

- He's just a tattletale and... - Bruno interrupts him again, raising his hand.

- He is dangerous and is dying to publish all your secrets. Even the ones you don't even know you have.

They became silent when the waiter approached, serving the dishes. Jonas took the first bite of pasta and sighed. As he chewed his food, he leaned across the table toward the bottle of wine, but Bruno pushed it away from him.

- Negative.

- But...

- One glass. I don't want to even think that you are not behaving. No drinks. No suspicious smokes.

The actor interrupted him, annoyed.

- I only smoked a joint once. I was eighteen.

- It was enough for one lifetime. No more parties. No more food-women.

- Fruit - Jonas corrected him.

- What?

- They are called fruit women.

- I don't care. From this day on, you will take a vow of celibacy. Even if I have to cut your little friend out.

- Ah, Bruno... come on.

- Come on, is what I have to say. I have been living at your service for years. I gave up my future to take care of yours. Your career. - His blue eyes were dark, like the sea on a stormy night. - Because of you, out of respect for our friendship, I agreed to help you and ended up becoming your manager. But, if you don't change, I will be the one who has to pay the price.

Jonas' eyes widened at Bruno's outburst, and then he looked away. He was not used to seeing his friend lose his temper like this.

- No problem. I'll go easy on him.

He took another bite, chewing the food that now felt like sand in his mouth. He didn't want to hurt his friend, or his career... he just wanted to enjoy his youth and the single life he was leading. He didn't even understand why people were so interested in who he was seeing. It was okay that he was a womanizer and that he knew at the very moment that the wife of one of the main directors of the network smiled at him that she was trouble. But he loved women and could not resist their charm.

Jonas looked up and saw that Bruno was eating, while reading something very amused on his cell phone. Although he was well-dressed as always, he looked tired. The businessman frowned and twisted his mouth as he stared at the screen.

- Did something happen? - Jonas asked, drawing Bruno's attention.

- Mel was giving me some information about some of her contracts. She managed to reverse the jeans campaign. - He sighed. - That's good. One less problem.

They continued eating, talking about mutual friends, soccer, and the jobs that were left after the scandal. On the way out, Bruno again made recommendations to his friend.

- Dude, please. Stay out of trouble. I'm trusting you.

Jonas nodded his head in agreement.

- What can we do to change this? Do you have any ideas?

Bruno ran his hand through his hair and sighed in frustration.

- For the time being, you will keep a low profile. You will disappear for a while. After a few days with your name out of the gossip circles, people will start to forget. This week we will have a meeting with an executive team from cable TV. Let's hope they have some interesting proposals... maybe a sitcom?

- I would love to present a show - Jonas said with the huge smile he usually has on when he wants to conquer something... or someone.

- After this scandal, not even the jewelry auction channel would hire you to spend six hours presenting jewelry from the Middle East without a bathroom break. - They both laughed and shook hands. - Take care. And for God's sake, stay out of trouble.

Jonas nodded and headed to the parking lot, while Bruno watched him closely, hoping that no hottie would get in the actor's path on the way to his house. All he needed was to stay away from temptations.

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