“Nothing,” Pedro says, averting his eyes when I look at him. “Just Amandinha being Amandinha.”

PC sighs. “I’ll miss the club too much.”

I’m ready to sit behind Victor’s bicycle again, when Cintia says, “Since it’s late, we should probably head home. PC, Victor, and I live north of here.”

“I still can give you a ride home,” Victor says to me. “So we could talk.”

I feel my cheeks getting hot again. In all the chaos of the evening, I forgot about that.

Pedro’s bicycle makes that horrible screeching sound again when he breaks.

“You’d be going the opposite direction,” PC says with a tiny, mischievous smile. He glances from Pedro to me. “Don’t you two live across the street from each other?”

I see what he’s trying to do. “I’ll take the bus,” I say quickly.

“Do you... Would you...like a ride?” Pedro asks me, although he’s not making eye contact. His offer is so surprising. I wait for a dramatic clap of thunder and lightning above my head, but there are just cars honking outside in the rain.

“You don’t have to,” I say.

“I mean we’re headed the same direction...” His voice trails off.

“Great!” Cintia says. “See you two at school. Ride safe!”

Victor looks a little disappointed, but he doesn’t insist on giving me a ride himself. Part of me wishes he did, but I don’t want him to go so out of his way just to talk with me.

“Can I have your number?” he asks, suddenly shy. “I’ll text you later, if that’s okay.”

“Sure.” I can’t suppress my smile as I type the digits into his phone.

Pedro clears his throat, looking off to the side.

“You can’t replace me, newbie,” PC says to me, reaching for another hug. When I look at him, he grabs my face between his hands, squeezing my cheeks until I probably look like a puffer fish. “But you’re the Smoothie Whisperer, and a natural talent like yours is a sign of great things ahead. Don’t ever let anyone doubt that...and don’t you doubt yourself.” He releases my face, giving my cheek a loud goodbye kiss. “Let’s stay in touch, okay? Next year, when I’m more settled, you better come celebrate the June festivities with me in Caruaru.” He looks at the others. “All of you.”

“I will.” I get choked up. I didn’t think I’d get so attached to him in such a short amount of time. “Safe travels, PC.”

He looks at Vozes one last time, and waves goodbye to us.

“Alright. I’m outta here! Try not to cry too much when I’m gone!”

He rides off with Cintia and Victor, leaving Pedro and me alone in front of Vozes.