Episode 19

Robert: Hello, Jessie. Too much is happening in my life! I think I'm going mad! After that incredible phone call from Chico that I told you about, I got some more 'big' news. My boss Mr Rowlands asked me to go and see him today – and what do you think he said ...?

Mr Rowlands: Hello, Robert. How are things going with you?

Robert: Very well, thank you, Mr Rowlands. I hope you're well too ...?

Mr Rowlands: Very well, thank you, Robert. Now, Robert, I've got some good news for you.

Robert: Oh yes?

Mr Rowlands: You wanted to transfer to Brazil when you finished your training – and I'm pleased to tell you we have a vacancy in one of our smaller hotels in Rio de Janeiro.

Robert: Rio de Janeiro!

Mr Rowlands: Yes. A nice surprise, no? The manager has been ill and has decided to retire – well, unfortunately for him, but fortunately for you. We'd like you to take over.

Robert: Take over?

Mr Rowlands: Yes, as manager. The job's got your name on it. I'm very happy with the work you've done here and I'm confident you will do a good job in Brazil.

Robert: Oh, good heavens! Manager of a hotel in Rio de Janeiro!

Mr Rowlands: You look shocked, Robert. It is what you wanted, isn't it?

Robert: Oh yes, yes, yes, of course – it's what I've wanted for a long time. It's just a bit sudden – for it to happen now.

Mr Rowlands: Well, you'd better start getting organised. You'll need to take a language test – you've been learning Portuguese, haven't you?

Robert: Um, yes, I've been having some lessons …

Mr Rowlands: You'll need to be a B2 level for the job.

Robert: What does that mean?

Mr Rowlands: The level is 'upper intermediate' – it means you can speak Portuguese quite well. Remember, a lot of your staff will be Brazilian – you have to speak the language confidently.

Robert: Yes, yes, of course. Confidently.

Mr Rowlands: So get the language test done and we'll start organising the visa and travel arrangements – you should be leaving ...

Robert: He said I should think about leaving at the end of next month – at the latest! Oh Jessie! Why does everything happen at the same time! I went back to work after the conversation with Mr Rowlands, but I couldn't concentrate on anything. And then I got another phone call. Guess who from …

Robert: Hello? Chico! Yes, yes, I'm fine. Yes – and I can't wait to see you. So when are you coming to London? When can we meet? Next week?! That's fantastic! Well, no, you can't really stay with me, I'm afraid. I live at the hotel. I can try and find you a room for a few nights, but it's expensive. I'll see if I … You want to find a flat? Well, yes – I'd love to share a flat with you – yes, of course, it would be lovely, but I …

Robert: So, Chico's coming to London next week to try and find a flat. What do you think of that, Jessie? I get my dream job in Brazil, and Chico is coming to live in London. And he asked if I would like to share a flat with him! What game is the universe playing with me?! And then I went for a drink with Mei and Milton.

Milton: So, I got a phone call from Carolina this morning.

Robert: Carolina?

Mei: His friend who lives downstairs. She's in France at the moment.

Milton: Well, she isn't staying in France. She's off to Borneo.

Robert: Borneo! I thought Brazil was unusual!

Milton: It sounds weird, but it isn't. Her boyfriend – or friend, I'm not sure any more – his name's Jamie. Well, he's living in Borneo. He's doing some work with orangutans – it's a conservation project. And Carolina's going to join him there.

Robert: Wow.

Mei: But what about her flat?

Milton: She wants to rent it – quite cheaply. She asked me to see if I can find someone who'd like to rent it for nine months or a year. (Robert makes a sudden sound.)

Milton: You OK, Robert?

Robert: Fine. There's a flat to rent in your building?

Milton: That's right. It's a shame you're going to Brazil, Robert. We could all live in the same building …

Robert: So there you are, Jessie. A flat for Chico – or even for Chico and me … Oh! What in the world am I going to do?