The Companion (Part VII)

7.-

Did Facundo miss his previous life?

He had been asked and the answer was no. He didn't miss the bad times, the anxieties, the precariousness, the family, the friends. He had already overcome his family in college, and he had begun to question his friends because they had left him in his unemployment. What he missed was soccer. He liked playing and had a league with almost strangers, with whom he met every Wednesday or Friday, but now he couldn't anymore.

Except for that absence, his new life seemed very satisfactory to him. Now more than ever. He had accepted working for a year with his boss on a 24/7 dedication condition, with the additional promise of resuming his sports journalism career on television.

He didn't take long to respond with acceptance, not before listening carefully to the terms of the contract and briefly talking to the woman, who told him:

- I wasn't wrong about you. When you finish, you can come back with me.

The day before, Juan Bernardo told Facundo the terms of the contract: He did it in his study, while the assistant was standing, avoiding his gaze.

- These are the terms of the contract I'm offering you. Listen to them carefully, analyze if you can fulfill them, and respond when you're sure. Don't expect an answer now, take a prudent time and let me know. Understood?

- Yes, Sir, understood.

And with the security that characterized him, he began to detail the points of the contract:

The duration would be 365 days from its signing.

There would be no workday, so availability is 24 hours a day.

He would be the assistant for all the tasks assigned by Juan Bernardo.

He would follow all the instructions given to him.

Juan Bernardo would have absolute control over his time, way of dressing, food, activities.

Facundo's availability would be 100% at the request of his boss.

Facundo should maintain his physiognomy according to the terms that his boss disposed of, regarding his conduct, appearance, etc.

The boss would make the requirements he deemed necessary, and Facundo would not object.

Only the boss could terminate the contract. Facundo was obligated to fulfill it and not raise objections.

The remuneration would be monthly, and all expenses for stay, food, transfers, wardrobe, reception, and preparation would be borne by the Boss.

Any instruction that implies body modification will be duly compensated, and these cannot imply risks to the security, health, or integrity of the assistant.

When he finished pointing out the elements of the contract, the boss asked:

- Any doubts or questions?

- No, Sir, I don't have any.

He lied, he had many doubts, but he didn't want them to weaken his will to stay in Juan Bernardo's service.

He didn't accept it, but he had fallen in love with Juan Bernardo. He had broken one o...