Antonio had been on the phone with Antony, and Sao Paulo was so far behind him, time zone-wise, that he had to be up rather late to catch Antony when he had a free moment. When he heard the knock, he said into the receiver, "I have to go, Antony...I'm having a house guest for a week. Hush, you, I can be very hospitable when I wish." He laughed. "I tell the Americano that, but does he listen? Of course not. I'll e-mail you the rest of the details. Ciao."
He opened the door and found a young woman standing on his porch. "You must be Natalie. Please, come in." He held the door open wider for her to enter. "Would you like some coffee? I just made a fresh pot."