Ricardo stares out of the window as he listens intently, tapping his fingers against the table. "Si, it would be an honor," he says, running his hands through his hair. "I'll get a contract with the terms we've discussed written out and sent to you ASAP. Gracias."
He exhales as he hangs up, eyes wide as he realizes just what he's accomplished. "Damn," he breathes, a smile crossing his face.
"Well, that sounds like it went well," Alicia says, settling down in a chair across from him. "Did they agree?"
Ricardo nods, still a little dazed. "Yeah. 3 Legacies is officially in an alliance with Buena Lucha Libre." He smiles as she beams at him.
"I'm so proud of you," she says, holding her hand out towards him. He laces their fingers together and she squeezes.
"You've been so impressive with this place, it's been kind of incredible to be able to watch its progress."
"Thanks," he says. "I'm happy I can give back to this business, help young people get a foothold in it. I know how much of a struggle it can be. Being able to do anything to help makes me feel really good."
She smiles at him, rubbing her thumb over his knuckles. "Yeah. I know what you mean." Her gaze grows thoughtful. "With more schools like yours, on the off-chance our kids decide to join the business, it'll make the path easier for them too hopefully."
Ricardo nods. "Hopefully. I'll admit it's part of my inspiration for doing this," he says. "I hope that the business as a whole is a kinder place so they can chase their dreams and find happiness in it."
"Yeah," she says quietly. "I would never want them to experience some of the struggle you and I did. I know that the business will probably never be easy, but I would never want Mariana and Clara to go through what I did."
Ricardo lifts her hand and lightly kisses her palm. "Same for Andre. They deserve a better world, and I'm doing all I can to give it to them."
Alicia stands and rounds the table before leaning over him, kissing him. "I love you," she murmurs against his lips and he smiles up at her.
"I love you too," he says, eyes gleaming as she settles in his lap with a pleased little sigh, continuing to kiss him.