Rio 2 by Christa Roberts Read Free Book Online

He tossed his hat into the air but it didn’t come back down.
    Eduardo leaned over toward them. “Sorry to break it to you, city boys, but you’ll have to find some other talent. Nobody leaves the tribe.” In his talons was Nico’s bottle-cap hat. “Oh, and no human things in the jungle. Understood?” He flew off holding the hat.
    â€œWhat?” Pedro said, upset. “What’s his problem?”
    Nico slumped. “I feel naked.”
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    â€œWe coulda been legends,” Pedro said, dejected. “I mean, we already are super mega dope, but you know what I’m saying?”
    â€œWe had it all,” Nico picked up where Pedro had left off. “The undiscovered talent, the big idea. The inspiration. But if we can’t bring these guys to Rio, we got nothing.”
    â€œNothing? Hold your mangoes,” Rafael said. “We still have Eva.”
    Nico and Pedro exchanged glances.
    â€œWhat?” Rafael prompted.
    Carla hurried over. “Guys, this jungle is huge. I bet we can find loads of untapped talent, if we just scout a little.”
    â€œWe?” Nico repeated
    â€œWhat you talkin’ about, w e ?” Pedro said, frowning. “You speak French?”
    Carla gave it to them straight. “No offense guys, but you’re kinda old. And let’s face it, I know the youth market.”
    Nico let out a low whistle. “Oooh, dude, you just got dissed,” he told Pedro.
    Pedro balked. “She was talking to you. I’m all youth. I swim in the fountain.”
    On the dance floor, Roberto and Jewel were finally taking a break. “Wow, you still got the moves, Ju-Ju,” Roberto said as they flew over to Blu.
    â€œOh my gosh, I haven’t danced like that in forever!” she gushed. “Seriously? When is the last time I had this much fun?”
    â€œUm, New Year’s, maybe?” Blu tried. “Just putting it out there.”
    Jewel wasn’t picking up the hint. “Oh, I’m so exhausted.”
    â€œYeah, we should get some rest,” Blu spoke up. “Find a local inn or B and B nearby.”
    â€œStop, stop, stop. What is this crazy talk?” Roberto cut in. “No, you guys are staying in my nest. I’m on patrol tonight. Mi casa es su casa .”
    Jewel looked up at Roberto, obviously touched. “That’s really nice, Beto.”
    â€œThank you, but we’re fine,” Blu said, hating that plan. “Besides, our whole family couldn’t possibly fit in your bachelor pad.”
    But it turned out that Roberto’s “bachelor pad” was a palace.
    â€œWhoa,” Blu said, the word echoing in the cavernous space. He and Jewel stood in the atrium, gazing around Roberto’s stylish, gigantic nest.
    â€œReal estate must be pretty cheap around here,” Blu mumbled.
    â€œWow,” Jewel said, her eyes shining. “This is incredible.”
    Roberto played it down. “Oh, this old nest. It’s just something I put together last minute. With my own two wings, of course. And my strength. And my brawn. I’m into landscaping.”
    Tiago swooped in. “Dad, it’s huge! It has six bedrooms! I get the big one!”
    Carla swooped in next. “No! I’m the oldest.”
    â€œOnly by three minutes, two point five seconds,” Bia countered.
    â€œI had hoped to one day be blessed with a flock of little Robertos to call my own,” Roberto said by way of explanation. He smiled at Jewel, and Blu’s eyes narrowed.
    â€œI bet you did,” he said thinly.
    â€œNo way!” Tiago shouted. “A birdbath! Yeah!” He slid down a branch into the water, splashing Blu.
    Roberto put his wing around Blu. “Blu, let me tell you something. If anything, and I mean anything, ever happens to you, I will take care of your family.” He smiled at all of them. “Sleep well.” And then, as a clap of thunder sounded, he flew