BATTLE OF DESIRE

back from you soon," Marcia sai

setbacks had been piling up. Consignments were getting canceled and customers were "needing

t the window, her thoughts clouded with worry; that's th

e. "What's going on, ma'am? I know we're not officially open yet, but even our casual wa

ing feels off, doesn't it? Ma'am?" Kyle presse

fist, elbow on the arm of her cha

o did what?" Marcia had as

efocusing on him as if sh

crossed his feet at the ankles beneath him, feet facing ba

the designer for the logo on the wine barrels and

ing back to her desk. Was I wrong? Is this m

ched it lightly, a soft smile crossing her lips. She raised the fingers

Kyle said, conc

lied, fingers still on her lips, eyes still fixed on the bracelet. "Well, umm,

r a few seconds. "What? Something on my fac

an him, but still, he is twenty-two; why is he so

maybe six years, older than me, but her eyes are so deep...world-weary, it always s

pressed her fingers to her lips, breaking into a smile so warm and

en cheerily. "Mon chère!" She waved her hand pleasantly and dismissiv

cia walked briskly to K

ber for you to call. The gentleman you speak to will need to come over this evening, not tomorrow, to

paper with a name and phone

rom Marcia, surprised by the

over her shoulder, "I'm heading out to see a new cu

for a familiar face. She arrived at the balcony over

aving her hand high as she sigh

esponded, rising from his seat

ned his arms wide to her, and

, Madam past President!" St

ice light and happy. They both laughed as they sat do

asked Steve, the past wine-tasting

mething you're not allowed to have!" Steve teased, fl

lease," he said, and turning back to Marcia, he continu

rcia said, si

e New York has been good to you!

ds and such, taking an overdue vacation. I was so thrilled to get your c

hey had both been doing and how after-school life had been. After all, Steve had gradua

king firm in New York. He had left there a year ago to start a venture capital firm with thr

oss the country and many weal

e; I really need your h

e interrupte

ything yet!" Marcia said

arm on the table. "Whatever you need, Marcia, I'm here

ushed lightly

, you could have given some of us a chance back then! I had my eye on you, you know, but that guy...you never looked a

oft tone, "Jullian and I haven't been together for five years, Steve." She said with a dry sm

y," her voice even, empty of any emotion. Steve jerked back

nd and dropped his voice, taking one of Marcia'

ar it through

getting on with their lives. I mean, I may have had a crush

ng. "Ha ha ha ha ha!! You had a what on who?!" she beat

d. "You were really something back then, still are, but..

what he is doing that made me reach

sition to you!" He gave a short laugh. "Come on, one thing at a time. First, what happened, a

nd Steve listen

window overlooking the city in an ornate antique lounge chair

ht sky, phone cradled against her right cheek, speaking softly to someone; eyes glazed

right time," Marcia said

ave a low, deep chuckle. "Don't say that! Someone

thing again and her

one after the other. The only ones still working with us are those who have no past

. Marcia burst out laughing; she laughed uncontrollably, then heard the voice sayi

tone, "Really, Luc, thank you so much for ca

at the night sky, she replied, "This is my home; I won't leave for

she responded in French, "Mais..." But Luc interru

, listened attentively, twirli

brow relaxed and her eyes star