and approached Edward, yelling at him in French. Barbara had studied it back in school, but had forgotten many of the words. She hoped that what she could remember would allow her insight into the conversation.
There were words and phrases she understood quite well, and what she heard, from both the aggressors and her date, intimidated her. One of the men who approached Edward mentioned something to the effect of Edward photographing a 16 year-old model nude. The more he spoke, the louder he raised his voice, threatening Edward, who initially seemed unfazed by the accusation. Barbara glanced across the table, making eye contact with Edward, before he turned his attention back to the aggressors.
Edward, who had appeared quite calm, suddenly pulled a Swiss Army knife out from his pocket and flicked open the blade. He lunged towards the man who accused him of photographing an underage model naked and narrowly missed his neck. A woman on the next table screamed and a waiter ran towards the front desk to dial 911. The aggressors fled the scene.
Barbara was in a state of panic. She stood up and just as she went to exit alone, Edward grabbed her by the hand and whisked her out of the restaurant. Handing her a helmet, he lifted her on to the back of his motorcycle and rode off quickly. Barbara had never been on a motorbike and held onto Edward tight, feeling both scared, yet also exhilarated by the experience.
"What the hell happened back there?" she yelled, as he continued to speed down the road.
"French Mafia, known as the Unione Corse. It turns out I photographed the bosses daughter naked."
Barbara was really freaking out now, with multiple thoughts racing through her mind. Was she about to be hunted down and shot? Was Edward illegally photographing teenage girls? Who was more dangerous, the French Mafia or the man in front of her on the motorbike?
"I know what you're thinking," Edward replied. "Her agent told me she was 20. He produced fake ID of her as well."
As soon as danger passed, Edward pulled over to the side of the road. He let Barbara off the bike, so she could call a taxi and return to work. It was far too dangerous for him to escort her back there. Acting as the perfect gentleman, he waited until a taxi arrived, kissed her on the side of her face and told her he hoped to see her again.
If Barbara had thought it was difficult to concentrate at work that morning, the afternoon shift created quite the challenge but she was not averse to the thought of seeing him again because not only did he intrigue her sexually, she also wanted to find out his true identity and his real secret and most importantly why he knew so much details about her...
Story III
This was the busiest time of year for Callie. One which she was dreading. That was probably a little strong. Still it wasn’t something she looked forward to.
She ran a cake catering business together with her friend Barbara out of her home. Her friends said the two girlfriends have to expand if it kept going so well for them. She felt reluctant about that as it meant more work and responsibility for the two of them and she knew Barbara her best friend.
Barbara her best friend preferred to splurge eating cake and watching TV during the holidays rather than convincing Callie to expand the business.
Why did she pursue this business with her friend Barbara then? She knew she had the talent and Barbara had the taste for rich flavored cake, the wit and the looks on her side. It was Barbara who pushed Callie's passion from just being a hobby to making it a career and starting up a business together. Callie seemed to have more pleasure in it when it was more of a past time and without the pressure that is keeping her busy all the time now while her friend was enjoying the real life.
Back to why it was a busy time of year for her. It was coming up on Valentine’s Day. Not her favorite day of the year. Some would say it was because she wasn’t in a relationship. That’s why it held no joy for her. That came across like she was bitter and jealous. Even when she was involved with a man or woman it still wasn’t something she particularly cared for. That led people to think that her partners hadn’t been romantic. Overall, they were. Especially on that day. She would receive cards, candy, flowers, stuffed toys and such. She felt that people should be loving and giving throughout the year, not, just on a certain day. She did have a generous and amorous nature.
She was also curious and a seeker of knowledge. As opposed to Barbara, she was more the nerdy type with a bit too much weight on. Who could
blame her with all the cake business going on around her all day long. There really isn’t any dependable information on St. Valentine other than he died on Feb 14th north of Rome on the Via Flaminia. It’s not even certain if he could be identified with one or two saints of the same name. It was all very vague and ambiguous as to why there should be a day for him. It wasn’t even a legal holiday. People didn’t take school or work of for it. To her it was a non-event. Her other girl friend Olivia said, "As women we’re expected to be starry eyed romantics. Which is unfair. Not everyone gets mushy over Valentine’s Day. Of course, not everyone has the disdain for it as you do either." "It would be okay if people didn’t make such a big deal over people who would rather take a pass on it. We’re not all devoid of poetry in our soul. Just because we’re not thrilled by that day." Callie returned.
Why was she even wasting her thoughts on this? She was to meet with a new client, Grant Kendall. She had had initial contact with him to discuss her catering his parent’s 40th anniversary party. That was something to truly celebrate. From just that brief interaction she found him to be intelligent, witty and goodhearted. He also had short, dark, wavy hair with brown eyes that had flecks of gold. Those were a complement to her shoulder length, straight, honey blonde hair with aquamarine eyes. Why was she daydreaming about that? She shook herself from her reverie. He was a client. She didn’t mix business with pleasure. The latter could seriously affect the former.
Callie took another slice from her prefered St. Valentine's cake and enjoyed her treat before gathering up her laptop, folders and case. She went out to her car and before she drove off, checked her report, to make sure she had the correct information. When she ascertained that she did, she put her seat belt on and started the engine. After she was done with the meeting with Mr. Kendall, she had Valentine’s decorations to pick up. Hearts and cupids and the like. She should have done this sooner, but, she was dragging her feet. Her friends considered her the Valentine’s version of Scrooge or the Grinch.
She turned the radio on and went through the stations she had preset. She wasn’t sure what she was in the mood to listen to. She’d know when she came across it. Maybe she’d put in one of her CD’s. She had pushed the button for the standards/big band station, when, she heard the beginning melody of, La Vie en Rose. She stopped searching. Her heart swelled up. She wasn’t sure why, but, this was one of those songs which always got to her.
For all of her friends, who didn’t think she had any poetry in her soul, well, here was an example of how romantic she could be. She just didn’t care for a phony holiday that was designed to make people feel bad if they weren’t coupled up. Though, to her, it wasn’t much better when you did have someone special. These things should happen naturally and sincerely. She was about to see a client. She didn’t have time for such ideas. Her friends would probably say she was in need of a relationship. She was too occupied with other matters to involve herself in one. She was attempting to get her business established. Something else they had encouraged her to do. Then they would say, having a dalliance, here and there, couldn’t hurt. She never could be that casual, however.
She let the song finish and then she turned the radio off. No music for right now. She needed to have a clear head. She pulled out of her driveway and made her way to Grant’s home. It was a 12 minute drive, as long as, the traffic was good. She contemplated what she would offer him. He had definite concept in mind. More than some of her clients. She would still mention other options. It was important to her that all of her clients be aware of their various choices. Before she knew it, she was pulling into his street and in front of his house. She did a quick check to make sure she was presentable. Why didn’t she wear something besides