Nonetheless, it was one of the most beautiful things she’d ever seen.  She liked it.  Even more so because it was so far from perfect.  The peeling paint was deep green.  Two large bay windows sucked in sunshine like a huge vacuum.  A lone flower pot sat in the sill of one of the windows; bright pink blooms merrily bunched together.  Dark, angry weeds sprouted up from the raised soil that surrounded its border.  The only thing new about the house was the door, which was freshly painted a light blue color.

Jenny soon directed her attention to the narrow patch of sand that separated the house from the water.  Blue everywhere.  For miles down the coast.  The horizon stretched and sang to her like a childhood lullaby she never even knew she missed.  She’d never wanted to swim as badly as she did in that moment.  Swim until she was exhausted of the sea.  Until salt replaced the air in her lungs.

Grinning openly, Jenny shoved her hands into her jeans pockets, swiveling on her heels to join Marina inside.

“It’s gorgeous, Marina.”

“I am glad you like it,” Marina chuckled wistfully.

“I do. Very much. Thank you,” Jenny smiled.  She’d never felt so content as she did then.  It was startling, in an odd way.

She could feel Marina’s eyes grazing her flushed cheek and she looked up just in time to meet them.  They stood like that staring at each other for awhile.  Neither wanting to make the next move.  Both knowing where the slightest touch would lead them.  Surprisingly, Marina was the first to flinch.  She turned quickly towards the door, softly calling over her shoulder as she went.  It was barely enough to keep her voice from shaking.  Her pulse raced.

“Put it on,” she managed.

“Will you help me with it?” Jenny asked, suddenly feeling bold.

Marina froze in the doorway, her striking silhouette blazed within the shadows.  “Now who’s teasing who?” she whispered.

 ***

The restaurant blared with noise.  The clatter of dishes, the sultry thump of salsa music, the warm murmur of unhurried conversations.  It was like a cove of heat, a den of desire.  Marina sat at the table, starving.  For anything but food.  Jenny looked radiant in the little blue dress and it certainly showed, she thought.  She wore no jewelry on her ears, wrists, or neck, but that’s exactly where brown eyes traveled whenever she had the chance.