What do you mean?

Im not like this all nervous and full of emotions. Im not used to it, Marina said running her free hand through her hair. Im not used to feeling anything other than desire and

Yes? Cecilia questioned, urging Marina to go on.

Im used to being the one that comes on to women and gets rid of them when Im satisfied, Marina finally blurted out feeling the sting in her eyes that could only mean that tears were forming. Im not a bad person its just how I wasam. Marina heard a slight chuckle on the other end of the phone.

Im the same way, Cecilia said trying to be honest. My roommates teased me when they found out I was meeting you instead of one of my college girls that they were used to me seeing.

So what is this? Whats happening here? Marina questioned, the tears starting to fall. She angrily rubbed at her eyes to get rid of the annoying drops. I really am losing it, she thought as she tried to take a breath without it catching in her throat. Cecilia heard the desperation in Marinas voice.

I dont know, she said softly. All I know is that, for the first time in my life, I want to know more about someone than what theyre like in bed! I want to know everything about you! What your family is like, what you were like as a child everything. Whatever this is Marina, Im willing to ride it out and see where it takes us. Cecilia ached to be able to wrap her arms around the woman on the other end of the phone. Think of it this way with thousands of miles between us, things cant get too intense. We can take it slow and easy and be friends first OK?

Marina smiled a genuine smile for the first time in weeks. OK.

So what are you wearing? Marina laughed at Cecilias question and teasingly answered back.

Nothing absolutely nothing. They both laughed and kept talking. Cecilia told her about everything she had been doing since her arrival in Cairo and described it all in such detail that Marina could picture it in her mind. After a while, there was a knock on Marinas door and her cashier stuck his head through.

Its shift change do you want me to count the drawers down?

Yes thats fine, she answered with her hand over the mouthpiece of the phone. Oh my godweve been on the phone for three hours.

Its OK I would have just been dreaming about you if we werent talking. I cant decide which is better though.

What time is it there? Marina asked feeling guilty for depriving Cecilia of sleep.

Its almost midnight.

You should go to sleep you said you get up early to avoid the heat of the day. Now youre going to be tired too.

Its worth it Marina it is SO worth it, Cecilia replied. But Ill do as you say and hang up for now. Tell everyone I said hi OK?

I will.

And could you send a picture of you? Something I can show off to all the guys? Cecilia was teasing again and Marina decided that she liked this part of her personality.

Yes I will. Goodnight Cecilia.

Good afternoon Marina.

Cecilia?

Yeah?

Its Ferrer.

Huh?

My last name its Ferrer.

Thank you… Ill talk to you again soon gorgeous.

Yes you will goodbye. Marina hung up the phone and smiled as she stood and walked back into the shop. Her mood had definitely changed.