Kits face reflected her newfound understanding of the fact that Marina had a husband, a fact that had absolutely floored her and Bette just months previously. Her eyes also reflected the sympathy”and empathy”she felt for the lost twenty-two year-old woman that felt like such a deal was the best she could do in life.

Seeing that Kit accepted what she was saying without judgment, Marina resumed her tale. Obviously, things did not work out as smoothly as I thought they would. I soon realized that I could not tolerate the duplicity of such a life, and yearned to escape. Then I met Francesca.

Marina paused briefly, swallowing the lingering pain and disappointment that Francescas name evoked. Francesca was so sure of herself, so strong, and so sensual. She was in Rome designing costumes for a period movie being filmed there, and we met at a party. She pursued me and courted me and I fell in love. I thought she did, too. I suppose she did in her own way. As I said, I was desperate for change, so when she asked me to come to America with her, I did.

What I didnt realize was at the time was that I was trading one prison for another. Marina gave a rueful laugh. Granted, both prisons were very well appointed, even luxurious, and both of my wardens allowed me liberal time out for good behavior, but at the end of the day I was still a prisoner. I thought Francesca was liberating me, but she really just wanted to have me on her terms”just as my husband had.

Kit reached out and covered Marinas hand with her own. What really happened with Francesca?

Marina sighed. I loved her. And when she was here, she loved me. But she wasnt here very often, and when she was, she seemed more interested in taunting me with her affairs and reminding me how much she spent on me than with loving me.

Kit tightened her grip on Marinas hand. Shed always thought that Marina had it all”a gorgeous and rich wife, a successful cafKit realized that she, perhaps more than anybody, should have realized that the outside appearance often bore little resemblance to what was really going on inside somebodys life, or their heart.

Gathering herself, Marina squeezed Kits hand and then withdrew her own. Anyway, my affair with Jenny brought things to a head with Francesca. Not that she minded what I did when she wasnt around. Rather, something about Jennys honesty made me realize how dishonest I was being with myself. I realized I had traded the lie of my life in Rome for another one here. So I left Francesca and went back to Italy. While I was home, I also divorced my husband. He did not contest it, as long as I did not require any alimony, which I did not even want.

Kit nodded in understanding. So you came back here to start a new life. And now you are working for me in a place you used to own, but at least you are surrounded by people who see you and love you for who you are, not for who they want you to be. Is that it?

Marina looked Kit square in the eye and replied simply, Yes. That is it exactly. I have come home.