Helena felt that throb again but soon because distracted quickly by the loud growl from her stomach. When the valet opened the door she got out and told him, “Patrick, please park it for the night.”

Patrick, a surfer by day and valet by night responded. “Yes, Miss Peabody your keys will be in the usual place.” He was taken by the passenger in Helena’s car and recognized who she was, but knew if he wanted to keep his surfer life-style he should not stare too long at Helena’s newest passenger.

Raquel looked around, unsure of what was happening and asked, “Do you live here?”

Helena laughed at her confusion and took her by the hand into the restaurant. “No. We’ll get something to eat here.  I live just down the beach.”

Raquel laughed, “I suppose if I went missing there are enough people to have seen me with you to give a good police report.”

Helena laughed along as she leaned into Raquel, “And you see I was just wondering if I would be safe with you.”

They entered the restaurant and after Helena spoke to the maître d’ proceeded into the kitchen where the chef’s table was unoccupied. Helena directed her to sit down. The sous chef reviewed the menu options of the day. The menu was selected from fresh catches of the day, paired with fresh selections brought to market by local organic farmers. On hearing the various tantalizing selections and unable to make up her mind, Raquel responded, “All of the above.”

Helena smiled at her guest and requested a tasting of whatever the chef recommended. This was to be paired with an appropriate wine to compliment. The meal was prepared with great detail to please the boss and her guest. Each plating was just short of a work of art. “It looks too pretty to eat”, gushed Raquel as the small portion tastings were brought out one at a time.

Helena could not resist saying as she viewed the beauty sitting before her, “There is nothing too pretty to not eat.”

Raquel reached across the table, ran a finger across Helena’s fingers and smiled, “Obrigado. Você é bonita. You are so beautiful”.

The rest of the meal was pleasing to both women who felt their appetite for food satisfied but their appetite for each other increasing. After the meal, Helena collected her purse, keys and wine from the “usual spot” in her office. Raquel was stunned and mesmerized when she realized this was also Helena’s place. “You have not been honest with me. Who are you? You have not told me who you really are.”