Jodi exhaled with a smile. “I can’t believe a woman that works 14 hours a day is telling me to slow down.”

“Oh, I work a lot, and I happen to love it. I’m one of the lucky few who feels truly passionate about what I do. But you know what?” A gratified smile lighted the Latina’s face. “All my successes combined don’t hold a candle to Sunday mornings… on my bed, doing the crossword puzzle, sipping on my coffee – authentic coffee… not the backwater you gringos drink… with my husband’s arm around my waist as he snores loudly until midday.”

It was evident from the expression on Lucia’s face that she was speaking the truth. It caught Jodi a bit off guard; after all, this person had access to the most exclusive parties and trendiest establishments around the city. She could mingle with artists, businessmen and socialites alike. To know she would rather just spend a day at home spoke volumes about her family life. It almost made Jodi wish she could say the same… almost. “That sounds lovely… boring, but lovely.”

“Ha! You call it boring; I call it heavenly.” Lucia finished her wine glass before adding. “You should try it someday.”

It was time for Jodi to get back to her lunch. She decided on a Hashami roll next. “You still haven’t answered my question about why you introduced me to Mary. Oh, and by the way, you should know that I already asked her out.” She bit into the sushi with a desire she usually reserved for her craft.

Tom finally joined the conversation. “That’s pleasantly out of character.” The artist was still miffed about Tom talking to Lucia behind her back, so she punished him the best way she knew how; she ignored him.

“That’s great news, Jodi,” Lucia said after swallowing a bite of her salmon. “And to answer your question, I just thought you two would be great together. Mary is a very hard-working, ambitious, and responsible adult, but she sometimes forget that she is still young and that there’s more to life than her career. You are the perfect person to teach her to… lighten up. Meanwhile, you need someone who can help you slow down, think before you act… teach you to take the time to enjoy everything that life has to offer.”