Witches? Vampires, Antoine?

“Don’t call me an idiot!!” Marie yelled as her husband pulled in to their driveway. “Just stop the car and let me out!”

“You are an idiot! I can’t believe you think those people are vampires!” he shouted back ignoring her request to stop, going over to the garage and opening it with Marie sitting back in silent rage.

Antoine got out and went over to open her door and extended his hand for her to take to help her out. She pushed it hard away from her, and with difficulty got out maddened that he did not believe her.

“Don’t walk away from me!” he shouted grabbing her arm now to stop Marie. No wife of his was going to walk away from him he thought, enraged.

“F…. OFF!” she yelled jerking her arm out of his grip, pacing quickly towards the front door. She took her keys out and unlocked the door, hearing Antoine’s heavy footsteps come up behind as she got in to the foyer and over to the security alarm, that was not on. “You didn’t even put the God damn alarm on again!”

“I’m sick of this shit!” he shouted following her down the stairs trying to catch up with her. “Bitch!”

Antoine headed down the hallway just behind Marie who got to their bedroom trying to close the door on him.

“I want the F…. to be alone!” she yelled as he pushed the door in easily with his strength edged on by anger. “Get out of here!”

“Damn it! Would you shut up!” he said grabbing her again. “I don’t want you talking that way to me! I don’t want you using that word again to me!”

“Let go of me Antoine!” she shouted trying to get out of his grasp.

“I said shut up! Get ready for bed! I don’t want to talk about this anymore!” he shouted releasing her and pushing her towards her wardrobe.

Marie saw the anger in her husband’s eyes and backed off, going in to her wardrobe to change in a furry, but saying nothing as he had ordered. Antoine had calmed down a bit pleased that she had at least done something he wanted for once. And that was to shut up. He went to his wardrobe and changed in to his new sleep shorts and robe Marie bought him then went to the bathroom to use the toilet. Marie was washing her face with the Oil of Olay cloth she used, looking in to the mirror and at him. Antoine could not hold his tongue as he caught her eye.

“Do you see me?” he asked sarcastically, but all Marie did was click her tongue and look away.

He turned his back to her, starting to go pee-pee then felt the wet cloth hit his back hard, making him jump slightly. It was not the first time she had thrown something at him, remembering the TV Guide, the last object to hit his back. His Cara had gone from subdued when he first met her to wild- cat, now when she was beyond angry. But he knew it was because he made her feel more confident and expressive, so he did not mind all that much. Well, he did not mind thinking about it after a few hours. At the time he was usually as angry as she was. After he finished Antoine brushed his teeth then picked up the small cloth, ever the neat-nick, tossing it in to the toilet and leaving the seat up. Another topic of discussion they often had. But tonight it would serve her right if she sat down on the cold ceramic without a seat he smirked to himself.

Marie sat on her side of the bed, the left side, grabbing the TV remote from the nightstand and turning it on. She started to surf the channels while putting up the volume to irritate Antoine, smirking herself as he came in to the room. Marie watched the TV ignoring him when he was looking and watching him when he was not. He threw his robe on the chair by the fireplace and began to start a fire, as it was chilly and they had grown accustom to it almost every night. Marie stared at his back and his muscles, then his arms that were bulging as he lifted the wood easily placing the logs in the fireplace. There was no way she was going to say she was sorry even to make peace she said to herself. Antoine got up after the flames were high enough and drew the metal curtain to enclose them, then turned and walked towards the bed. He picked up the decorative pillows and put them to the side then got underneath the satin comforter, stretching out on his back with his head on the soft pillow. He reached over to the lamp to his side and turned it off then looked over to his wife as she continued to stare at the TV. Marie was still holding the remote when he reached again with his large hand and took it, turning the volume down then handing it back to her.

“You’re really asking for it”, she said under her breath a few minutes later.

Antoine smiled to himself knowing she loved to have the last word in their fights. He had expected her to say something and now that was over, so he turned on his side with his back to her and tried to fall a sleep. He did quickly and so did Marie when she dropped her guard, finally overcome by the long hours and the exhaustion from the argument.

Antoine dreamed about Pierre at the restaurant as he was cooking, over a stove that had flames shooting up. He looked around and there were flames all over and he was watching calmly, then he started to walk through them towards his friend. His Mother was telling him something and he could hear her voice and then saw her face. The next moment he was at a party and everyone had bright white faces and they greeted him as he walked around. Antoine was home now and lying next to Marie and he could hear voices but he could not get up as hard as he tried. They were coming from the windows and he needed to get up to look. Why could he not get up he asked himself? Was he dreaming or was he awake, then he felt a hand on his arm and Marie calling him.

Antoine’s body jerked awake sure that Marie was trying to get him up, he turned his body over and saw her sleeping peacefully, still seated up against the headboard. He got up and went to use the toilet, this time putting the seat down, as his anger was gone now. Then he went back in to the room and over to his wife, taking her glasses off first then scooting her down and under the covers. She did not stir as he kissed her forehead gently, thinking about what to do in the morning to make peace with her, and when he got in to bed Marie in her slumber turned and put her arm around him. At least she was not mad at him now he thought as he felt the cool silk of her pajamas against his skin.

By nine in the morning Antoine was up, showered and dressed allowing his wife to sleep on. His dream had disturbed him enough to call Pierre to meet him for breakfast and before he set out he told Theresa he would be back by three, having other appointments after. On his way down Coast Highway he phoned the florist he used on occasion and ordered two dozen long stem, white roses that Marie loved now better than the yellow she had preferred before. He had never given any of his client’s flowers as to him it was an intimate gesture, particular roses. After settling what to say on the card, he put his cellular away and it began its funny little sound that annoyed him indicating a call coming in.

“This is Antoine”, he said as he waited to turn left on to Santa Monica Boulevard.

“Mr. Laconte. This is Stefan Delphi’s assistant. Mr. Delphi asked me to phone you with details on his gathering this evening at Falcons Lair” the young man said.

“Yeah, go ahead I’m listening”, said Antoine rudely not liking the wimpy voice for some reason.

“Mr. Delphi will send a car for you” he started to say and Antoine interrupted him.

“I’ll drive myself, just tell me what time. I can find the place” he exclaimed. “Also, tell Mrs. Delphi my wife will attend her ceremony on Friday.”

“Oh, yes, of course Mr. Laconte. Please be at Falcons Lair by eleven this evening. And I’ll convey your message to Mrs. Delphi. I’m sorry to interrupt you, have a nice day” the young man said then hung up.

Antoine knew Marie’s curiosity, so he relayed her acceptance himself, he would drive her on Friday and wait in his office until the witches ceremony was finished just incase she needed some help. Maybe they were planning to use her as a human sacrifice he laughed then he thought perhaps he should keep a closer eye on her that night. He finally got to Westwood Boulevard and turned left in to the small university village around UCLA and pulled in to the breakfast café he often went to in the morning. Pierre was just parking his PT Cruiser, so Antoine parked in the space next to him, got out and set his alarm.

“Bonjour Antoine!” said Pierre happily. “I heard you and Marie had dinner last night on Sunset. Was everything all right?”

Antoine came up to him and slapped him on the back as they walked towards the entrance.

“It was excellent as always! I can’t believe it’s as popular as it is! Anyway, I was hoping you’d be there” he replied.

“There was an emergency at Citrus. The shipment of meat I ordered showed up late so I had to help out”, Pierre stated. “Were you looking for me for some specific reason?”

“I’ll tell you about it after we order some coffee” Antoine exclaimed as they approached the young hostess who would always make it a point to flirt with him. “Two and bring coffee right away” he said to her rather abruptly, bothered more now with the attention he always got.

“You need to get a wedding band my friend”, laughed Pierre. “Why didn’t you buy one when you were at Tiffany’s getting Marie’s ring?”

“I don’t know, I thought maybe she should pick one out for me. I liked Todos’s ring but he wanted it back” Antoine remarked. “Anyway, a wedding ring seems to make women more hot for me.”

“It’s because they know you’re not available. Well, are you going to tell me or not if you gave her the ring yet?” he said as they were served coffee.

“At Spagos during lunch yesterday. Marie cried, in fact I was so touching I almost cried myself” he smiled.

“Mon Dieu! You’re so full of yourself! What did you say to her?” Pierre questioned.

“Actually I don’t remember the exact words. I was nervous, if you can believe that! I had to keep my hand from shaking when I put the ring on her” he remarked. “I was worried she wouldn’t like the ring, or it wouldn’t fit, but she loved it. Maybe, I’ll drop by Tiffany’s today and pick her up something to go along. Make up for last night.”

“What did you do now?” his friend chuckled as the waitress came up. “I’ll have the Denver omelet with white toast. Do you have marmalade? Also, a glass of orange juice.”

“We have marmalade sir”, the young waitress said who often served Antoine now turning to get the handsome Italian’s order. “What would you like Mr. Laconte?”

“I’ll have the same”, he said tossing the menu down instead of handing it to her as Pierre did. “We had a fight. I said some stupid things. You know how I get? Anyway, we had quite a night before that. It’s a long story.”

“I know you called me to talk about it Antoine. Tell me what happened” Pierre replied putting more cream in his coffee.


Marie finally woke up at half past ten and got ready for a day working at home with Hanna. She put on a pair of dark green legging and a matching sweater then slipped on the cute open toed pumps she had just bought. Theresa was with her sister out in the back talking to the pool man who they had found out was from Costa Rica also. He was the new pool man Antoine hired having told the young, buff one from before to find another job. Marie was amused at that overt display of jealousy on her husband’s part, picking now a very unattractive one to take his place. She went to the frig and got the orange juice out and poured a glass that was waiting on the table for her and sat and drank it looking out at the three laughing. Then she heard Hanna over the intercom.

“I’m here!” she shouted then started down the stairs not waiting for a reply. Hanna walked in to the kitchen first and saw Marie with her back towards her. “Hi” Hanna said and Marie turned around.

“White roses?” asked Marie knowing they were from Antoine, watching Hanna carry the large vase in and put it in front of her.

“The delivery guy was outside so I signed for them. God! Two dozen! What’d you do to earn that?” she laughed then got a cup of coffee.

“We had a real blow out last night. He just pushes my buttons sometimes!” Marie exclaimed as she took the small white envelope from the arrangement and opened it, reading the note that said “Love, Antoine.” “He also knows what to do for me to forgive him.”

“So what did you guys fight about? Are you finally telling him you don’t want sex every night?” Hanna asked sitting opposite Marie.

“Is that all you think about? For your information, I’m along way from faking headaches” Marie laughed as she got up. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

Marie went in to the living room to use the telephone there for some privacy and she dialed her husband’s cell number that rang twice before he activated it. She was not mad anymore and she never held a grudge, very much like Antoine who blew up and got over it.

“This is Antoine”, his deep, accented voice answered.

“Hi” she said softly waiting for his reply.

“Hi Cara. Did you just get up? I thought I’d let you sleep this morning”, he said intimately.

“Just a while ago. Thank you for the roses. They’re beautiful. Where are you?” she asked.

“Didn’t Theresa tell you? I’m having breakfast with Pierre right now. I just told him about the Delphi’s. Anyway, I was about to call you and ask a favor” he said.

“What is it?” Marie questioned as Umberto came in now.

“I’d like you to pick out a wedding ring for me. I feel naked without one now. Will you do this for me Cara?” he asked sweetly she thought.

“I’d like that Antoine. I’ll pop up to Tiffany’s today. What size do you wear?” she inquired very happy about his request as she looked at her new ring.

“I wear a 10. I’m glad you like the flowers. I have to go now, so I’ll see you about five” he replied then she said goodbye, he pressed end and put his cell away.

Pierre smiled at him the entire time but jealous also, of what his friend had and he did not. He had never thought Antoine would settle down but here he was asking a woman to pick out a ring for him.

“No apology?” Pierre asked still eating his omelet.

“I only apologize when I’m wrong. And she’s not going to apologize. We just had a difference of opinion. I wanted to send her flowers anyway” he replied. “Would you hurry up and finish! You’re so slow sometimes!”

Marie hung the receiver up and went back in to the kitchen to find Theresa there making a bowl of oatmeal for her. Marie told her she had spoken to Antoine and she knew where he was, then she sat down again and began to eat her hot cereal. Hanna took her briefcase from the chair next to her and opened it up, bringing a manila envelope out and taking its contents and putting it in front of her. Marie watched as her secretary separated several credit cards, a signature card and a pen.

“Antoine had me arrange for you to be put on his credit cards and bank account. You have an American Express Platinum Plus, Master Card, Visa, Saks, Neiman-Marcus, Tiffany, and a credit line at Armani. I need you to sign the backs and also the signature card for the bank” Hanna said efficient as always but waiting for some reaction. “Don’t get women’s lib on me now Marie!”

“Me, Women’s Lib? I’d like someone else to pay for me for once. Mark never did” Marie replied looking at her name on the AE card that said Marie Laconte. “I can get rid of his name now and stop using Davis. I like the sound of Marie Laconte. Give me the pen. When do I get my checks?”

“Antoine thought you’d make a stink somehow. Anyway, I’ll take this over to the bank and order the checks. You should have them in a week or so, and I’ll get something similar to the ones you have” Hanna retorted. “You’ll have separate checks but drawn off the same account.”

“Can you go get my handbag Hanna? I’ll switch my cards and give you my old ones to put in the safe at work”, Marie asked and Hanna nodded and got up leaving for the bedroom.

“That is something we should put in”, said Umberto now coming for some coffee and sitting down. “I’ll take one of those cards.”

“So what’s up with you today? Find any information on the building?” she asked sipping her coffee.

“I’m having some furniture exchanged in two of the bedrooms. They were bothering me. You’ll like it better. To answer your second question, I have to show you something” he said putting his briefcase up on the table, taking out a rather large book and opening it to a specific page. “This is the man who built The Delphi Building. I knew it had to be some relation of the young man that has it now. It’s his Grandfather Dimitri Delphi. Here take a look.”

Umberto passed the book over and Marie looked at the photo taken in 1922. He looked like Stefan’s twin and Marie got that weird feeling again, like the one she had after she looked in her compact the night before.

“What about this guy Dimitri? Did you find anything on him?” Marie questioned still looking at the black and white photo.

“He was wealthy and a bachelor. He was in the social mainstream during those days. The only thing peculiar is the fact he had no children. I think maybe he had a child out of wedlock and the kid showed up after he died. I did contact the Title Company I used when I bought my house and asked them to do a search. You know a chain of title”, Umberto stated. “That how I got my theory. The building was deeded over in 40 to a Stefan Delphi Sr. and then in 91 to this current Stefan.”

“They’re Greek names aren’t they?” Marie inquired and Umberto nodded. “Did you read anything about this Dimitri being an immigrant or was he American?”

“I didn’t read anything that mentioned that. And I couldn’t get any information at all on the two Stefan’s or any photos. What do you think?” he asked his patron and now friend.

“I think I’ll have my cousin Kathy call the Immigration guy that was hassling us before. She’s got an in with him now. May be he can tell us if this Dimitri came from Greece or anything else”, she stated. “This is all just too creepy.”

“Marie! You think this man has been assuming identities all these years? You really think he’s a vampire don’t you?” Umberto laughed seeing it in her face.

“Please, it’s a long story. I really got in to it with Antoine about that very thing last night. I don’t know what I believe anymore, but I’m not going to let it lay. Particularly when my husband’s going to get involved with him”, Marie responded. “As I am with his wife.”

The doorbell rang and Umberto got up knowing it was the furniture that was to be delivered precisely at eleven-thirty and Marie followed him in to the living room. She went over to the bar to put a shot of vodka in her orange juice as a pick me up then went in to the office where Hanna was on a phone call with the elder Laconte’s secretary. Marie listened to what sounded like another new bit of business she had to attend to for the Corporation and she finally made a decision she had been putting off.

“Can you get David on the line for me Hanna?” she asked after Hanna told her about the company Mr. Laconte was interested in around the San Francisco area.

Hanna went over to the desk set up for her in the alcove by the window and rang David Ellis telling him Marie wished to speak to him and to hold.

“Hi David. I hope I’m not interrupting”, she inquired. “I have something important I need to talk to you about.”

“About dropping your client’s Marie?” he asked and she laughed slightly.

“Am I that obvious? Yes. I’m too busy with family business now. God! I can’t believe I called it that. I guess it is my family business. Anyway, I hope you’re not disappointed David. I just can’t put in the time especially with IBM” Marie exclaimed.

“No, I know your heart isn’t in it anymore. Sorry, I didn’t mean you weren’t doing a bang up job, but you’re interested in other things now. Do you want me to make the necessary contacts?” David questioned.

“If you wouldn’t mind. And I also want my name changed to Laconte in the Partnership agreement. As soon as possible please. Thanks for everything David” she said softer.

“You’re welcome Marie. I guess I’ll see you on Monday. I’ve got another call, got to go” David finished and hung up after Marie said goodbye.

“Here’s a fax we just got from your witch friend. She’s confirming your husband’s call about coming to her ceremony on Friday” Hanna said handing Marie the hardcopy fax.

“I wonder why Antoine did that without talking to me? Maybe I scared the hell out of him with my yelling last night and he didn’t want to talk to me about it” Marie stated.

“You scare him? Mr. Scary?” Hanna laughed. “What world do you live in?”

“I’ll have to call him that” Marie joined Hanna’s giggling. “Mr. Rude, Mr. Nasty and a few others I can think of too!” She brought her attention to the fax and read it further. “She’s giving me suggestions for appropriate attire, etiquette during the ceremony, what to say and not to say, and some other things of interest. Is this woman, I mean witch for real?”

“Anything I need to get for you?” asked Hanna still giggling.

“A crucifix, a big one” Marie answered and they both started a giggling fit that lasted a long time.

Antoine was in his office at The Delphi Building feeling again the angst he did the day before as he looked up occasional at the walls. They seemed closer as if they were moving in to engulf him, trying to tell him something.

“What’s wrong Antoine?” asked Charles Cavanaugh as he sat discussing business.

“Have you ever dealt with the owner of this building? Or his wife?” Antoine questioned.

“No. I’ve had no reason to. I leased the office through an agent years ago and never had the pleasure to come in contact with him. His son took over about ten years ago” Cavanaugh stated. “Have you met him?”

“A couple nights ago. He’s an eccentric that thinks he’s a vampire. His wife is a witch and she runs the company on the thirteenth floor” Antoine remarked. “My wife thinks he’s on the level.”

“A vampire, a real vampire? I’ve heard there’s people around that pretend they are. But the whole living dead concept is ridiculous” he replied.

“That’s what I told Marie. Actually I called her ridiculous and I think an idiot” Antoine laughed as he shared that with the older man he was comfortable with. “I just have to watch my back.”

“Have you been getting bad vibes around here too?” asked the older man and Antoine nodded. “I recall now that I did when we first moved in too. But then it passed. I forgot about that. Over forty years ago.”

Antoine and Cavanaugh had lunch together across the street at a hotel that was just as old as The Delphi Building and very elegant. They had gone there several times and enjoyed talking, as Cavanaugh had been somewhat of a maverick back when he was younger. He had done some checking on Antoine and knew he was arrested for prostitution with charges dropped. Now the young Italian was married to a very prominent attorney and the owner of half his Father’s wealth. The American businessman admired him for having gotten on the straight and narrow becoming a very fine businessman himself. The older Frenchman and his Italian son had gotten him out of the mess Cavanaugh blamed himself for and for that he would be eternally grateful.

“My car is back isn’t it?” Marie asked Hanna after seeing it was nearly three in the afternoon.

“From the dealership? I don’t know Marie. I’ll go check for you” Hanna said getting up and leaving for the garage.

Marie had wanted to leave for Tiffany’s so she could be back in time to greet Antoine at five. She had called Kathy about getting information on Dimitri Delphi and got an update on Harris’s daughter who had gotten through surgery. She was still in intensive care but the prognosis was excellent and recovery expected. Marie then thought about Carmella again for the umpteenth time and what she would like to do to her for lying to Antoine all those years. Not only about his Father but about his supposed sterility. She then made up her mind to make a side trip to Rome when she traveled to Paris the week after. Even a good punch in the mouth would at least be something for all the misery Carmella put Antoine through. The thought of physical violence was very attractive to Marie who started to smile at the image she conjured of the snotty woman sprawled out on the floor unconscious. Hanna came back and brought her out of her “Chuck Norris” daydream.

“It’s not there but Antoine’s Mercedes is. Why don’t you take that?” Hanna asked going back to her desk.

“I hate driving stick shift. I’ll strip his gears for sure. Why don’t you drive me? You’re car’s stick” Marie inquired. “I want to get his ring today.”

Hanna agreed, happy to go with and help her at Tiffany’s so she gathered her belongs as Marie went to get her jacket, and Antoine’s car keys. They left quickly as the traffic would be heavier at that time and got in to the black Mercedes convertible leaving the top down, as the day was quite pleasant. There was no way they were going to get back home by five Marie thought, as Hanna parked in the back of the jewelry shop. It was already four, but she would wait to phone her husband about the delay after she picked out the ring so she could tell him. Neither women had been in the shop for a while having no purpose to be there. Marie was just beginning to like expensive jewelry she remarked to Hanna as she twisted her diamond tennis bracelet around which was a habit she had developed.

“May I help you?” asked the slightly older man dressed in a black suit and tie, then he recognized the diamond ring on Marie’s hand. “Are you Mrs. Laconte?”

“Yes, I am. How did you know that?” Marie smiled as he approached them.

“I helped your husband with your wedding ring. It is one of our best. The three- carat oval is flawless as are the other two on the sides. I hope you like it” he stated.

“I love it and the fit is perfect. Now I need to pick out a ring for him. I’d like something in Platinum like mine, in a size 10” Marie requested as she followed the man to a small counter. He took out a platinum band with a diamond on it. “No, I just meant a Platinum band. It’s got to be very masculine looking too.”

“This one looks like Antoine”, said Hanna taking one of the rings off the velvet cushion the man was placing a selection on. “What’s the black made out of?”

Marie took the thick Platinum band and looked at it carefully. It was stripped on the top with what looked to her like onyx, which the man confirmed. It would suit Antoine but the band was just too thick and she knew he wouldn’t like it. The man excused himself and went in to the back and brought out a ring similar but with Black Opal, in size 10 and Marie fell in love with it.

“Yes, I’ll take this. It’s very striking and very elegant. It will also go with his wardrobe” Marie stated. “How much is this one?”

“Fifty thousand. If you don’t mind me saying, having met your husband, I think this will suit him nicely. It’s a strong ring for a strong man” he stated smiling adding that last remark to close the deal. “Shall I put that on your Tiffany card Mrs. Laconte?”

“God! I forgot I had it. I hate using his money to pay for his ring. But, I guess it’s ok” Marie stated taking her wallet out and her new credit card, handing it to the man. “Can you put the ring case in one of those pretty blue boxes. Also, one of your little blue bags for me to carry.”

“I wonder how much your ring was Marie?” asked Hanna as she stood by her boss/friend.

“I have no idea and I’m not asking. I just hope Antoine got it insured” Marie answered taking her cell out and speed dialing him.

Antoine was in his Lamborghini driving west on Wilshire almost to Beverly Hills when his phone went off. It was quarter to five and he was running late himself, as the traffic was unbearable. He honked his horn for the slow woman in the car ahead while he answered his cell.

“What the Hell are you doing, old lady? This is Antoine!” he shouted as he honked the horn again. “Can’t you see its forty here! Not ten!”

“Antoine!” shouted Marie to get his attention.

“Sorry Cara. This old lady in front of me is driving like a snail” he replied honking his horn again. “I’m running late. I should be home by five-thirty.”

“That’s why I’m calling. I’m at Tiffany’s with Hanna. She drove me and I just bought your ring. It looks great!” she said excited and happy to hear his voice.

“Go to the window. I’ll be passing by in a minute and I want you to wave and blow me a kiss when you see me” Antoine said softer now. “If I can’t taste your lips this will tide me over until I see you at home. Ok Cara?”

Marie walked over to the window that looked out on to Wilshire then answered.

“Ok, I’m waiting for you. Bye, Bye” she said then pressed end putting her phone away.

Less than ten seconds later Antoine slowed his sports car and looked in to the window of Tiffany’s and saw Marie who gave him a little wave and blew him a kiss. He laughed that she had done that for him, noticing after what she was wearing and he got his cell out again and called her.

“I like you sweater” he said seductively after she answered and she giggled. “Are you braless?”

“I had a feeling you’d notice. You’ll have to find out later if I am” she replied knowing her husband would appreciate her new green sweater. It was strapless like a bodice that fit around her body with no shoulders or sleeves with a wool scarf to match.

“I approve Cara. See you. Bye, Bye” he finished and hung up knowing she had bought it for his enjoyment.

No sooner than he ended his conversation with his wife, his cell went off again. This time it was Todos asking him how things went the night before. He laughed as Antoine told him what had happened and agreed to come with him that night to Falcons Lair. Antoine wanted his friend to come, as he was wary about going alone now, so Todos would come over that night and they would leave from Malibu. Todos also informed him that Tito put a bid on the apartment in Rio and it was accepted at seven and a half million and paperwork would be started immediately. Antoine reached home by half passed and parked noticing that Marie’s car had still not been delivered and made a mental note to call the dealership in the morning. It had turned out to be an enjoyable day and he was relaxed not thinking all that much about the evening ahead of him and his meeting with Stefan. He went inside and made his way down stairs, stopping off to say hello to his fish then to the bar for a Chivas, finally sitting on the sofa that faced the ocean to watch the sunset.

“I’m home!” shouted Marie half an hour later coming down the massive staircase seeing Antoine on the sofa who turned and smiled.

“What took you so long Cara? Did you buy something else for yourself?” he asked getting up to get her a glass of white wine.

“Just a bottle of perfume. They sell their own fragrance now” she said going over to the bar and lifting her wrist to his nose. “Do you like it?”

“Very nice, I like the musky scent. I bit like your Obsession but better”, he answered handing her the glass of Pinot Grigio. “Is that my ring?” Marie nodded. “Let’s sit down and you can show me.”

They went back to the sofa and Marie took out the little blue box and handed it to Antoine who opened it quickly. From it he took the black velvet ring case and lifted the top up to show the very elegant band. He took it out and placed it on his ring finger putting his hand up to admire it with a wide smile.

“It’s what I would have picked! It’s very elegant and I like the black design. What is it?” he said enthusiastically leaning over to kiss her lips now as she looked at him. “It’s the only ring I’ve ever owned.”

“Actually, it’s Black Opal and you paid for it” she laughed. “I got all the credit cards today, so I used the Tiffany one. I should reimburse you since it’s my gift to you.”

“Don’t be stupid! My money is your money. I want you to spend it. Why the hell would you think you need to reimburse me?” he got angry a bit then calmed down. “Never mind. I’m sorry I laid in to you like that Cara. I love the ring and I’ll always wear it for you.”

Antoine took Marie in a warm embrace and they kissed for a long time, intoxicated by the scent and taste of each other. He loved the feel of her naked arms and shoulders seductively exposed with the hint of wool around her upper body and her breasts, he knew wore no bra. Then he felt her start to smile against his lips and he broke away and looked at her erotically as she smiled wider.

“What’s amusing you?” he asked very close to her lips, which had a well- kissed look void of her red lipstick now.

“Well, if you want me to spend your money, I’d like a new car” she smiled wiping the remains of her lipstick off his full lips. “And I think a plane too!”

“A new car of course, but a plane? I think that’s too much. I’ll think about it though. Maybe one of like my Father’s” he said. “Shut up now, I want to get some private time in before Todos and Tito get here.”

Theresa and her sister came in to the living room on their way out, used to seeing the couple kissing as they often did. They were in another world so Theresa had stopped long ago even saying goodbye, leaving notes in the kitchen with instructions for dinner. And by eight the doorbell rang bringing them both back to the real world with Antoine jumping up and Marie grabbing her handbag to reapply her lipstick.

“You have lipstick all over your face! You look like a f…in clown Antoine!” laughed Tito as he and Todos strolled in.

“Have you two had dinner yet?” asked Todos as they followed their Italian friend down stairs then over to the bar as usual to find Marie pouring drinks already.

“I thought we’d order pizza. I’m not in the mood to got out. Is that ok with everyone?” she asked handing the twins their whiskeys then refilling Antoine’s glass with Chivas.

“Is there some place else besides Pizza Hut Cara?” he asked as they went over by the fireplace that was blazing.

“No! I love Pizza Hut! I’ll order the Meat Lovers Pizza” Marie replied getting up and going over to the phone as he gave her a “look.”

“Naturally! I don’t know how you can stand all that crap they put on it!” he shouted as she picked up the phone.

“I don’t know you seem to eat all of it! It’s obviously not that bad” she shouted back just as the pizza guy answered the phone so she apologized.

“Do you two ever give it a rest?” asked Todos knowing they did but still gibing Antoine.

“What the hell are you talking about? We get along fine”, he said. “Anyway, this is the ring Marie just gave me.” He put his hand up to show his friends who admired it and the man for being so lucky.

“I thought Tito would stay with Marie when we go out later. Be with her incase something happens” Todos said as Marie joined them.

“Thanks Tito! There’s some good shows on and ER is on at ten” she stated and saw his look of disappointment. “What’s wrong?”

“I was hoping to catch the soap I watch down in Rio, ‘Secreto di Amor.’ It’s on here at ten” he replied. “Estefan is about to tell his wife he is having affairs with two women.”

“Ok, that sounds better. You’ll have to translate though” she laughed. “The pizza should be here in forty-five minutes.”

“I spoke to Giovanni today and he told me one of his men met this Stefan’s father once years ago. He had a photo taken with him and he’s going to look for it. The man said the only thing he remembered about the man was he looked very young. I mean he was supposed to have been fifty and he just didn’t look it. This Father paid the family protection money for a while because someone was going after him. That was about it”, said Todos.

“Probably, Buffy The Vampire Slayer” laughed Tito and the rest. “When you think about it, if there’s all kinds of them walking around. Or flying, what ever they do. There’s got to be people going after them.”

“That’s a good point Tito! But, probably like Dr. van Helzig went after Dracula. You know, without all that super power stuff. Just a stake and holy water” she said seriously. “The things Buffy does are just too unreal!”

“Do you hear yourself Marie?” laughed her husband. “You think Buffy is unreal but the others things aren’t? Oh! Forget it!”

“I just don’t understand why you aren’t open to the possibility there are vampires Antoine” she stated giving him a “look” now.

“And all of a sudden you believe in them? Last night you kept telling me there was no such thing as vampires. And because you think you missed a few people in your damn mirror it’s different now? Why can’t you be open to the fact you might have made a mistake?” he retorted.

The doorbell rang, obvious it was the deliveryman and Marie jumped up getting disgusted again with her husband.

“Could you give me twenty dollars?” she asked him and he reached in to his pants pocket and got his wallet, retrieving the money, which he handed her.

Marie went up the stairs frustrated as they had gone through the same conversation the night before. She opened the door and took the pizza then handed him the twenty, shut the door quickly and returned to the living room.