“Ah. Steel is good. We need steel to build those resorts.”
“Indeed, you all do.” Zara finished her drink and put her empty glass aside. “Believe it or not, I’m mostly an artist. Not making me millions anytime soon, but it’s a good way to spend one’s life.”
“Being an artist on a boat? I would think so.” As a European, Miquela had a lot of respect for the arts. And sailing. Combiningthe two had never occurred to her before, though. “What’s your medium?”
“A bit of this, a bit of that. I dabble in paint, sculpture, and even woodwork if I fancy it. I bought the apartment right next to mine to turn it into a studio. I’m also a lazy bitch. Most of us useless Americans are.”
“Smart.”
“I know! You Europeans should get on this lazy train.”
This woman’s a trip. A fun trip, but a trip, nonetheless. “Your significant other lets you get away with this?”
“Nah, I’m single.” She seemed rather proud of that fact. “Serially single, if you know what I mean.”
Zara picked up her empty glass so she and Miquela could toast to that statement.
“What about you? Got a woman back in Monaco?”
“Not quite.” There were women in Monaco.Quite a few broken hearts, truth be told.None of them was really Miquela’s type. Too high maintenance. Not willing to have enough fun in the bedroom. She liked her women adventurous and willing. Like June.
Miquela glanced at the available yacht next door. Was it fate that it was called theSt. Jude? Wasn’t that the apostle of lost causes? Like being in a relationship with June…
She wants me to become her patron. Having her on call whenever Miquela wanted? Being able to bring June back to her apartment, or take her to Europe for some fun in the Mediterranean sun? Sounded like heaven. Miquela didn’t even mind spoiling her with presents. She had already asked about the Manoir’s gifting policy, since every house had its own rules. Some were open to anything for anyone, but the Manoir made it clear that no gifts worth above a certain amount were allowed… unless the woman was her patron. Naturally, everything Miquela thought about giving her fair and sexy June was wellabove the limit. Funny. She never would’ve thought that paying for the privilege of gifting expensive items was so appealing.
“There are a lot of beautiful and eligible women around here. Best news? All the rich dykes like us are being scooped up. More women for the rest of us.”
“I had heard such things. Quite a few weddings, isn’t there?”
“There’s a reason the social papers are doing so well right now. Do you know of Etta Coleman? She’s getting married in a couple of months. Big deal.”
“Ah, yes, I know her. I’m actually having dinner with her next week.”
“I’ve met her a few times. She doesn’t have as much use for steel as the other girlies.”
They were silent again, Miquela enjoying the last of her beer while Zara fiddled with some ropes. The way she wove them together with dexterous fingers told of an expert naval officer and artist. There was technique, then there was style. “Do you know anything about that vessel there?” Miquela pointed to theSt. Jude. “I may be in the market while I’m here.”
“That one? Seems like a nice little thing. Don’t see it out much. The owner doesn’t live around here anymore, so I think that’s why he’s selling.”
“I see.”
“Thinking about grabbing it? Aw, we could be marina neighbors!”
It was not in Miquela’s nature to say,“I would like that,”but she smiled, conveying that she was not opposed to such an idea.
“A registered letter came for you while you were gone, Madame,” Aimee said over the phone. “I signed for it as I was heading out the door.”
Miquela relaxed in the elevator as she ascended to her floor. “Merci, Aimee. Go ahead and enjoy the rest of your day. Tomorrow, I’ll need you to make some phone calls about a boat.”
She could practically hear Aimee smile on the other end. “Already getting into the sailing game again, are we, Madame?”
“A woman needs some comforts of home. Have a good day, Aimee.”
Sure enough, a letter awaited Miquela on the kitchen counter. While it was addressed to her, the return address was a crypticLMand nothing more. Nevertheless, Miquela knew what it was right away. What else couldLMstand for other than Le Manoir?
She tore it open, finding one simple piece of rice paper emblazoned with a fleur-de-lis header.
“You are cordially invited to act as patron to resident June,”the letter began. “We will accept starting bids of $30,000 this next week.”There were instructions on how to bid, as well as highlights of the perks included with being a patron.
