Lucio took several controlled steps in Genevieve's direction. He kissed her cheek chastely and offered her his arm.

Shall we? he asked.

Yes, let's, Genevieve said, her eyes never leaving Lucio's. Please remember to lock up when you leave for your dad's, she added without a glance back.

They'd reached the door when the boys began to laugh. They turned to see Josh holding the satin pillow and Jason holding HeatherLynn's leash. The dog herself sat patiently on the carpet, her tiny pink tongue poking out, waiting to be picked up.

Aren't you forgetting something? Josh asked.

Lucio was thoroughly embarrassed that they'd forgotten the pet that would be required for the pet portrait. Of course, he said, accepting the leash from Jason. Thank you for all your help tonight, gentlemen.

Josh leaned close and whispered, Looks like you're going to need all the help you can get, dude.

I believe you may be right about that, Lucio whispered back, giving the boys a wink.

I must askwhere did you get the incredible dress?

Ginger smiled to herself as she pushed around her salad with a fork. It was a pity that Lucio had gone to all this trouble with dinner when she didn't feel hungry. He'd tidied up Rick's lovely home and lit candles on the table. He'd poured wine. He'd pulled her chair out for her.

It was my mother's, she said. She had roles in a bunch of low-budget movies in the mid to late sixties, and I think this may have been a costume from one of them, though I can't be sure. She's given me a bunch of her old clothes over the years.

But it fits you perfectly. Did you have it altered?

Ginger laughed. No. I barely had time to have it cleaned. And it's a little tight around the hips.

I do not mind that at all, Lucio said.

She laughed. Somehow, I knew you wouldn't.

But I do not want any other man seeing you in that dress, all right? Lucio's dark eyes sparkled.

Why is that?

Because any man with the gift of sight will try to steal you away, mi amor. I will have to fight him off with my bare, bloodied fists!

Ginger laughed. The poor guy could try all he wanted, but I'm only interested in you, Lucio.

I cannot tell you how glad I am to hear it. Lucio placed his elbows on the table and folded his hands, studying her. But I see that you are not at all interested in la tortilla de patatas y la ensalada. You've hardly eaten a thing.

No! It's very good, actually. You're an excellent cook. Ginger looked down at her lap, smoothing the napkin out over her dress, wondering how she'd tell him she didn't feel like eating.

Then why are you not enjoying it?

She looked up. Lucio was obviously puzzled, and she supposed the truth was the only way to put him at ease. She'd had sex with the manand it was the best sex of her entire lifeso why shouldn't he know where she was in her menstrual cycle?

I'm a little sick to my stomach, she said.

Lucio's eyes flew open. He looked scared to death.

I'm fine! she added, laughing in surprise at his reaction. She reached out to touch his clasped hands, his knuckles now white with tension. I just finished my period today, is all. It's nothing, really.

She watched Lucio's body nearly melt with relief. He hung his head and slowly shook it side to side, exhaling deeply.

Bonita, he said, looking up, his eyes wide. I was certain you were going to tell me you were pregnant.

Ginger stiffened, balling up the linen napkin in her lap, stung by how happy he seemed. But of course he was happy. She was happy! They were both damn happy that the whole broken-condom incident hadn't put an end to life as they knew it.

Looks like we dodged that bullet, she said, trying to sound lighthearted.

He reached for her, cradling both her hands in his. I see that my reaction hurt you. I did not mean to. Of course I am relieved, but if you were pregnant, it would not be a catastrophe, yes?

Ginger kept her face expressionless. She willed herself not to cry. What was wrong with her? Why had Lucio's reaction stung so? Did she want to be pregnant? Did she expect him to be crushed that she wasn't? What was her problem?

Right then, Ginger decided she didn't care what the doctors said. She really was going through menopause. Her period had lasted just two days and barely warranted unwrapping a tampon. And now she felt as though she had a raging case of PMS. Maybe, in her case, the acronym stood for Pretty bad Menopausal Syndrome.

Ginger took her hand from Lucio's and placed the wadded-up napkin on the table. She stood. She walked from the huge open dining area of Rick's modern house and went into the living room, now Lucio's studio. She hadn't been here since the night all hell broke loosethe night Josie got kidnapped by crazy Bennett Cummings.

Tonight felt much the same, since all hell was breaking loose in her heart.

Please tell me what's wrong. Lucio had come up behind her. He placed his hands on her hips and breathed onto her neck.

I don't know what's wrong, she said. I feel ridiculous for being so emotional. I know you probably hate it. Larry always hated it when

I am not Larry, Lucio said, spinning Ginger around so that she faced him, his equal in height in those heels. I want to know all the little things about you, yes? All the hidden corners in your mind and heart. Do not apologize for them and do not assume I will react like Larry did when you allow me to see them.

Ginger's mouth fell open.

You understand, yes?

I guess, she said, baffled.

Share it all with me, Genevieve. That is what I ask. Lucio leaned forward and kissed her forehead, then smiled at her. If you get moody in your cycle, so what? Who cares? It's natural! And if you aren't hungry for my famous potato omelet? We'll wrap it up for later. It doesn't matter. But if you are angry with me because I am relieved you aren't pregnantthen you must tell me you are angry. Share it with me, bonita. This is what I want.

Ginger swallowed hard. Seriously?

Lucio laughed. Seriously. He reached for her and drew her close to his chest, though Ginger could tell he was being careful not to smear her makeup.

Suddenly, it all made sense to her. This is what happened to you before, isn't it? Ginger asked, still wrapped in his arms.

Before?

She slipped from Lucio's embrace and stood before him. Is that why you had to get married when you were young? Was she pregnant? Do you have a child in Spain?

Lucio shook his head. No, guapa. It has never happened before. She was pregnant, yes, but I was seventeen and ignorant and I did not even bother to use a condom at all.

Ginger was shocked. So you do have a child! Why didn't you tell me?

There is no child, Lucio said abruptly. He ran his hands through his hair. She lost the baby three weeks after the wedding and immediately asked for an annulment. He shrugged, a faint shadow of sadness falling over his face. It seems so far away now that it is almost like it never happened.

Ginger did not know how to respond to that story. I am sorry about the baby, was all she could come up with.

Lucio tried to smile. I believe that things happen for a reason, yes? I have often thought that God or the universe or whatever you want to call it actually wanted me to have the life I've had. Perhaps God knew I'd make a better photographer than father. His voice was soft as he brought his face to hers. All I know is I could not have accomplished all I have if there was a child and a wife in my life.

Ginger understood. On good days, she could see her years with Larry in the same light. If she hadn't met him in college then she wouldn't have Jason and Joshuaan unthinkable possibility.