Ocky agreed with poor grace and they went about locking down the office. A few minutes later they pulled into adjoining parking spaces close to the door of the Village Roaster.

Though the desserts were arranged in the display case as seductively as possible, Marissa knew the calories, fat and carbs for each item. Knowledge was power and she was inured to their charms. She ordered her coffee iced with skim, no cream and stirred in nocal sweetener and a dash of cocoa powder while she waited for Ocky to join her. Even though she didn’t want the large brownie and the whipped mocha with real sugar that Ocky was going to consume, she still felt a pang of resentment over the matter of genetics. It wasn’t fair but whining didn’t burn calories.

“So I really think we’re going to be able to pull out a quarter of our capital each by the end of the next five years. Plus increase our partners’ draw. Finally make a real living after all our hard work and investment.” Ocky bit off a substantial chunk of the brownie and licked chocolate sprinkles off her lip.

“Thing is, in five years condos are going to cost that much more, Ocky. You already have a place.”

“With a second mortgage on it for the business.”

“I know,” Marissa conceded. If she had to, she would point out that Ocky’s condo had appreciated double in the ten years she’d owned it. Patiently, she said, “If I use my trust payout this time I can get into one of the complexes about three miles from work. I could run to work, in fact.” The idea of being able to combine her need for regular, consistent exercise with her commute suited Marissa’s sense of symmetry.

She took a large swallow of her iced coffee before adding, “It’s ideal. The mortgage payment will be more than rent but I’d get the interest deduction and come out ahead. It makes such good financial sense for me right now.”

Ocky licked an errant bit of cream from her upper lip. “I understand that but we’ve been planning your capital investments since almost the start.”

“I know, but the last year has been so good I thought the business could get a real business loan instead of Bank of Marissa’s Dead Grandmother.”

Ocky frowned. “This is all out of left field, you know.”

“We talked about it five years ago. I know I said I’d be willing to invest, so yeah, I’m changing my mind.” Marissa wanted in the worst way to add, “Haven’t you noticed that I’ve changed?” But she took a deep breath instead and watched Ocky’s fingers drum the table, even as a small part of her realized she wasn’t all gooeyhearted at the sight of Ocky licking her lips. That, at least, was something.

“Are you sure you don’t want a bite?” Ocky abruptly leaned forward with a large chunk of brownie on her fork.

Marissa reared back as if stung. “No, but thanks.”