Trust Me

highlight in color the stuff that’s running low. Now you won’t have to go through the supplies list item by item every day. Just look for anything formatted in purple.”
    Desdemona was instantly alarmed. “You didn’t change any of the commands, did you?”
    “Relax. I didn’t alter the commands.”
    “You’re sure? Every time you mess around with my computer I have to learn something new. You know how I hate that. Now that I’ve finally got the hang of the thing, I don’t want to have to spend time relearning a new version of any of the programs.”
    “You gotta stay current to stay competitive. Regular software updates for specialized programs like this one are the wave of the future.”
    “In the catering business, staying current means that I know the difference between a vegetarian meal and a vegan meal. Tony, what’s a fractal?”
    “It’s a computer-generated art. You must have seen some of it. Weird-looking, intricate designs in bright, intense colors. When you create fractal art on a computer screen it keeps evolving and changing. You can freeze a single moment of it and frame it.”
    “Oh, right.” Desdemona smiled, pleased. “I think I saw some framed examples at Stark’s house. The pictures looked like something from another planet.”
    “Yeah.”
    “I need my chair, Tony. I have to plan a vegan buffet menu for a luncheon next week.”
    “Sure.” Tony hit a couple more keys and then got to his feet. He finally looked at her. “Something wrong?”
    “No, of course not.” Desdemona went around the edge of her desk and took her chair.
    “You look kind of strange.”
    “Gosh, thanks. You’re not looking too bad, yourself.”
    “I’m serious. You look… I don’t know. A little different.”
    Juliet opened the office door and stuck her head around the corner. “Desdemona, if you’ve got anything on this weekend, cancel it. I’ve found Mr. Dream Machine for you.”
    “Forget it,” Desdemona said. “I’m busy.”
    “No excuses. This guy is terrific,” Juliet enthused. “He’s the new artistic director at the Madison Street Theater. You’re going to love him.”
    “No, I won’t.” Desdemona reached for her daily schedule book.
    “Yes, you will,” Juliet coaxed. “He’s really a nice guy. Give him a chance.”
    “I said no.” Desdemona gave her cousin a smug, complacent smile. “Thank you for the thought, but as it happens, I’m going to be busy.”
    “You mean you’ve got a catering job scheduled?”
    “No, this is personal, not business.”
    Tony’s face tightened. “What’s up? You got a hot date this weekend?”
    “Not yet,” Desdemona said. “But I expect to have one.”
    “Really?” Juliet’s eyes widened. “With Stark?”
    “Yep.”
    “This is getting serious, isn’t it?” Juliet murmured thoughtfully.
    “Yes, it is.”
    “Hell,” Tony muttered. “I still can’t believe you’ve fallen for him.”
    Desdemona shrugged. “You know what they say about opposites attracting.”
    “Opposites?” Bess edged Juliet out of the doorway. “Did I hear someone say something about opposites attracting?”
    “Yes, you did.” Desdemona scanned a list of many items suited to a vegan meal. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to get to work.”
    “Are we talking about Stark?” Bess demanded.
    “Yes, we are.” Desdemona glanced up. “Juliet, did you start the miniature spinach quiches we need for the baby shower today?”
    “They’re in the oven. And they’re really cute. Why don’t you do them for that luncheon you’re planning? They’d look nice next to the buckwheat noodle salad.”
    “Forget it. This is a vegan menu, remember? No eggs or dairy products.”
    “That’s right. I forgot.” Juliet eyed her closely. “Are you serious about being serious about Stark?”
    “Yes, I am.”
    “Shit.” Tony slammed the flat of his hand against the office wall. “You’re sleeping with him, aren’t you?”
    Desdemona blushed to the roots of her hair. “That’s none of your business.”
    “The hell it isn’t.” Tony swung around to confront her. “You’re my sister.”
    Desdemona sighed. “Tony, I’m twenty-eight, soon to be twenty-nine. I own my own business, I pay taxes, and I have an excellent credit rating. 1 think I’m old enough and stable enough to have a mature relationship.”
    “You are sleeping with him,” Juliet breathed. “Desdemona, this is incredible.”
    “You’re actually having an affair with a