Miriah was outside, sprawled in a deck chair, when Risha found her. “Stayed up too late last night?” Risha smirked, seeing the satisfied look on her friend’s face.

“Try most of the night,” Miriah answered, but her smiled belied any annoyance. “But Corso seems more energized than tired, he’s off out there somewhere,” she pointed to the pasture.
Risha pulled another deck chair over next to her friend. “Can I talk to you about something, kinda, personal?”

“Sure, but there’s really no way I can be any quieter, Rish, the man has serious skills.”

“Gee, thanks for that mental image, kitten,” Risha snickered, “but this is about me.” Miriah straightened in her chair, noting that her friend had an unsettled look on her face. Risha took a deep breath, slowly released it, and asked, “How do you know for absolutely certain, that a guy is The One?”

Miriah studied her friend. “You’ve met someone, Rish? Someone who makes you question your usual operating method? I’d say that sounds like your first clue.”

“I’m afraid I’m deluding myself. I see what you and the farm boy have, and I have to admit that sometimes I’m jealous,” Risha kept her eyes down, “I just, for once in my life, want something real.”

Miriah saw her friend’s obvious discomfort, and told her, ”I want that for you, Rish, cause it’s the most wonderful feeling in the world. I know my reputation is that I had a lover in every port before I met Corso, but the truth? I had only been with two others before him, but it was to my advantage to let the rumors persist. Kind of a shield, if you will, that didn’t let anyone get too close. Fortunately, Corso saw the real me through the illusion, but not all guys look that far. If you want this one to see the real you, you’ll have to show him the real you, not the persona you usually project.”

They sat quietly for a few minutes, Risha pondering her friend’s words. “Maybe you’re right,” she finally said, “but who’s the real me?”

“Risha, you are a brilliant strategist and engineer, who grew up learning the ways the galaxy operated. You have a gift for seeing possibilities. And, you’re my best girlfriend.” Miriah grinned at her as Risha laughed. They sat in companionable silence for a bit, then Risha looked at her friend.

“Two, really? Now I have to look at you differently, I’d admired your ability to hit it and move on,” Risha looked at her, ”and now, only one for the rest of your life? Not sure I can do that.”

“Yep, only one, but oh, my stars, what a one he is!” Miriah grinned wickedly at her friend. “Remember that the next time you hear me in the night-- serious skills, I’m telling you.”

Risha jumped up, threw a pillow at Miriah, and stalked off, muttering under her breath, “Wonder if I can get psychotherapy via holonet.”