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  Lori, dressed in a pantsuit red wine, put on dark glasses, was said to be a business meeting like any other. It was stupid and childish blame him for something ...

  -You're good? He asked Peter.

  Very well, she sighed, Peter clutched his hand.

  Everything will be fine, you'll see.

  -I know.

  You did a great job, I am very proud of you.

  Oh, brother, what would you if your talented sister was not here to save your ass?

  Peter smiled.

  'I do not underestimate, hire someone who managed to match your talent and know to keep my mouth shut.

  Hah!

  They got out of the car and entered the building, the elevator buttons Lori looked up the story board. On reaching the floor thirty-two took to a luxurious reception area with the signature logo in gold letters shaped in the wall. A slender woman led them to a room where a secretary announced them. Peter was talking but she barely paid attention. He wiped his sweaty hands on her skirt. He had had a week to plan strategy work and the deal would give. Act calmly, tact and professionalism.

  He goes ahead -the secretary accompanied them to the wooden door.

  Lori, fixed her hair, straightened his shoulders, swallowed hard and his heart raced as he entered the office of Michael Donelly. In seconds, he was against the cause of the only embarrassing experience he had in his life man. He struggled to stifle the urge to turn around and go and when he saw him rise from his chair and approached them, looked at her with a gesture that could not read, warmth ?, surprise ?, maybe. His penetrating gaze roamed her figure to a stop in his eyes.

  Lori, how many years no see, you're beautiful He took her hand in his, approached and kissed him on the cheek.

  Lori's heart lurched to a crazy pace when the scent of his skin danced her nostrils and felt the warmth of her lips on his face. The serious tone of his voice pierced the memories.

  Hey, Mike, has been a long time.

  Very Long she said.

  Mike greeted Peter and invited them to a meeting room adjacent to the office. a few seconds to itemize He gave, did not remember so high, his muscles barely contained in a gray suit that sure was tailored and her features had matured. The look of tormented soul who was his companion in youth had been replaced by a shrewd and uncompromising expression.

  While the two friends talked the last game of the Lakers, Lori was devoted to enlist the computer for presentation.

  Mike looked askance. He was surprised by the cool and competent woman who was in front, so far Cluttered young blond curls looking at him with devotion. It had flourished very well. precise curves, magnificent front legs and well developed. Hair pulled betrayed his features. pouty lips painted a light shade, perfect white skin. He had never been thin and did not understand the obsession with being thin women, liked to enjoy a good dinner without remorse and have fluffy and soft flesh where grab at the time of passion.

  Well, we can start.

  With an beamer Lori standing before the two men began the presentation, he gave a brief overview of the advertising company before entering the field.

  -We Are the language of brands and for us it is important to make communication a dialogue with our ideas and current technology we will become an asset of your company. We build spaces of encounter between Admiral Hotel and potential customers generating a synergy that will position your company among the most memorable.

  A sensual smile curved her lips and for a moment Lori dispersed.

  -Prometes Much.

  It's my job, 'she replied and returned to the subject. I have analyzed your company and dissected campaign advertising your former company and I can say without fear of contradiction that Mike must make big changes.

  -I hear you.

  Let's start with the logo, it is outdated and has little time duration in the minds of people. If someone talks about Admiral Hotel not distinguish it from any other and must work on a logo long stay in the minds of people.

  That logo think my grandmother. It is part of the history of the company.

  'I understand, Mike, but is dated.

  The direct look of it, it caused something strange on the skin, feeling ignored.

  Thank goodness you do not hear.

  -Who?

  -My grandmother.

  Lori smiled. He studied her face for a moment, seemed to caress her to grope each trait. She stood up to scrutiny, would have to work with him, he was used.

  The meeting continued with Lori charge, by means of slides, he showed what could be achieved and the segment of people who could come up with the new campaign.

  Mike a woman distracted by this new hot-tempered and quick response times retracted. Which he indicated high intelligence, so different from the complacent girl years ago. Imagine the clashes between the pair of brothers, where he was sure Peter would rarely victorious.

  As she spoke of clients, percentages and strategies, he returned to his gaze wander figure. It was tempting, as the forbidden fruit and was off limits when the sister of one of his best friends. Would a lover? "Shit What about you?" He glanced furtively listened attentively to Peter that the presentation of Lori. those calves so well formed around his hips imagined. "Enough!" Image scattered and returned to the subject. Lori concluded and Peter continued economic dissertation.

  The meeting ended with an invitation to lunch at the best restaurant in Los Angeles.

  If you want to go shopping on Rodeo Drive or take a walk through the hall of fame Mike said to Lori, I will put my driver at your disposal.

  That's very generous of you, I appreciate your offer, but I came into work plan.

  -Agree.

  Did not understand the attitude of Loris were friends, by God !, and she looked at him like an insect and could not understand why. He was used to his look of longing. He had noticed that she had a little crush for him in his last year of college. It seemed flattering. But then everything had changed and remembered the exact time, was the last weekend before graduation, he did not know, but the glow that used to see in the eyes of Lori to address him had disappeared as if by magic.

  As I was near the car, the smell of strawberries, which was his trademark, danced her nose and caused a strange feeling of nostalgia, of loss. They said he was a psychiatrist when he had the urge to see something of approval in his eyes What the hell happened? And he devoted himself to remember the good times together, but she acted like an icicle.

  Uncertainty accompanied him all the time, I was almost reluctant to say goodbye to her, he wanted to face her and ask her what was wrong, but the presence of Peter stopped him. With a brief farewell he left them at the airport. Unwilling to return to the office, he returned home, he changed the suit three thousand dollars in record time frayed jeans, a white shirt and a leather jacket, black boots. He took the wallet and mobile, walked to the garage, put on his helmet and climbed on his bike to go to the place that provided some reassurance.

  chapter III

  It was rush hour. It straddling black and shiny motorcycle with engine vibrated beneath him and shook the air, moving business between the hubbub of cars while maintaining speed. The sun fought in reluctant to give place to the moon horizon. The flash pavement, cold wind in the face, the stain of the buildings that rose, gave him a cherished sense of freedom.

  He came to a Catholic chapel located in Compton, a suburb south of Los Angeles, considered one of the most dangerous. Mike got off the device and then two young noisy met him.

  -Brother Greeted a young African-American descent, the other boy, Hispanic, lit a cigarette Lend me the bike I impress a female.

  Mike laughed loudly and waved back with a series of gestures.

  -Use Else to impress her, I prefer to give my balls if yours are not enough.

  You're a fagot boy said with a smile.

  Lucas came -¿Ya? Mike asked.

  Yes, he's with Father Gregorio.

  Mike entered the house attached to the church, it was a small building tha
t fulfilled several purposes, workshops of various kinds for different local people. He entered a room where the group of Alcoholics Anonymous twice a week met.

  There was a table with a coffee pot, cups and water bottles. Plastic chairs where several people sitting and waiting.

  An atrium in dark wood with a microphone. On the wall in large letters the Serenity Prayer and the group's logo, brown curtains and two artificial plants at every corner. He greeted those gathered and sat in the front row.

  Good night rumbled the voice of a man Latin looking, average height, with a beard and green eyes.

  All greeting and corresponded to reach Mike, he held out his hand and motioned for him to go up with him.

  -How are you? You wore long without coming.

  I've been traveling, but I'm aware of my people do not worry. When I traveled last week I left with Celia recommended.

  -All right. You are about to open the meeting.

  No, I will not open today, the open Francisco.

  -Seem right.

  Mike motioned the young man nervously approached the lectern, he graduated from the microphone, gave the opening greeting, the group in unison loudly replied, Hi Francisco !, followed with the serenity prayer and began his story.

  'My name is Francisco Garcia and I am an alcoholic. he continued: I started drinking in adolescence to integrate with people, because I was shy and insecure and alcohol desinhibía me, so I started drinking on weekends. My consumption increased when I came to Los Angeles and started working and spending money on women and drinks, a couple of years later I met what would be my wife, got married and had a son. But abuse and binge drinking her away from me. I lost my family, my job and almost lost my life to be in bad company. I hit rock bottom one night when I was beaten almost to death. I thought or you die or leave this filthy hole that turned your life.

  After leaving the hospital I went into a rehabilitation program a month and I'm here. He took a coin pants and proudly stood. I have three months without a drop of alcohol test, I know, that is a short time and it is a very difficult stretch, but I want to get my life and I hope to also get my family. Just for today do not consumption, is the motto, one day, twenty four hours sober, is the goal of all my days. This is a process that nobody will do for you, without this community would have been not achieved, I come because it is a program of life that helps me and I help others by sharing my experience of change. The first step is to admit that we can not control the effects of alcohol and need help.

  Thank Francisco: After the intervention, the same chorus of greeting, at the same time said was heard

  Mike congratulated the young man for his intervention. He met with his support group, were two men and a young African American woman named Althea, was four months sober and fought custody of their twins to the state. He had no more than twenty years, and children two years they had removed the Social Services because of his friendship with alcohol. He worked in a supermarket. The two Hispanic men, Andrew and Francis, who had given his testimony, were construction workers. After a bit of talk and see what they were encouraged by the speech goodbye. But not before reiterating that was available to them twenty four hours a day.

  He met Lucas at the exit who invited him to have coffee at a nearby site. They sat in the cafe and asked the two steaming drinks. The place was empty and dealt with quickly.

  How's the hovel that you want to convert youth center?

  Well, well, considering that most of the neighborhood steal, take drugs or get drunk. If I could just get some of this environment, nothing worth me all day to work them in the evenings they come home with a mother who prostitutes or drug or a father who mistreats.

  The waitress came with the couple of drinks.

  Lucas admired Mike Escamilla, had seen occasionally with water to neck but no one could break him. He believed fervently in their dreams.

  You know you have my support, money, advertising, whatever you want.

  Of course I'll take your money, you bastard.

  -Why are you here? Why do not you work in a large company?

  Lucas was a graduate of psychology at Stanford, could be anywhere in the country and yet spent his days among the needy. For him, the cynicism of Mike who only believed in himself, was disconcerting.

  Because they need me. Because I can not leave, I do not want to leave. He let out a laugh and said: Why do you walk through the city to come here? You could rub elbows with your rich men Malibu at this meeting.

  Mike took a sip of his drink and looked for the street.

  -I do not know. You were the first person who gave me his hand. I feel comfortable in this place, needed and in control of my life.

  'It's not the place, brother, is you. You have made important changes in your life How are things going with the old?

  Lucas had brought the group without pressure or demands. I just wanted to talk about the youth center and get a grant at that time, four years ago, it was limited to raising money to buy the land on which today planned to build support center for young people, but Mike kept looking at the door with the logo of AA. It was the beginning of everything.

  No pressure, I do not get that far.

  -Llegarás, Brother, the old will not last forever and must be free of resentment, that burden will not get you anywhere. Drop, forgive.

  -We'll see.

  His friend chuckled and said goodbye. He returned home. Blue eyes, were present during the tour. He recalled that it was the same expression he had Isabella when drunk, as if he had done something wrong and he hated that feeling in the pit of his stomach.

  Michael Donelly was a descendant of Italians, with a passionate temperament, stubborn as a mule, sometimes arrogant and independent. Their ancestors had come to America before the outbreak of World War II. He was forced story several times during childhood. Mike thought his grandmother had smelled the beginning of the war because, eighteen, seduced the new pawn of the estate of his father, the young man named Marcelo Donelly and second son of a peasant couple from the outskirts of Palermo. Handsome, tempting black eyes and tanned male body for hard work. They consummated their love in the hay barn amid the screams of satisfaction Isabella. She lost her head over him. Marcelo could not believe that this beautiful girl educated to marry a rich man, I would have chosen him, an ignorant peasant. What they maddened his touch and the burning need that had awakened her. Propose to start together in the United States, Isabella did not think twice and a letter to his mother, took leave of them to start their new life with the man she adored. In addition, she was pregnant, they married before taking the boat to take them to America.

  After his forced by Ellis Island and stepping on American soil last step, they did all sorts of jobs. Isabella did not like the east coast and decided to go to the center of the country. Both worked equally from harvesting crops to various offices. They arrived in Los Angeles two years after emigrating and two children who needed stability. They stayed at a small pension, the owner immediately took a shine to the young. By this time the roles were defined; Marcelo was a working man, but the ideas, ambition and sagacity were at the head of Isabella. He worked at the inn and saved every penny. He came to maneuver the place and its owner at will. Meanwhile, Marcelo played the work construction worker. Isabella handled the economy, he handled everything in your home, with an iron hand. When the landlady got sick they sold the place. "Now I feel at home," said Marcelo Isabella that night while celebrating making love.

  Over time he revamped pension, enlarged and turned into a small hotel with all amenities. Coveted a fancy place, I did not want to end up with a pension of three to the room, No sir! Isabella went to the best hotels in town and sat in the reception room to watch every detail. "This will be my hotel one day," he thought. The opportunity presented itself when put on sale the house next door, got into debt again, Marcelo wanted to make her give up, frightened by the enormity of the commitment, but Isabella ignored him, told him that the great dreams involving great sacrifices. He bought
the house with a bank loan and built the hotel of your dreams. They had four children, one of whom died of viral pneumonia. The middle boy died in a traffic accident. They were Angelica and Pedro the child and father Mike who married the daughter of the owners of a hotel in Las Vegas, Italians also.

  Pedro was superb, it was believed ruler of his environment. The problem was that suffered from the qualities to be. Angelica, fearful and insecure, always lived in the shadow of her mother's temper. Isabella was aware of the defects in their children. While he was alive, he did not let the control of the hotels and Pedro always resented that fact. They acquired five hotels throughout California. Isabella put the eye on Mike; the disastrous marriage of Peter, Mike was the only redeeming factor, the Isabella, Pedro flatter her granddaughter had put the same name, consented to everything, but little form it took into account in the business. The boy had inherited the wisdom and intelligence of her and did heir to his fortune. Peter never forgave the gesture. When Isabella died, Peter was commissioned to administer the estate while Mike became of age. Fortune waned in less than a rooster crows because of bad investments and stubbornness of Peter. When Mike left college, I went to work and try to save what remained of the family patrimony.

  Upon arriving home, after the meeting with Alcoholics Anonymous, she is said delegate advertising campaign in its marketing and advertising department, you would not see his face every now and Lori. When the final decision of the course of the campaign would take her, not before.

  The flight back to San Francisco was quiet and silent thanks to Peter rented an action movie that had distracted all the time.

  I did not know what to make of his meeting with Mike, it seemed to be faced with a very demanding man with high expectations in achieving their achievements, with a brain operating at high speed and also caught his wild streak under the fine suit, the expensive watch and mastery of manners. Lori had a strange feeling for a few moments at the meeting, he felt cornered by his gaze and it was as if a hand had spread to her and clinging throat, stroking her face with the other. Fear and pleasure, desire perplexity and wrapped her in that short space of time. As a young man he had impressed, now perceived was sure dangerous and almost always got his way. I did not want to want again. So Peter told him, did not take women seriously, their relations not transcended the sheets.