Page 32 of Distrustful

"And that Benjamin, always stuck to her like he's her shadow," she says and points at Ursula like a madwoman. "You're a millionaire too and your security is much more discreet."

Ursula sits cross-legged with her hands on her lap, thinking that a bag of candy would be perfect to continue watching the show.

"She's cold, damn it," Maria continues shaking her head, "and very disconcerting. You see her talking to Lili and she seems like a lovely woman, and then, she's with me and she's..."

Maria presses her lips, she doesn't even know how to describe her.

"I don't know what she is," she finally says and puts her hands on her hips, "damn, I need a cigarette."

Ursula opens a drawer in her desk and takes out a pack she usually keeps there.

"Open the window and blow the smoke outside," she says while throwing her the pack.

Maria opens the window and lights a cigarette with shaking hands and stays leaning there, turned toward her friend while smoking to try to calm down.

"In conclusion," Ursula summarizes seriously, "you do feel something for Trinidad."

Maria looks at her without blinking for a few moments while considering her response, until she decides to be honest with herself.

"Yes, I feel something and I'm going to go crazy," she denies with a sigh and takes another deep drag. "She's the one in control, you know? Things happen when she decides and she either fucks me or ignores me."

Ursula can't contain a laugh when she hears her.

"I don't find it funny, Ursula."

"Of course not, she's doing to you what you've been doing to everyone lately, it's called karma."

"Go to hell."

Ursula laughs again.

"Okay, fine. I'll stop. How much do you like her?"

"I don't know," Maria responds. "She's such a mysterious woman... At first I thought she was hiding something dark, but when we were in London I noticed something different about her and I'm starting to think that what she's hiding is simply something sad."

"I'm with you, I never had the feeling there was anything bad about her and, despite that facade of a strong and overwhelming woman, from the beginning I think all I've seen in her has been fear. I told you she reminded me of someone and now I know who it is."

Maria looks at her expectantly.

"Who?"

"Mildred, she has the same scared look that she had when I met her."

"Maybe," Maria nods, "but that doesn't give her the right to treat me like this."

Ursula arches an eyebrow.

"And you do have the right to treat others like that?"

"You're supposed to be my friend and support me," Maria protests putting out the cigarette.

"I'm also your boss, so get to work."