Marie smiled at the night life here in LA.  It was not so different from Miami, thankfully.  That had been Marie's biggest fear with their relocation into the area.  She loved the night life that Miami had to offer and while the culture was most definitely different she could acclimate.  She had so many ideas for businesses that she could set up.  Her husband's operations kept them comfortable, but a modern woman needed something for herself.  Personally, she needed to create something.   Something that might even outlast her if the winds of fortune were favorable.  

She wondered if there might be any potential partners in this big old city that might want to go in with her on a project.  She would have to ask around and get to know people better.  She really did want to plant some roots here.  

Walking down the pier she smiled at the party that was taking place just below on the beach.  With fondness she remembered the many clam bakes she had been to.  Maybe that was something she could do for her new crew here.  She wondered how sociable they would be.  She was no social butterfly herself, but a person needed to feel connected.... to something.

Leaning against the rail of the pier she looked out at the darkness that fell on the ocean.  The moonlight danced and played on the waves and stirred emotions within Marie that she had not felt for sometimes.  She closed her eyes and let the wind caress her like a gentle lover.  

Rick, just happening to be on LA on abit of buisness happens to notice Marie standing on her own on the pier.

Concerned Rick goes over to her and asks "what are you doing out this late at night alone?" He also offers her his jacket to stop her getting cold. 

"I am merely a gentleman and thought i saw an opportunity to help a beautiful woman such as yourself out." Rick winks his cheeky wink "If my services are not required i will be on my way but it is awfully cold out here and in that dress you must be cold?" Rick offers his coat one last time

Marie looked at the coat again and a shiver changed her mind.  "Thank you.  My name is Marie."  She slid her arm in once side and turned her back to him to get the other arm in as he slide it up over her shoulders.  "I'm sorry.  You just caught me off guard."  She gave him a timid smile as she turned back around.  "I am still a bit out of my element here in LA.  Are you from around here?"

Rick smiled at Marie "Nice to meet you Marie, my name is Rick." Rick light up a fresh cigarette and took a drag "I am from Philadelphia, but i come to LA on the weekends on business and sometimes pleasure, i know a few good spots if you want me to show you around?"

Marie smiled.  "That would be lovely actually.  I am from Miami, Florida."  She chuckled and added, "I use to say just Miami, but my husband and I drove through a town on the move out here that was spelled the same way, but was pronounced Mi-am-ah.  So now I feel I have to sort of identify which one I am talking about."  

Realizing she was babbling she tried to change the subject as they walk back down the pier, "What is it that you do Rick that brings you all the way out here every weekend?"

Rick looked surprised "You are married?, why is your husband not out with you, these streets can be dangerous" As they continued to walk Rick would point out a few of the good restaurants and bars he knew of from his travels to LA. 

"I have a beach house just down the road, but that is not the reason i come here, i have a couple of contacts here and they have goods i am interested in" Realising he nearly said too much he stops and reverts back to talking about the surrounding location.

"I am capable of taking care of myself."  She smiled.  "My husband is out working.  He use to do exports and imports when we lived in Miami, but he doesn't have any contacts out here so for now he is picking up odds and ends from some associates of ours.  To be honest I was thinking of starting my own business.  In your many trips out here is there something you wish LA had to offer that it does not currently have?"

The two talk for some time as they walk down the sidewalk discussing various business opportunities that could be had right now in LA.  The subject of horse racing came up and the fact that the local track was for sale.  The idea seem to resonate with Marie and she thought she might have finally decided what she wanted to do. 

Realizing the time, Marie thanked Rick for the company and gave him his coat back.  She insisted to him that her car was not far away and she would be alright without it.    Saying their goodbyes, Marie walked back the direction they had just came.