Lucky got up and with the sheet around him headed to the bathroom. 

"absolutely," he said as he closed the door. 

The day went by fast. They shocked everyone when they walked into the meeting and Marie and Lucky both knew that their partners thought they were dead. While their partners were no doubt disappointed they did not show it. They both got a tour of the Hotel and Casino and were told it would be opening very soon and that a party was being thrown the day it opened. They both said they would be there and made the arrangments. 

Later they met the Gonzalas brothers to let them know business would continue as usual. They were excited that both of them had survived. 

Later they headed back to the hotel and got ready for dinner. Lucky had planned a special dinner tonight. It was a beautiful evening and they were having dinner on the beach where they could sit and watch the sunset as they ate and talked. He hoped Marie would like it.  Lucky dressed in a suit similar in style to the one he wore the night before. He headed over to Maries room to pick her up. 

Marie opened the door wearing a pant suit and she held her hat and sunglasses in her right hand.  She smiled and greeted Sal with a warm kiss.  All day they had been very affectionate to each other -- holding hands and kissing.  Once she had even caught Moe making a disgusting face at their sweetness.  It had amused her to no end.  

"Well he had better get use to it," she thought.  She felt happier now than she had in months and she was not about to give it up.  

"Are we all set for dinner?"

Lucky enjoyed the kiss and admired Marie.

"Yes they have our table ready," he said taking her hand. 

They headed to the elevator and kissed and smiled at each other while moe did everything he could to not watch. Lucky loved making the man uncomfortable. They headed out of the restaurant and to the beach where a small area was set up with a private table. There was plenty of security but it did not take away from anything. The truth was they were both used to constantly having security with them and after the recent war, they were glad to have it. 

Lucky walked around and pulled Marie's chair and helped push it in as she sat before walking around and taking his seat. They had wine for Marie and Whiskey for Lucky already at the table. 

The breeze was blowing slightly off the ocean.  It felt nice and it was not so bad as to be blowing everything off the table.  "This is amazing," Marie smiled brightly at Lucky.  I don't think there is a place on this planet that is any prettier."  The wait staff brought out their food and began to serve them.  The chef had done an amazing job on the Lechon Asado which was a marinated pork and it was balanced perfectly with a side of fried sweet plantains.

As the couple enjoyed their meal they talked about a variety of topics.  Marie shared with Sal the vision that all the city leaders had about re-building, they talked about their concerns and the potential threats that might arise against their efforts in Chicago, and Marie shared the goals that she had for her city.  When they had finished their meal, they sat and watched the sun set while they enjoyed a few more drinks and each other's company.  After a lull, Marie asked Lucky a question. "You have worked so hard to see my dreams and vision come alive in Chicago.  Don't you have any desires and aspirations that you want to achieve?" 

Lucky looked and smiled at Marie. 

"I have achieved more than I ever had even dreamt of. I never thought I would be an rhm let alone a lead my own family. But here I sit not only a boss but acting godfather of my own district in a city." he said grabbing her hand

"The only dream I had left," he says giving her hand a soft squeeze. 

"Seems to be coming true," he says leaning over and giving her a kiss. 

Marie extended the kiss for several moment, enjoying the taste of him mixed with whiskey and her wine.  When they pull away Marie asked him if he wanted to go for a walk.  Lucky nodded and looked deeply into her eyes as she did the same.  Walking hand and hand, they stepped out of the shelter and into the lingering evening sunlight.  

Tonight was their last night in Cuba.  They would be flying home in the morning and would be faced once more with the fall out of the great war.  There was still so much that needed to be done, but tonight she pushed it from her mind to enjoy moment in time with Lucky.  

They came to some large boulders and Lucky gently lifted Marie atop of one before climbing up himself to join her and watch the sun's final descent past the horizon.  The sounds of the ocean were peaceful and calm.  The seagulls were crying in the distance and the waves were washing up on shore.  Time stood still and love began.

Meanwhile in a small cafe in the central area of Havana...

"Miss Dubois, welcome to The Royal Inglaterra"

Tulip was greeted immediately by the hotel's concierge, Ernesto. Each time Tulip stayed in Havana she stayed at The Royal Inglaterra. It  was absolutely the finest accommodations in the capitol city. It as hard to choose what was most impressive.

The classic decor the promoted both wealth and the spirit of the beautiful city. The service was always first class. The Royal Inglaterra promoted itself as a top class luxury hotel that could accommodate anyone with money so Tulip never had to worry about trouble. Once,on a stay about a year ago, Tulip shared an elevator with a man who very much looked like the Prince of Spain. How she gushed about it later to her girlfriends once she was back home. 

Oh Ernesto, it is so very nice to see you! I hope you are well. How is the family? 

It was probably the personal touches that The Royal Inglaterra provided. Tulip had been to one too many luxury hotels that never cared to remember her name on repeat visits. 

"Miss Dubois, I am better now that I see your smiling face. The family is very good."

Ernesto, you are such a charmer. Tell your manager it's why I continue to return to the Inglaterra and that he needs to give you a raise. 

Tulip watched as Ernesto prepared her check in paper work and placed it in front of her.

"Miss Dubois, you are far too kind." Tulip signed the papers. "As usual, your luggage will be brought to your room and the your massage is ready for you."

Often once Tulip arrived in Havana she would immediately take a relaxing massage at the hotel's spa, but she was usually coming to Havana for more pleasure than business. Unfortunately this trip would be mostly business.

Change of plans, Ernesto. I'll be taking the spa day tomorrow. Please have my bags brought to my room. As for me, I have a late lunch planned with a business associate.

"Would you like for me to arrange a car?"

It won't be a bother. The cafe is very close.

Ernesto gave Tulip a concerned look.

"Miss Dubois, even a short walk can be dangerous, please let me at least have one of the bell boys guide you."

Ernesto insisted and Tulip caved in. She had her small pistol in her purse, but didn't want to make that anyone's knowledge. Tulip accepted the offer.

"Miss Dubois, I hope you have a very light late lunch. Our chef is serving your favorite tonight. Asparagus Salmon. You won't want to miss it."

I will try my best to return before sunset. Thank you for everything Ernesto.

Tulip gave him a healthy tip and entered the streets of Havana. The boy that was sent with her kept to himself. Though she noticed him keep an eye on those around them. 

The economy crises that had plummeted the United States into such a depression had effected more than just her home country. Tulip could see how the devastation had reached Cuba by just walking through the streets. She didn't dare peak into the windows of the shacks they walked next to. How many starving children were in this city? Just another reason she had agreed to meet with Jorge in his home country. Not only would the deal she was pushing for make him a rich man, it would help the economics of Havana. 

The boy stopped in front of Cafe Arcangel and let her know he'd be outside to walk her back. Tulip insisted that this surely was not needed and gave him five dollars. She encouraged him to treat himself to a cool beverage on his way back. To say Havana was humid may be the understatement of the century. Once the boy started heading down the street and Tulip was sure he wasn't going to wait for her she stepped inside the cafe. The hostess greeted her in Spanish.

Estoy aquí para encontrarme con un amigo ... Sr. Gonzalez

"Si." 

The hostess nodded her head and led Tulip to the back patio. Tulip was the first to admit that she was not the most fluent in Spanish, but she knew enough to get by. Now if only she could convince Jorge to have more business meetings in Paris. As soon as they stepped onto the back patio Jorge was standing and calling to her.

"Mi tulipan!" He ushered Tulip to his table. "It is so nice to see you!" 

Jorge was handsome in the classic Cuban way. His tanned skin contrasted well with his dark features. He embraced her in a polite hug, pulling away to take another look at her.

"It has been too long. I am glad to see that Havana's heat has not melted you, flower."