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the last minute and then thrown together this crappy concoction.
    Belinda stared down at the undercooked cake, dipping her fork in and retrieving a slimy bit of batter.  This was not how she wanted to spend the last birthday in her thirties.  In a flash, Belinda remembered the special excursion she had envisioned for her birthday: lounging on a picnic blanket by the Mediterranean Sea.
    Wolfing down the too-sweet cake, Belinda spoke between mouthfuls, “You know, I’d like to go down by the sea today.”
    “Oh great! We’ll go with you!” Crystal bubbled.
    “No, act ually, I would like to go alone,” Belinda said, flinching as her sister looked crestfallen.  “Not that I don’t love your company!  It’s just that I wanted a little time alone today---for reflection.  Just me and a bottle of champagne,” she finished with a playful wink.
    “Oh, okay .” Crystal said quietly.  “Well, the butler can get you a bottle from the wine cellar…”
    “No, that’s not necessary.  I can stop at a winery and pick up my own bottle.  You guys have already been too generous with me.  Really.  I want you to know how much I appreciate it, but I also want you to know that I can’t live here any longer,” Belinda paused, fully expecting the offended look that played over her sister’s features.
    “Why not?” Crystal asked, obviously affronted.
    “Because I came here to be independent.  I came here to open a business.  And I’m going to do just that.  This past week, I scoped out some storefronts and found one that I think would be perfect.  I also found an apartment nearby.” Belinda neglected to mention that the apartment was smaller than Crystal’s shoe closet.
    “Apartment?  Monaco has one of the priciest real estate markets in the world! I know you have some money saved, but it’s not nearly enough to live well here.  I shudder to think what your budget could rent!” Crystal shook her head disapprovingly.
    So spoiled , Belinda thought but pasted the fake smile back onto her face.  Really, if she stayed here any longer, she was going to end up hating her sister.  And she would not let that happen.  Maybe Crystal didn’t realize it, but for the sake of their sisterhood, Belinda had to move out.  Now.
    “You’re right.  This is an expensive market, and I will be living in a small apartment.  But I’m just starting out here.  When my shop gets off the gro und, I could get a bigger place,” Belinda said hopefully.
    “She’s right,” Jean-Jacques interjected.  “Monaco is an excellent place to open a high-end chocolate boutique.  She could wind up wealthier than us!” He chuckled, but Belinda knew that he was only half joking.  The possibilities for an entrepreneur were indeed limitless.
    “You never know!” Belinda smiled, this time genuinely.
    “Do what you want, Belinda.” Crystal threw up her hands in defeat and pouted as she took a lackluster bite of cake.
    “Crystal, please don’t take this personally.  I’ve loved my first week in Monaco with you.  And we’ll see each other all the time!  But I have to do this,” Belinda said firmly, not willing to be talked out of her plan.
     
    *****
    A few hours later, Belinda lay sideways on a blanket gazing out at the fathomless sea glistening in the sun.  Leisurely, she sipped her ice cold champagne and wondered where she would be next year at this time.  It would be divine to have someone next to her on this blanket, enjoying this gorgeous scene with her while sipping champagne.
    Reaching into her pocket, Belinda removed a crinkled piece of paper.  That afternoon, a letter had arrived from Lenore.  She hadn’t read it yet, but she felt guilty because she had yet to send Lenore even an email.  Smoothing out the paper, Belinda read the letter.
    Hey girl!  Miss Vagabond! Did you think I would forget your birthday?  Well, I didn’t.  In fact, here’s a poem just for you.  I hope you are loving every second of your