«Is he married?»

The innkeeper looked alarmed. «This man is not for you, Natalya. He is welcome here as all travelers are, but he is not for you.»

Natalya didn't dare risk another glance in the man's direction. He was far too observant and she didn't want to draw his attention. She walked through the dining room into the small kitchen. There was the inevitable sheep's cheese and baskets of potatoes. «Don't worry, I'm not looking for a man.»

«I have seen the yearning on your face and in your eyes when you look at children. When you see married couples,» Slavica said gently. «You wish for a family of your own.»

Natalya shrugged carelessly, avoiding the other woman's gaze, not wanting to see the compassion she knew would be there. Was she becoming that obvious? When had it

become so difficult for her to hide her feelings beneath her carefully cultivated «flip» personality? «I like traveling. I wouldn't want to be tied down.» It was a blatant lie and for the first time in her life, she knew she had given herself away.

«It is natural to want a family and a man for yourself. I waited to find the right one,» Slavica counseled. «Even when my parents and neighbors thought I was too old and would never find him, I thought it better to wait than to make a mistake and tie myself to someone I didn't want to spend my life with. I waited for Mirko and it was the right thing to do. We have a beautiful daughter and this place and that is enough. We're happy together. You understand, Natalya? Don't give yourself away to just any man because you think time is running out.»

Natalya nodded solemnly. «I understand and agree completely. I'm not feeling desperate to find a man, far from it. I'll see you soon.» She pushed open the kitchen door, gave a cheery wave toward the frowning innkeeper and hurried out into the night.