But with that thought, I heard soft footsteps approaching. I sat up and turned as Contessa and a pretty girl of perhaps sixteen arrived at my day bed.... The girl had long golden hair and a charming face that bore witness to her mother's mature beauty. She wore one of the ubiquitous kimonos -- it was sashed tight enough that I could see her nipples pressed through the fabric."Senor, this is Desire, my daughter. When I told her of your skill, she became very anxious to meet you."The girl was. Everyone understood we had reached the crossroad in our season. We would need to give our best effort to reach our goals. One smidgen less than our best and we would find ourselves in the same position as Texas and Oklahoma – thinking about what could have been. The other seniors and I had been there two years ago. Settling for second place in the nation was no consolation.If we beat Ohio State and then don't have a letdown against Wisconsin or Michigan State, our vision would be at hand. We. That was a joke. Not too many men wanted a fat girl. The ones that did were crude and stupid. What did your old man say about that? I asked. I never told him. She said. I couldnt break his heart. He died in a car accident my sophomore year. I couldnt even go to the funeral. Do I look like him? I asked. Not looking to be a replacement for what she had lost. Not at all you are taller, stronger, and with much darker hair. I like the beard too. She smiled roguishly. Its you I want, not him. I want. Justina didn’t feel the need for polite salutations, and hurriedly got to her feet, and dragged me with her. Lucilla’s hand clasped mine, and for a moment, she held me still, her eyes pleading. Justina pulled me out of the hold, and Lucilla withdrew her hand sharply, as if worried she’d overstepped herself. “Bye, Aunt Lucilla!” I called as we left the room. Lucilla raised her hand after me, her posture bowed pathetically, the sadness evident in her eyes. I felt like a total cunt rejecting her.