I’m unused to such bravado, and I like it. “Why not?”
Raven grins, and I smile stupidly. Make it good, I tell myself.
“Just so you know, I’m planning a new class. And maybe after, a … feast.”
“Do not say feast,” Raven says, shifting in her leather seat. I shoot her a look, and it is dark like my soul.
“Do not make me wet! If you do, you’ll have to lick me dry. Understand?”
I try not to laugh, and I sigh. Lick. I check my inherited Rolex and realize we do not have time.
“What?”
“Just checking if we have time.”
“For what?”
“For me to pull over and make you come with my tongue next to the sea.”
As Raven side-eyes me, I see her squirm. “You son of a bitch.” I laugh loudly, change gears, and we blast along the Tuscan coast.
Minutes later, we drive onto the massive estate, and I find a perfect parking spot. I open Raven’s door, and she takes my hand.
As we walk towards the gathering and past the expensive cars and security, I get to see her curves again.
The high heels are elegant, and her gold gown shimmers in the sunset light.
How on earth had she not been hit on by half of NYC?
I shake my head, and Raven takes my arm. As I look down at the gorgeous creature, I tell myself to stop thinking about her. It’s just hard. So fucking hard.
36
RAVEN
The estate is spectacular, and a grand marble villa is in the distance atop a hill. Vineyards and horses head into the distance and the flat grass, and the gardens we are in are to die for. The lawns are perfectly manicured, and marble statues are peppered about. Double tennis courts are in a corner, as is a gorgeously long pool surrounded with even more statues.
Several tents have been erected, and impeccably dressed Italians drink, dine, and dance as the last rays of the day kiss the horizon.
The sea is visible in the distance, and vines cascade towards it.
As we walk with wine, Dante talks to several old family friends, and I’m introduced as his ‘friend.’
Finally, we come across his uncle, again, and we meet his sister, Dante’s lovely aunt.
After introductions, they talk in English, and it becomes clear she was a chef in Rome in the day. She has also written several books on Italian cuisine.
After Dante’s relatives head away, we walk under the forming blanket of stars.
Dante’s cousin Mia arrives, and she is a colorful and delightful woman, now residing locally.
Dante asks how her fashion line is going, and she explains she sends new one-off garments to Milan weekly where they are sold in various high-end boutiques.
Mia is charming, and we talk about life in NYC and how things are different here.
As we head on, Mia goes to dance with a hunky Roman aristocrat type, and Dante tells me he wants to find his sister.
We pause under a large tree, and the moon reflects off the sea in the distance. It all then falls into place, and it’s as if it was meant to be.
