Chapter 37
Ipulled out all the stops.
A private chef. A full staff. The finest cuisine. The most expensive wine.
Jack had cleared out to give me the boat to myself for the evening. He was still renting his bungalow to Travis, but there was a spare room for him to crash in. I didn't really know how long the date would last, but I was optimistic.
The moon glowed overhead, and the stars twinkled. Obsidian waves lapped against the hull, and a gentle breeze blew across the deck.
Giovanni Vanetti was arguably the best violin player in the world.
He could express a world of emotions through his fingertips.
He bowed the strings, and the violin sang magical notes.
A roller coaster of sweet melodies and sorrowful moans—each note filled with passion and dedication.
A lifetime in the pursuit of perfection.
And he played table side for us as we dined.
Candles flickered on the table, and we enjoyed a center-cut filet, topped with lobster and served with all the fixings.
Catalina beamed with joy. The food, the wine, the music, the company. It was a different thrill than skydiving, but I hoped it would live up to it.
She watched the master tickle the fiddle with awe and wonder. Catalina reached across the table, took my hand, and squeezed tight. "This is wonderful. I’ve idolized this man's talent since I was a child. Thank you for making my dream come true."
I gave a modest shrug. "It was the best I could do on short notice."
Catalina grinned.
We ate the food, drank the wine, and enjoyed the sublime melodies. We topped off the meal with a sinful key lime pie, then devoted our full attention to the virtuoso.
Notes like honey drifted across the marina. Several neighbors gathered on their decks to take in the free show. It was quite the opposite of the usual music that spilled from the boat at night.
Giovanni played his heart out until 10:00 PM.
We clapped and cheered, and he took a moment to speak with Catalina afterward. Despite his no pictures policy, he agreed to a selfie with her and signed an autograph. In his mid-60s now, he’d been threatening for some time to end touring.
I thanked him for accommodating the special request, then escorted him off the boat. His handlers took over and escorted him to the parking lot. They all climbed into a black Cadillac SUV and drove off into the night.
I returned to the aft deck and rejoined Catalina. She had a grin that just couldn't be contained.
We made our way up to the sky deck for another glass of wine. I dismissed the staff, and we enjoyed the glow of the soft moonlight. We leaned against the gunwale, looking out over the marina.
"So, how'd I do?”
"You have truly exceeded all expectations.”
"What? You didn't think I could pull off something memorable?" I teased.
"I knew whatever you came up with would be remarkable. You're competitive by nature. You like to win. But I could never have imagined a private concert by Giovanni Vanetti. I'm afraid you've spoiled me for every other date. How can that ever be topped? How can any man ever compare?”
I shrugged modestly again. "Maybe this was it. Maybe this is the peak.”
"Oh no. I suspect things are just beginning to get interesting," she said with a sultry gaze. She leaned in close and made her lips available.
I didn’t miss the opportunity.
Our lips collided, and our tongues danced. I pulled her close and held her body against mine. Heat radiated, and lustful thoughts flourished.
She felt good in my arms.
When we broke for air, I said, "I have a confession to make.”
She lifted a curious brow. "You're not married, are you?"