CHAPTER 47
C HAPTER 47
C urtis stopped by the ready room behind the stage and introduced himself to the band. Then he returned to his room and dressed in his new tux.
He walked the path leading to the forecourt as dusk captured the scene. It was a beautiful evening. An ocean breeze drifted around the structures, perfumed by seaweed and salt. Overhead cirrus clouds created golden feather strokes in the evening sky.
He stood by the hotel’s main entrance as two staff members lit torches now lining the long drive. Hotel guests brought children out to observe the flickering flames as the first visitors began to arrive. Curtis greeted them in turn, then directed them to the ballroom foyer, where a hostess checked their names. Waiters circulated with hors d’oeuvres and flutes of champagne. A local band played warm-up as the glittering crowd assembled.
The flow of new arrivals slowed and gradually the lane emptied; then two dark Land Rovers made the turning. The sense of drama was heightened when, through the open entrance, Curtis heard the band strike up a lovely rendition of Nat King Cole’s “When I Fall in Love.”
Amiya was the first to alight. And in that firelit moment, Curtis felt his entire world become rearranged.
Amiya wore an evening gown of gold and russet shades, with a plunging neckline that framed an emerald pendant. The torchlight danced over her bare shoulders. The fire blazed dark and brilliant in her gaze, and her look was for him. Only him.
Curtis walked forward, aware at some faint level that others rose from the vehicles and joined them. They were all close enough to watch him take both her hands and read from the script that was now written upon his heart.
“All this is for you, and you alone. The night, the people, the music, the food, all of it. A celebration for you. And because of you.”
“Don’t you dare make me mess up my face.” She stamped her foot a trifle. “I absolutely won’t allow it.”
He kissed her cheek, stepped around beside her, and told the others, “Welcome to Amiya’s night.”