Chapter 3 #3
She pointed. In the street, a string of concrete barricades topped with greenery outlined a patio filled with tables and shaded by umbrellas. It seemed some cafés in Florence were very serious about protecting their patrons from wild Mini drivers and other road hazards.
“It’s early in the season, but it’s so warm they’re already setting up the patios. More expensive, but I love the open air.”
“Fine with me.”
They found an open table and settled down. She undid some complicated latch and looped one of the straps securely around her chair leg. She wasn’t kidding about it being a safe. He tried not to be too obvious as he took his old satchel off the chair and put it in his lap.
“Are you a vegetarian?” she asked. “Vegan?”
“Neither, although my sister is always trying to convert me.”
“Wine, beer, or water?”
“Water’s fine, but I would like some coffee.”
“Espresso, then,” she replied.
“Are you always this pushy, or only when you’re in Italy?”
At least she had the decency to blush. “Sorry. My mom and dad never bothered to learn much Italian. I tend to get a bit bossy when I’m here.”
“I suspect you’re a bit bossy everywhere,” he said, just loud enough for her to hear.
“Oooooh, you are playing with fire, Dr. Woodruff, since I’m ordering the food.”
“Bring it on,” he challenged. “And stop calling me that, or I’ll call you Melanie or Melinda or—”
“Melissa.”
He shook his head. Of course. Of all the names for this pint-size dynamo. “I suppose you know what your name means, mythologically speaking.”
“Yes. Melissa was a nymph who taught the world about honey and was turned into a bee for her trouble. So Melissa means honeybee. Bzzzzzzzz.”
“It’s a good name,” Daniel said.
There was no menu, but Mel had no problem without it. The waiter seemed delighted with her as she ordered for them both. When he scurried away, Daniel was sure there would be great service for their table.
Mel rummaged through her backpack, pulled out some paper, and began doing something with the paper.
Folding and creasing it. “I never thought Melissa fit me very well. But after listening to your stories about the queen and workers kicking the bums to the curb, plus the whole dance routine you mentioned in your speech, I may warm up to it.”
“You and Jamie would get along great. You’re both into the whole girl-power thing with the bees. And the dancing.”
“Jamie’s your girlfriend?” She held up the paper thing, shook her head, and unfolded it, beginning again.
Daniel laughed. “No. Jamie’s my assistant beekeeper. She’s ten.”
“Only ten? You guys start them young up there on the mountain.”
“Didn’t have much of a choice. You couldn’t keep Jamie away if you tried. She’s into math, and to her, the bee dances are nothing but math.”
“Math?” She studied her creation.
“With a bit of magic thrown in,” Daniel added.
She creased and folded again. “Magic?”
“Or quantum physics, depending on who you listen to.” She really was good at getting him to talk. “What is that?”
“I have a little hobby.” She held it up. “And this…is a honeybee.”
“It is?” He cocked his head, studying it. Now that she said that, it did look vaguely like a bee.
“Well, a nice doctor I was trying to interview yesterday folded some for me. He was even less forthcoming than you.” She smiled at him.
“But he did show me a new origami figure, although I really need to deconstruct his to get it right.” She handed it to him.
“He was using letter-sized paper. Maybe that’s the problem I’m having. ”
“This is great. I’ve seen the cranes, but that’s about all. Jamie will love figuring out how to fold these for the kids.”
“Kids?”
“We have cabins on the mountain we rent out to families year-round. We introduce the kids to all different aspects of the farm and the mountain, including beekeeping.”
“Oh, well, that bee is a pretty poor example.” She swiftly folded another piece of paper and in less than a minute set a frog on the table, pressing on the rear to make it jump toward him. “Take that one to her. If she’s into math, she’ll figure out how to fold them pretty quick.”
“She’ll love it. Thanks.” Daniel made the frog hop around their table.
Mel smiled. “Here’s my business card.” She pulled a card from a leather holder in her pocket and fished out a pen, scribbling something on it. “That’s my blog. I did a post about how to make the frog. When I figure out the bee, I’ll post that too.”
Daniel took the card and her fingers slid over his as he did.
Daniel started tipping backward the moment he sat on the mattress.
“Whoa there. Get your jacket off first.” Mel pulled him toward her and tugged it off. Then she knelt and untied his shoes.
When she looked up, she saw him watching her intently, gripping the edge of the bed with his fingers, as if that would keep him from falling on top of her. She started to get up, but his hands went around her waist and his mouth found hers.
He tasted like prosecco and Mel did love prosecco, but then his fingers spanned her waist and his hands slid up her back pulling her closer. Whoa.
Whoa. I don’t want to see this.
And he was a good kisser.
Shut it off now.
A very good kisser.
Shut it OFF.
Mel shut her eyes.
What the…? Daniel felt his face heat.
“What… What was that?” Mel asked in a strangled voice.