21. IZZY
“Nick, the sunset in Napa Valley is absolutely breathtaking,” I exclaimed, the warm golden glow forming a magical aura around us.
“Couldn”t agree more, Izzy…”
We’d been exploring the vineyards together but had paused to watch when the sun had begun to set. I looked over at Nick and felt a little tremor growing in my chest. I couldn’t fathom how much my feelings for him have changed over a short period of time. Seeing his lazy, relaxed smile, I could sense that he’d stripped off his usual mask and the wall around him. It made me feel good.
The air was filled with the sweet aroma of ripening grapes, and laughter echoed as we exchanged anecdotes and banter through the rows of vines.
“Did you know,” I began, my eyes sparkling with enthusiasm, “that these vines have stories to tell? Each grape carries the essence of the land, the sun, and the seasons. It”s like they’re whispering tales of their journey from bud to harvest.”
Nick chuckled; his curiosity piqued. “Stories in grapes? Now that’s a new perspective.”
I grinned, ready to share a tidbit. “Take these Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, for example. Legend has it that their origin can be traced back to a chance encounter between a red Cabernet Franc grape and a white Sauvignon Blanc grape in a French vineyard. The result? A delightful marriage of flavors that we get to savor in every glass. But I’m not an expert—I just read that somewhere.”
I was happy to see him grinning. “Well, who knew grapes had such romantic tales hidden in their vines? Now, I won’t be able to look at grapes the same.”
As we continued our exploration, we stumbled upon a charming wine-tasting spot. A rustic wooden table was set with an array of exquisite wines, inviting us to indulge in the flavors of the valley.
“Care to join me for a tasting?” Nick asked, pouring a rich red into a pair of glasses.
“Absolutely,” I replied, grinning and taking a seat. We clinked glasses and savored the wine, letting the velvety notes dance on our tongues.
“Mmmm…” I murmured, savoring not just the elegant, unique taste but also this very special and tranquil moment with Nick Hale.
The sun dipped lower, throwing long shadows across the vineyards.
“Beautiful,” he whispered in my ear, his eyes fixed on my face and not on the breathtaking scenery surrounding us.
I blushed, not knowing what to say.
Suddenly, my phone rang. “It’s Dan,” I said, which made Nick frown a bit. Was he jealous of his twin brother? That thought gave me a feeling of satisfaction, though.
“Hi, Dan,” I smiled over the phone.
“Hey, Izzy! What time are you and Nick going to the event?” He was referring to the wine and fashion gala where he’d been asked to be the guest of honor. Nick and I had also been invited.
“Uh, we’re heading back to the resort in a while to get ready,” I told him.
“Alright! Be sure not to miss my opening song!” he said enthusiastically. I could practically see the goofy grin on his handsome face.
“You’re a singer now too? Oh, my gosh!” I squealed, giving Nick a glance. As expected, his face was simply stoic. Or he just didn’t care.
“Yep!” Dan answered over the phone. “Well, don’t expect much. But you know I’m gonna nail it.”
“Of course.” I laughed at Dan’s natural confidence and manner of boasting. I found it amusing because it truly suited his personality. I was glad the two of us remained friends.
“So, you and Nick? Are you a thing?” he suddenly asked.
My eyes widened in alarm. I stammered with a nervous laugh. “What are you… talking about? There’s…we…it’s nothing. I don’t know…”
He laughed. “Well, that’s Nick for you!”
“Hey, did he just mention me?” Nick leaned in, whispering with a suspicious look in his eyes.
“Gotta go now! Bye!” Dan said before Nick or I had a chance to say anything else. I heard a click, and the call was over.
I turned toward Nick. “Dan said he told the organizer that you two are singing together for the opening,” I joked.
“What!”
I laughed hard. “Hey, relax. I’m just kidding.”
He frowned, which made me laugh even harder. Then suddenly, he downed his wine and lifted me in his arms, turning me around just as the last glimmer of light left the sky.
We ended up gazing into each other’s eyes. And just as he was leaning forward to kiss me, the lights turned on all around us.
We pulled apart and looked around in awe. Strings of soft, golden lights draped the surroundings, creating a celestial glow that bathed the vineyard in a romantic display.
I was mesmerized and never wanted to leave. But then, Nick took my hand and led me back to the path heading toward the resort where the event was taking place.
It was his assistant who had booked our rooms there. I was sort of disappointed that we had separate ones. And I was even more disappointed when he said he’d just meet me in the garden where it was happening.
“And why should he pick you up from your room?” I muttered under my breath as I looked at my pouting lips in the mirror. “There’s nothing between you and Nick, Izzy. So, stop hoping.”
I bit my lower lip, my heart pounding just a bit harder. I could tell that my feelings for him were deepening. Perhaps it’s not safe for me to spend so much time with him anymore. But what can I do? We’re business partners.
Shaking my head, I focused my attention on my reflection. I stood before the full-length mirror, draped in the creation I poured my heart into. The gown, a masterpiece of sustainable materials with delicate touches of nature, whispered promises of a future where artistry and sustainability coexisted harmoniously.
“My, you’ve outdone yourself, Izzy,” I whispered, fingers tracing the intricate patterns and textures. A cluster of embroidered leaves adorned the bodice, a subtle nod to nature”s elegance.
As I gazed at my reflection, joy radiated from my eyes, dispelling lingering disappointment. “This gown tells yet another story…”
Pride swelled within me as I admired my masterpiece and stepped out of the room.
Soon, I was gliding into the garden venue, awestruck at the beautiful flower arrangements and twinkling lights. There were displays of exquisite wine interspersed with candles and blooms on the tables. A camera flash made me pause and smile, but my mind was focused only on one thing. Or rather, one person.
And suddenly, there he was, gazing at me from the far end of the garden, surrounded by important-looking men and women.
Amid the lively atmosphere, our eyes locked, and for a moment, it felt like the world around us faded away. Nick, with his piercing gaze, made his way through the crowd. As he approached, the flutter in my chest intensified.
“You look amazing,” he said, a genuine warmth in his voice. His words sliced through any lingering negativity, leaving only a sense of appreciation and admiration. A smile tugged at my lips, and the weight I”d been carrying seemed to lift, replaced by a newfound lightness.
“Thank you,” I replied a little self-consciously. In that instance, the gala transformed into our own intimate space, where our connection felt stronger than any uncertainties that had clouded it before.
He took my hand in his and guided me toward one of the special tables reserved for VIPs. I felt like I was floating and swooning, but on the surface, I maintained my composure.
A surge of urgency overtook me then, the need to confront him with my feelings, to find out what we really were to each other at this point. But at the same time, I was scared.
Okay, I’m greatly terrified, I admitted silently. What if it ruins this moment? What if he begins to avoid me again? What if he misunderstands and we end up fighting during the event?
And all the what-ifs kept swirling in my head the entire time.