Marsala and Magnolias

by SJ McCoy

  He paced his office, wondering what he was going to do to kill time between now and seven. He’d normally walk the vines, but he knew it would just remind him of her. She’d looked so beautiful in the moonlight. He should have undressed her out there, laid her down and … dammit, no! He needed to do something.

  He smiled and picked up the phone. He’d call home. Check in with his parents and his brother Marcos. He hadn’t talked to them yet this week—he’d been a little distracted. He decided to call Marcos first. He’d been concerned about him lately. It seemed that his breakup with his wife Caterina was finally permanent. Antonio didn’t like the woman, but he still felt bad for Marcos. He wasn’t used to failing at anything, and the thought of failing at marriage was what had kept him trying long after most men would have walked away.

  “Pronto.” Marcos picked up on the third ring.

  “Pronto.”

  “Antonio!”

  “Hey, brother. How are you?”

  “I’m alive. And you?”

  “I’m good. What’s going on with you?”

  Marcos sighed. “Misery and divorce. How about you?”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “No, you’re not. Neither am I. It’s good that it’s finally over. We haven’t been together for nearly two years.”

  “You haven’t? But I thought …”

  “You thought what we wanted you to think, just like everyone else. She’s been fucking Lorenzo all that time. Neither of us wanted the shame of the world knowing about it.”

  “Damn. I’m sorry.”

  “There’s no need. It’s all worked out. I’m rid of her. I’m free.”

  “Well, in that case, congratulations.”

  “Thanks. I don’t feel like celebrating yet. First, I need to learn how to start living again. I’ve been a bitter, angry man for too long.”

  Antonio was surprised by his brother’s honesty. “I didn’t like to mention it.”

  Marcos laughed. “Because you’re a wise man. Now it’s behind me.”

  “And you can get back to focusing on being happy and making great wines?”

  “Being happy, at least.”

  “And the wines?”

  “I don’t know, Toni. I’ve lost the love.”

  “Wow! I never thought I’d hear you say that.”

  “Me neither. Maybe it’s just temporary. I’ll take some time, see how I feel when the divorce is final.”

  “Yeah, it’ll come back, I’m sure. You’ve been under a lot of pressure from all angles. You’ll be fine.” He couldn’t imagine his brother losing his passion for winemaking.

  “Anyway, what about you? What have you been doing? Or should I ask who? Anyone I might have seen on TV lately?”

  “No, tell me if this is the wrong time to talk to you about it, but I think I’ve met someone special.”

  Marcos laughed. “Don’t worry, just because I’m getting divorced, I’m not going anti-women on you. I’ll get it right next time. I wasn’t sure you would ever think of one woman as special though. I thought they were all special to you, and there are so many of them.”

  Antonio chuckled. “That’s the way I’ve always seen it, but Mary Ellen’s made me change my mind.”

  “Mary Ellen? Cameron’s Mary Ellen? His assistant?”

  “The one and only.”

  Marcos let out a long, low whistle.

  “What?” asked Antonio. “What does that mean?”

  “It means I think my little brother is all grown up. Mary Ellen is the real deal. I like her, but she wouldn’t stand for your shit.”

  Antonio laughed. “Don’t I know it. I’m being more honest with her than I’ve been with any woman—and would you believe she thinks it’s bullshit?”

  Marcos laughed. “Tell me you’re not going all heart on your sleeve, professing undying love?”

  Antonio pursed his lips. “Not that bad, no. I just let her know that I see hope for us.”

  “Hmm, and she didn’t like that?”

  “She just doesn’t trust that I mean it.”

  “And how long have you been seeing each other?”

  “Ah.”

  “Ah, what?”

  “Now you’re going to laugh at me. I told her that last night.”

  “And let me guess, you’ve been seeing her a whole week?” Marcos chuckled.

  “Actually, no. Last night was our first date.”

  “Antonio!”

  “What? It’s true. And it’s not like we just met. We’ve known each other for years.”

  “Maybe, but you don’t really know each other. It’s not as though you’ve been friends. In fact, if I remember rightly, the two of you barely ever talk even when you’re in the same room. You were always scared of her.”

  “Not scared, exactly …”

  Marcos laughed. “No, maybe not, but wary at least.”

  “Yeah, I’ll admit that much, but I’m not wary anymore. I think this might be it, Marcos.”

  “I hope it is. I like her, but take your time. For your sake and for hers. Get to know her first, get to be friends. It’s better to fall in love with a friend than a stranger.”

  “Do you think you’ll come back and see your friend, now that you’re getting divorced?”

  “It’s too soon to think about that.”

  Antonio nodded. He knew he shouldn’t bring it up, but he’d always felt Marcos made a mistake marrying Caterina. He should have married the girl he’d called a friend but had been in love with since junior year of high school. “I hope you will.”

  “What? Come and see you or come and see her?”

  “Both, but especially her.”

  “Is she still single? Do you think it could ever work?”

  “Yes and yes.”

  Marcos was quiet for a long time, and Antonio knew it was best to wait and see what he might say.

  “Anyway. It’s late here. I should go. Thanks for checking in.”

  So that was it. Marcos didn’t want to talk about it. “Okay, brother. Let’s talk again soon?”

  “We will. Love you, little brother. Ciao.”

  “Love you. Ciao. Ciao.” Antonio hung up and shook his head. He hoped Marcos might come back and visit, but even if he did, how could things work out differently for him than they had all those years ago? Marcos had been bound and determined to return to Sicily to run the family vineyard there. That had made it impossible for him to be with a girl who was just as determined to stay right here in Napa to run her own family’s business. He’d love to see them get back together, but he didn’t see how it could work out for them even now.

  Marcos would figure things out. He'd have to get through his divorce and get right with himself before he could think about anything else. Antonio, on the other hand, felt as though he was on the cusp of his new life right now. He’d have to remember Marcos’s caution to take things slowly, or at least to not rush Mary Ellen. He should get to know her as a friend and then maybe they could build something beautiful together, something to last a lifetime. He grinned at the thought. It didn’t even surprise him. Up to this point, he’d only ever looked to share something with a woman that would last a night-time, but he’d always known that when he was ready, he’d want to settle down and give his heart to the right lady. He was beginning to believe that Mary Ellen was that lady, but he needed to be sure of it himself before he started trying to convince her of it, too. Tonight, they would have fun, get to know each other better. He’d cook for her, they’d talk—and later, he’d take her to bed and love her till she believed him.

  He closed up the office and headed for town. He needed to stop by the grocery store, and then he’d go home and cook.

  ~ ~ ~

  Molly came and climbed up on the stool next to Chelsea. “Sorry, ladies. I thought the rush was never going to end.”

  “Don’t worry about it, we’re fine sitting here,” said Chelsea. “You work too hard, though
. You should hire a manager so you can take more time off.”

  Mary Ellen nodded her agreement. “I wish you would. You’re here every night and every weekend. You don’t even close on Mondays anymore. You know what they say about all work and no play.”

  “I’ve been thinking about it,” said Molly. “It might be time.”

  Mary Ellen and Chelsea exchanged a stunned look. Then Chelsea reached across and placed her hand on Molly’s forehead as if to test her temperature. “Are you feeling okay? Did you really just say that?” The two of them had been telling Molly for years that she needed to bring in a manager to share the workload. Until today, she’d always claimed she didn’t need any help.

  She smiled. “I’m feeling fine, but I’m finally starting to agree with the two of you. I need a life outside of this place. I want to go places, do things, have fun.”

  “Get a boyfriend?” suggested Chelsea.

  Molly shook her head at that. “I’m not there yet. I’m not looking for someone; I’m just feeling the need to get out and live before I get old and die.”

  “I think you’ve plenty of time left before you get old,” said Mary Ellen with a smile.

  “But you don’t need to waste any more of it working yourself into the ground in here. Let’s write up an ad and start the hunt for someone now before you change mind,” said Chelsea.

  Molly laughed. “I’m not going to change my mind, but I don’t want to work on it right now. This is my afternoon off; I want to enjoy it, relax and have fun with you two.” She looked at Mary Ellen. “I want to hear all your news—especially about what went on with Antonio the other night.”

  “Oh, forget the other night,” said Chelsea with a grin. “That was just a catalyst for everything that’s happened since. She went out with him last night, and she’s seeing him again tonight.”

  Molly grinned at her. “You did? You are? That’s awesome! You have to tell me everything.” She dug Chelsea in the ribs. “And you have to be quiet and let her catch me up.”

  Mary Ellen laughed at the indignant look on Chelsea’s face. “Don’t worry, Chels. I’ll be quick.” She filled Molly in on everything that had happened since she’d last seen her in here on Wednesday. At least, almost everything. She finished at the part where Antonio drove her home from his winery last night.

  When she finished, Molly and Chelsea looked at each other then back at her. “So, now we’re to the good bit, right?” asked Molly.

  Chelsea pursed her lips. “Exactly. I don’t believe any evening with Antonio ever ended with a chaste kiss goodnight at the door.”

  Mary Ellen felt the heat in her cheeks. “Well, sorry ladies, but it did. He was trying to be a gentleman, and he didn’t believe that I would sleep with him on a first date anyway.”

  Molly laughed. “Oh my God! What have you done to him? I always thought Antonio believed that any woman would sleep with him on a first date.”

  Mary Ellen rolled her eyes. “Me too. Honestly, I don’t know if I’m touched that he’s being honorable or pissed that he sleeps with everyone except me on the first date.”

  “I think it’s amazing,” said Chelsea. “I really do. I mean, even the fact that it’s a first date. How often does he do a second date? And he wants the two of you to date, like, to see each other. You’ve got him all turned around.”

  “You really think so?” Mary Ellen was looking for reassurance. She’d tossed and turned for hours last night. He’d left her hot and horny but also confused. She wanted to believe that he was as into her as he claimed, but at the same time, she didn’t dare to for fear of ending up disappointed and looking stupid.

  “It sounds like it to me,” said Molly. “I’ve always thought the two of you would make a great couple.”

  Mary Ellen sighed. “Me, too—at least, physically. You know how I am about him. But come on, this is Antonio we’re talking about. Antonio who’s with a different woman every time you see him. Antonio who plays the field. Antonio who doesn’t date, who always has a beautiful, willing starlet on his arm. I just don’t see him getting into a real relationship—and least of all with me.”

  “Everyone reaches a point where they settle down sooner or later. Just look at Cameron. He was as bad as Antonio until he met Piper.”

  “I wouldn’t say he was that bad.”

  “Okay, not quite, but you know what I mean. Maybe Antonio’s just reached his point where he wants more out of life, where he wants to share it with someone special and somehow what happened between the two of you in here the other night made him realize that that someone special has been right under his nose all along.”

  “But why would he suddenly go from no interest in me whatsoever to wanting to date?”

  Chelsea made a face. “Maybe the same reason you have. Even up until Wednesday afternoon, you swore you had no interest in dating him. He wasn’t someone you were interested in as a person. He was just good to look at, remember?”

  “Yes, but I didn’t know who he was. I had the wrong idea about him. I …”

  Molly grinned. “Maybe it’s the same for him? Maybe he always thought you were stand-offish and aloof? You always seem that way when he’s around. You’ve never had a fun chat with him or anything, have you? Maybe when he heard you talking to your mom about David, he realized that you weren’t what he thought you were either. He saw your soft side for the first time and liked it.”

  “That’d be my guess.” Chelsea nodded her agreement. “Grant said Antonio’s always thought you’re beautiful, but he was scared of you.”

  Mary Ellen choked on her drink. “He was scared of me?”

  Chelsea nodded happily. “Yeah, you can come across as a real battle-axe when you want to.”

  Molly laughed. “I wouldn’t go that far, but I can see him being a bit wary of you. You usually give him a pretty cold shoulder.”

  “Wow.” Mary Ellen nodded. “I suppose it could have come across that way.”

  “Yeah, we knew you were just hiding your huge crush on him under a cool exterior, but to the rest of the world—especially Antonio—it might well have looked like you despised him.”

  “I never thought of that.”

  “Well, don’t worry about it now,” said Chelsea. “Now you can just focus on being your warm and friendly self with him, and he’ll be totally besotted.”

  Mary Ellen smiled at the thought. Could he really fall for her? Could she really fall for him? It was such a pleasant surprise to discover that he wasn’t the superficial guy she’d thought him to be. From what the girls said, she could understand that perhaps he was now learning—and liking—that she wasn’t the cool stand-offish type he’d thought her to be. Was he really looking to change his ways and have a relationship? And was she willing to change her ways and risk opening up her heart again?

  Molly grinned at her. “Look at you. You’ve gone all Mona Lisa smile on us. I hope this works out for you.”

  “We’ll just have to wait and see, I guess, won’t we?”

  “We will,” said Chelsea. “I just hope that you’re prepared to give him a chance. It’s a risk, you know. Are you prepared to take it? Are you prepared to give it a shot?”

  Molly gave her a puzzled look, but Mary Ellen knew what she meant. She’d dated a little since she’d been in Napa, but since David, she hadn’t wanted to risk getting her heart broken again. If anyone could break her heart, well, that’d be Antonio. She shrugged. “No risk, no reward.”

  “My point exactly,” said Chelsea.

  Chapter Eight

  Antonio parked the car outside Mary Ellen’s building at ten minutes before seven. He’d waited as long as he could. Mary Ellen had suggested that she drive herself to his place since he was cooking, but he’d said he’d come to get her. It was what a man did. That and the fact that this way he knew there was no risk of her getting in her car and going home after dinner. She wouldn’t be going home until he took her, and he didn’t plan to do that be
fore morning. If it were up to him, he’d keep her for all of tomorrow—the whole week ahead, for as long as she’d stay.

  He braced his hands against the steering wheel and leaned his head back against the seat. Take it easy, he told himself. Slow it down. Marcos was right. He shouldn’t try to rush her. He should just be himself, have fun with her and let things happen in their own time. He checked his watch. Seven minutes before seven. By the time he got up to her apartment, he’d only be five minutes early. Maybe he’d find her not quite ready? Maybe she’d ask him to finish zipping up her dress—and he could unzip it instead. No. For one thing, Mary Ellen wasn’t the type to be on the last minute, and for another, he was going to try to keep his hands off her until after dinner.

  He got out of the car and strode to her building. He smiled to himself in the elevator. It’d taken every ounce of his willpower to keep his hands off her in here last night. He’d been so tempted to hit the button and make it stop, to press her up against the wall, lift her skirt up around her waist and … dammit. He was doing it again. The elevator came to a stop, and he took a deep breath as he stepped out. He needed to calm down and think thoughts of cold showers. No! That made him imagine Mary Ellen in the shower, droplets of water rolling down over her full breasts, her wet nipples standing erect. He shook his head to clear those images, while at the same time promising himself he’d see her that way for real just as soon as he could.