They decided on a buffet lunch from The Pergula, a restaurant situated near the pool. They stayed there all day, sipping drinks, relaxing, and swimming in the amazing pool. Isabella had only one complaint, which she voiced the first moment they were apart from the group. “I miss them, Gabriel,” she murmured quietly. “I love them so much. I know they would have such fun here.”
“Then one day we shall bring them,” he said resolutely. “I love them, too, you know.”
“Yes, I know.” She leaned back in her chair, smiling.
“And I love you, as well.” He said these words as though he had been eager to repeat them.
Isabella faced him, beaming. “I know. I love you, too.”
He reached out and caressed her cheek. “I’ll never tire of hearing that.”
They all returned to their rooms to take naps and clean up before meeting for a late dinner at The Cipriani, downstairs in the hotel. The north Italian cuisine agreed with all of them. They asked the concierge where he recommended they go for some good dancing. Before Isabella knew it, they were all scrunched into a taxi, heading to a bar that the concierge felt would be perfect for them.
They spent until the wee hours of the morning dancing. Isabella fast danced with everyone, taking turns, but refused to dance intimately with anyone but Gabriel. The others noticed and commented to Gabriel.
“She is incredibly loyal, isn’t she?” Ben asked admiringly.
Gabriel just smiled and nodded. He didn’t know if this came naturally to Isabella, or if she was intentionally being sensitive to his feelings. Whatever the case, it was working. Isabella had made it obvious to anyone paying attention that she was off the market. Her heart and body belonged entirely with Gabriel. No wonder he could look so relaxed.
The next morning they actually met in The Pergula for breakfast. After they finished eating, they headed upstairs to pack beach bags and order a basket lunch. They were going to check out Ipanema, the richest and most chic beach in Rio.
It was everything promised, even better, the beach had fewer people on it than they would have expected. They were able to converse, relax, and spread out due to the uncluttered sand. They enjoyed their lunch, and spent more time frolicking together. By now, everyone had grown used to Isabella and Gabriel’s devotion to each other, but many of his friends were still amazed. Ben quickly became Isabella’s favorite. They bonded while Gabriel threw a Frisbee with the rest of the group.
“What have you done to our friend?” Ben asked teasingly.
“I’m not sure what you mean,” Isabella said honestly.
“Well, he used to be a babe magnet, but now that he shows himself to be so obviously taken, no one even looks our way,” Ben explained.
Isabella blushed. “This is how he has always been with me. I’ve never seen him look at another woman, or flirt for that matter.”
“Of course you would know,” Ben added, “since he never lets you out of his sight.” Isabella shook her head in disbelief. “I’ve just never seen him like this before. Take it as a huge compliment.”
“I would, if I knew what I had done to deserve it. He spoils me, and the kids.”
“Kids?” Ben asked with a raised eyebrow.
Before Isabella could go into details, Gabriel had come over for a drink. He saw Ben’s eyebrow raised and wondered what was being said. “Bella,” he said anxiously, “why don’t you comb the beach over there for some souvenirs.”
“Sure,” she said, recognizing that he wanted to be alone with Ben for a moment. “The kids love shells.”
Gabriel winced at this mention of the children, but Isabella didn’t notice. She already had her back turned as she sauntered toward the water. Ben stared at him, waiting for Gabriel to speak.
“She told you she has children, didn’t she?” He asks nervously.
“Yes. How come you didn’t tell us? Were you afraid we wouldn’t accept her?” He looked hurt, as though he believed Gabriel no longer trusted their friendship.
“No, it is nothing like that. It’s just that...well, you can’t tell anyone. I just have to make sure she doesn’t.”
“Why?” Ben’s eyes narrowed suspiciously.
“My father,” he responded seriously. And with that, Gabriel stood and walked over to help Isabella.
They returned from the beach late afternoon. Everyone planned to go upstairs to rest again before meeting for another late dinner and dancing. Gabriel, however, had other plans.
“Time for a shower,” he said. “We are both covered in sand. Then I have a surprise.”
Isabella had learned to never question his surprises. They were always worth the wait. Following a sensual shower, where Gabriel insisted on washing her hair and scrubbing her back, they dressed in casual wear. They arrived at Pao de Acucar just before sunset. They rode the cable cars to the top and back, admiring the sparkle of the city lights down below. Then they rushed back to the hotel guiltily, like two kids breaking curfew.
“I just wanted you all to myself for a little while, okay?” Gabriel asked, begging her to pardon his actions once they had returned to their room. They were lying on the bed, propped on their sides, facing each other.
“I understand,” Isabella began slowly, “but I want you to be careful.”
“How do you mean?” Gabriel seemed genuinely confused.
“Well, this was supposed to be a trip for you and your friends, right?” Her eyes penetrated his as she questioned him.
“Yes,” he said slowly.
“I don’t want to be accused of taking you away from them. We have all the time in the world, remember? In every sense. I love you, and I love spending time with you, but let’s include them as well.” Gabriel looked doubtful and she knew exactly what he must be thinking. “Even Sebastian,” she said resolutely.
Gabriel sighed. “I hate when you are right.” He glanced at his watch. “Well, no rest for the wicked. Come on; let’s get ready to meet them.”
Isabella had grown increasingly more comfortable regarding sharing a bathroom with Gabriel. She no longer locked him out as she once did, but instead left the door unlocked or wide open invitingly. They always seemed to have a double vanity sink and lots of counter space for them to both to get ready at the same time. Inevitably, Gabriel readied himself in seconds and simply stood there leaning against a wall, admiring Isabella as she completed her preparations. Even this she had grown accustomed to. In the past she would stop what she was doing and blush, or beg him to stop because he was making her nervous. Now, however, she found some way to make him useful while he stood there gazing at her lovingly.
“So, do you recognize this dress?” She asked, testing his memory.
Gabriel stroked his chin. “This can’t be the dress that I bought you in Aruba. You look even better in it now than you did then.” He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist while bending low to sniff her neck appreciatively. “So, want help with the jewelry?”
He loved putting necklaces on her. It gave him an excuse to stroke and kiss her neck. “There,” he said admiringly, after affixing the necklace. “You look perfect.”
Isabella turned to face him. She dropped her head slightly and murmured, “I’m not perfect, Gabriel. Don’t ever think that.”
He raised her chin, kissed her lips lovingly. “Don’t say that. You are perfect for me.”
Dinner that night amounted to nothing heavier than hors d’oeuvres. Everyone had lost their appetite while hanging out in the sun. This night they crowded into one of the plush circular booths of the Cipriani Bar, and found the seating as crowded as their tiny round cocktail table, once all of their drink order had been delivered.
Tonight, Isabella felt more relaxed because she found herself neatly sandwiched in between Gabriel and Ben. They all chattered happily about their day. Gabriel even divulged their secret rendez-vous.
“We went up the cable cars and watched the sunset,” he said contritely.
“Don’t feel bad about it,
Gabe,” Matty responded genially. “I would rather nap than watch the sunset. Don’t you agree?” He asked, gesturing to the rest of the group. They all nodded in accord.
“Well,” Gabriel said, reaching over and grabbing Isabella’s hand. “Bella has convinced me that it isn’t proper etiquette to leave the rest of you out. No more sneaking out alone. On our honor.” He raised his hand in a Boy Scout promise.
“Like you were ever a boy scout,” Isabella murmured under her breath.
“So, who wants to join us in the botanical gardens tomorrow?” He surveyed the table. The guys were sitting perfectly still. Isabella bit her lip to keep from laughing. “No one? Okay, now, how about the art museum the next day?” Again, no hands were raised. He looked at Isabella and shrugged.
“What has happened to you, man?” Sebastian asked in dismay. “Art museums? Botanical gardens? What happened to the fun loving guy who could party half the night, attract every girl in sight, and go home with the pick of the litter? Then, after a brief rest and some sun time, you would be ready to repeat all over again?” He stopped, turned his gaze to Isabella and said accusingly, “I blame you.”
Everyone watched expectantly. Isabella could feel Gabriel ready to spring to her rescue, but she didn’t need assistance. She raised her glass to Sebastian. “I think that is quite possibly the nicest thing you have ever said to me. Thank you.” Then she took a healthy drink and set the empty glass down with a gentle thump. Immediately the looks of expectancy changed to admiration. Isabella had handled Sebastian beautifully.
The next few days went incredibly smoothly. Now that everyone in the party had accepted that Isabella and Gabriel were devoted to each other and weren’t likely to be tempted by anyone around them, they moved on and decided to actually work on picking up women of their own. They didn’t begrudge the couple their time together on their little outings.
They barely missed them the next day when the two left following breakfast to walk the Jardim Botanico. Isabella and Gabriel returned around lunch time spouting on about some Amazon section and palm trees, but mostly about their time at the lake filled with amazing water lilies. Naturally, they left out the romantic “stuff.” They didn’t tell anyone how Gabriel pulled her dangerously close, ran his fingers down her face, and neck, then buried his head there and promised her a garden of her own some day.
“Don’t make me promises,” she pleaded. “I can’t stand broken promises. You can’t possibly make me such a pledge anyway.”
“Why not?” He asked seriously.
“Because...because I’ll want to believe it.”
“Then do,” he said earnestly.
And the following day, when they strolled through Museu Nacional de Belas Artes, they reported back about the amazing art work. They discussed endlessly the vivid colors used, the talented artists that lived in Brazil. They spoke of impressionist work, of landscapes, of pottery and sculpture, but they failed to mention the latest terrifying promise Gabriel made.
They didn’t speak of how he offered to purchase one of the pots Isabella was so taken with and have it shipped back home.
“You know I will be moving into my apartment as soon as we get back,” he remarked.
“Yes, it looks like I will be available to decorate for you after all, huh?” Isabella joked. She couldn’t believe that she had once been so scared of her future, so scared of Gabriel expecting her to be around. And yet, he still unnerved her in so many ways, as recently as yesterday even.
“If you think we can use that in the apartment,” he said seriously, “then I’ll buy it.” He held her close. “It will be our first art purchase. We could do that. Pick up some work everywhere we go. We’d have the most amazing collection some day, eh?”
Isabella studied him. He spoke as though they were going to be together always, but Isabella could not see that far into the future. She couldn’t even imagine her children all grown up. She certainly couldn’t imagine where she and Gabriel would be thirty years from now or a mere thirty days from now.
“I don’t know,” she had said slowly. Then she excused herself to go to the restroom where she stood for several minutes staring at her reflection and focusing on controlling her breathing.
When she met him once again in the lobby, they left to return to the hotel. Gabriel hadn’t addressed the idea of the art purchase again, but on the way out, she noticed the piece was no longer on display.
That night, a heavy rain came down while they were returning to the hotel from the dance club to go to sleep. Everyone else ran for cover, but Isabella and Gabriel simply grabbed each other and began to tango their way to the hotel entrance. By the time they met up with their friends in the lobby, the air conditioner hitting their wet skin and clothing caused Isabella to shiver almost uncontrollably.
Gabriel frowned with concern. His friends noticed the protective manner in which he held her close in the elevator.
“Geeze man, she’ll be fine once she’s dry,” Sebastian remarked irritably.
Her teeth were chattering as Gabriel carried her to bed. “Lay still,” he instructed quietly. Isabella felt ridiculous. She could hear bath water being drawn and the jets running in the tub. Gabriel walked out to her and began to undress her.
“I can do it, you know,” she said quietly.
“I know that, but I want to.” His brow furrowed as he concentrated on getting her warm.
“What if you get tired of taking care of me just about the time that I grow accustomed to it and then we’re miserable?” She asked with a furrowed brow.
Gabriel smiled and wiped the worried look on Isabella’s face away with a plush hand towel. “What if I never grow tired of taking care of you and you grow accustomed to it and we live happily ever after?”
Isabella shook her head disbelievingly. “That’s only in fairy tales,” she said miserably as her panties were being pulled down her legs.
“We’ll see.” Then he carried her to the tub, and placed her gently in the water before disrobing and joining her.
December thirty-first promised to be unseasonably hot. The average temperature for that time of year usually topped off around 83 degrees; however, it was expected to reach the low nineties this afternoon. No one wanted to do anything but lie around at the pool. Gabriel canceled their trip to Corcovado to see the famous statue of Cristo Redentor.
“We could just buy post cards like the rest of the tourists and say we went there,” Eric suggested lazily.
“No, let’s just wait until it cools off, like right after dinner. We need to end our year right, eh?” Gabriel asked, trying to rouse some interest from his friends.
“Looks like you’re ending your year just fine,” Ben said, winking at Isabella.
The day at the pool actually was a perfect way to conclude their trip, since they all had to leave for the airport after breakfast the next morning. The weather, though hot, happened to be welcome by all of them, since they knew they were returning to freezing temperatures and little sun for months in the cold northeast.
Everyone finally adjourned to their rooms to rest and prepare for the holiday late in the afternoon. New Year’s Eve had been regaled as amazing in Rio. There were to be fireworks lighting up the sky around the hotel later. Everyone would be out in the street partying and welcoming in the New Year. Their lively group would, of course, do the same.
Isabella emerged from the bathroom wearing nothing but her bathrobe to answer the door. She smiled when she saw it was Gabriel, carrying several packages. He glanced at her attire and expelled a series of low curses in more than one foreign tongue.
“Is that how you answer the hotel room door in a strange city?” He asked, more than a little concerned. “It could have been anyone. A rapist. A murderer. Anyone.”
“Relax,” Isabella whispered. “I looked through the peep hole first.” Then she saw the packages he had brought into the bedroom and placed on the bed. “What’s all this?”
“Your attire for tonight. I wanted u
s to match.” He stood there smiling widely as he waited for her to open the packages he had laid on the bed for her inspection.
Isabella studied him for a moment, concerned about the contents of the boxes. She opened one and found white, sparkly, strappy, heels. She nodded in approval. In the next box she discovered a white satin strapless bra and matching thong. She smirked. The small box contained sterling silver hoops and a matching choker. The last box, however, took her breath away. As she reached beneath the layers of tissue paper, she found a white sparkly cocktail dress. It had a halter style top that attached around her neck, and a heart shaped neckline that would emphasize her chest. The dress had been manufactured in a stretchy material designed to cling to all the right places. Her eyes lit up. “Oh, Gabriel! Thank you!” She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him enthusiastically.
Second Chances Page 47