The Queen of Diamonds

by Raven Cavalleu

  Alex and Zaira fell into a comfortable routine, enjoying dinner together three nights a week. They became as close as sisters, sharing their thoughts and feelings with each other. She was surprised to learn that the young woman wished to follow in her father's footsteps by becoming a vintner. "Why do you want to be a vintner?" she asked one night as they discussed Zaira's school choices.

  "I love growing things, and living in the country. This is what I've grown up doing, but I still learn something new every day." Zaira shrugged. "I love that."

  Alex watched her explain her point of view, and saw her enthusiasm and conviction. "Your father tells me that it was your idea to open the vineyard to the tourists." She sat back and waited to see how she would defend her decision.

  A little disconcerted by Alex's tone, Zaira wondered if she was upset by the decision. She scrambled to explain her thought process to the owner of the vineyard and woman she'd started to call friend. "Yes, Miss Alex, it was my idea. This is a small, well run vineyard that could attract many tourists because it is quaint and somewhat old-fashioned." She paused as she saw her eyes narrow. "I think we can use that to attract the tourists and their money, so that eventually we can become more." When she saw Alex was listening, she continued. "There are several hectares for sale beside our northern borders. If we can get those, we will be able to plant new varieties, expanding our offerings."

  Alex held up her hand to stop her. "Why new? Why not simply produce more of what we've become so good at, and well known for?"

  Zaira smiled at the question, glad to see Alex was listening to her opinion. "A smaller lot will drive the prices up, and a new offering will keep people buying." She struggled for a moment with her English before giving up and reverting to her native Italian. "Variety is the spice of life after all, is it not?"

  Alex smiled. "Indeed it is my friend." She took a drink from her wine glass, savoring the fruity finish before asking, "What else did you have in mind?" They discussed several other opportunities for the vineyard, spending nearly an hour on the subject before she asked, "If this is what you want to do with your life, why do you want to go to school in America?"

  "I want to see what it is that makes America so special. I want to experience a different way of life, so I can better appreciate what I have here." She gave Alex a devilish grin and said, "I want to experience things I cannot here."

  "Boys?"

  "Why limit myself?" she responded. "Boys, girls, I want to experience it all." She chuckled at Alex's expression.

  "I think maybe you are too dangerous to allow out by yourself, piccola." She shook her head as she regarded the young woman. "You would break everyone's heart when you come back home." She stood, took her empty wine glass into the kitchen, and grabbed a bottle of water before returning to the living room. "I think you should take a couple of weeks to visit different places, but then you should go to school here in Italy. Where better to learn viticulture and enology?"

  "I know. I just want to experience life."

  Alex looked away as memories began to push their way to the front of her mind. "Life out there may be different, piccola, but that doesn't mean it is better."

  Hoping that speaking in Italian would help her to find the right words, Zaira turned to Alex and asked, "Will you tell me about her?" She watched as Alex fought to keep her tears from falling. "Sometimes talking about it is the only way to ease the pain." She scooted closer and placed her head on Alex's shoulder. "Tell me about the beautiful woman in the picture beside your bed." Alex leaned her head against Zaira's and quietly began to tell her about Nikki. "Why did you let her go? You obviously love her very much."

  "Yes, I do, and probably always will."

  "Then why did you not fight for her? Why did you just leave?" she asked as she sat up and looked at Alex.

  "Sometimes things are not that easy, little one."

  Dani was surprised to see the box on her front porch when she arrived home from dropping Madison off at school. She took it inside and set it on the kitchen table while she dropped her purse and keys on the counter. She wondered what Rachel had bought as she pulled the box towards her to read the label. Her brow furrowed as she realized the package was addressed to Madison. Reaching for a knife, she quickly opened the box to see what had been sent to her daughter. She smiled wistfully when she saw the latest Millie the Monkey book. She pulled it out of the box and sighed as she thought about her friend.

  She walked into the living room, and sat on the couch as she read the front cover. When she opened the book, a folded piece of paper fell out. She opened it and read the letter, troubled by the tone of Alex's words.

  Dani,

  Please read through this book before you read it to Madison. I leave it to your judgment, but hoped it would help her through the difficult times ahead. Thank you all for the wonderful memories. I will cherish them for as long as I live. –Alex

  She set the note aside, opened the book, and began to read. Part way through the story, she realized it was about Millie dealing with the death of her friend Lexi. The longer she read, the more concerned she became as she realized this book was her final good-bye to Madison. She set the book down, grabbed her phone, and quickly called her wife. "Rachel, I'm really worried about Alex, and I don't know what to do." She explained about the letter and book.

  "Dani, honey, she's gone and from the sounds of it, she's not coming back. We can't help either of them if they won't let us."

  She jumped to her feet and began to pace. "You don't understand, Rach. She killed off Lexi, she didn't just send her away. I'm afraid…" She took a deep breath and pushed down her rising emotions. "She tried to kill herself before, Rach. What if she tries again?"

  Rachel was quiet for a moment as she weighed her options. "Let me see what I can do."

  Dani hung up the phone and looked at the clock. It was too early to call Nikki, as she wouldn't get off work for at least another hour. She decided to send a text message instead, asking her to come straight home after work. Once the message was sent, she walked over to the table to look through the box one more time, hoping to find a clue as to Alex's whereabouts, but was disappointed to find it empty. She sat down and stared at the box as she tried to figure out how to find her. With a smile, she pulled the box towards her, and checked the shipping label. Her smile grew when she saw the UPS label. She took the box into Rachel's home office, and turned on the computer. Once the website loaded, she typed in the tracking number and clicked on the track button. She was shocked to see the shipment had originated in Italy. She was lost in thought, and failed to hear Nikki and Rachel calling her name.

  "There you are. Why didn't you answer me? I called out several times."

  She looked up at Nikki and replied, "I'm sorry. I didn't hear you."

  "So, what's going on?" Nikki asked as she looked between her sister and Rachel. Dani quickly explained as they walked out into the living room. She handed the book to Rachel and the letter to Nikki.

  "I'm worried, but I don't know what to do."

  After looking through the book, Rachel handed it to Nikki and said, "I contacted her lawyers. They wouldn't give me any information, but agreed to contact her on our behalf. I don't know what else we can do. Since she didn't tell Maria where she was going, I don't even know where to begin looking." She ran her hand through her hair as her shoulders sagged in defeat.

  "I think she might be in Italy." As Nikki and Rachel both looked at her questioningly, Dani explained how she arrived at that conclusion. "I don't know if she's still there or not, but she was there. I was trying to figure out how to determine exactly where the box came from when you came in."

  Nikki gave her a hug. "Good job, sis. Let's take a look at what we have and what we know about Alex." Together the three women headed back to the office.

  Rachel picked up the box, and looked at the label closely. She didn't see any other clues on the UPS label, and checked for a return address label. Instead of a return address, she saw an intric
ate company logo with leaves, fruit, and fancy scrolled letters. The longer she stared at it, the more she knew she'd seen it somewhere before. As she puzzled over the logo she heard Nikki say, "Is there anything in her book that might give us a clue as to where she would go?" As Dani reached for Madison's book, Nikki frowned. "Not that one, the one about her."

  Rachel looked over at her and scowled. "You haven't read it yet?"

  Nikki looked away. "It hurts too much. I haven't been able to force myself to read it."

  Dani placed a hand on her arm. "You need to read it. It's painful for many reasons, but it will help you understand her so much better."

  Nikki shook off Dani's hand and wiped a tear from her cheek. "I need to find her. I need to let her know that who she was doesn't matter. None of it matters as long as I have her by my side. I need her as much as I need the air I breathe." She ran her hand through her hair as her emotions began to constrict her throat. "I was stupid to walk away. I don't know what I'm going to do if we don't find her."

  Dani stepped up and put her arms around Nikki, holding her close. "We'll find her. Somehow."

  "Isn't this the same logo as the wine Alex likes?"

  Nikki stepped out of Dani's arms and turned to Rachel. She looked at the label on the box and nodded. "It sure looks like it."

  Rachel turned to the computer and began to type. It was several minutes later before she sat back and said, "It looks like this box came from Perfect Harmony Vineyards in Tuscany, Italy. That's got to be where she is." She looked up. "If not there, then somewhere close by. Either way we should be able to find her."

  Chapter Fifteen

  Nikki paid the taxi driver, and climbed wearily from the car. She threw her backpack over her shoulder as she stood taking in the beautiful scenery that surrounded her. She was pleasantly surprised that the building in front of her did not detract from the view, but instead seemed to belong. The beauty and stillness of this place helped to ease her nerves at the possibility of seeing Alex again, and brought her a sense of peace. She looked at her watch and sighed. She had less than fifteen minutes to figure out how to find Alex before the vineyard closed to the public for the day.

  She entered the small building that claimed to be the tasting room, according to a sign out front in several languages, and paused as she waited for her eyes to adjust to the dimly lit interior. There were racks of wine for sale along two walls, as well as shelving containing various wine related crafts, and a small cooler offering local cheeses to accompany any wine purchased. She heard a sharp intake of breath, and quickly turned, hoping to see Alex. Instead a young woman stood behind the counter wearing a welcoming smile.

  Zaira was intrigued when she saw the woman enter the tasting room so late in the day, and was startled when she recognized her as Alex's Dr. Nikki Pierce. She gave her a welcoming smile when she turned her way and said, "Benvenuto."

  Nikki smiled as she walked over to the counter. "I'm sorry, I don't speak Italian."

  Zaira smiled and tilted her head. "That is okay, we will make due with my English then." She waved towards one of the stools in front of the high counter. "Please have a seat, and let me get you a sample of our finest wine." She watched as Nikki set her bag on one of the stools before pulling out a second. Relieved she was going to sit, Zaira set about opening a new bottle of their award winning Riserva. As she poured a small sample, she watched Nikki pull something from her bag and place it on the counter. "This is our Super Tuscan Riserva. Please tell me what you think."

  Nikki swirled the cup before holding it to her nose, and watched as Zaira gave her an approving smile. She took a sip and hummed her approval. "That is divine. You seem a little young to be working in a vineyard."

  Zaira nodded and leaned against the counter. "My family runs this vineyard. I will be the vintner here one day." She looked her over quietly for a moment before saying, "You are a long way from home, signorina. Tell me, why did you come to our beautiful country alone?"

  Nikki's eyes narrowed slightly as she studied the young woman. When she saw only curiosity in the girl's eyes, she decided to tell her the truth in the hopes she may know Alex. "I came here looking for someone."

  "There are many beautiful women to choose from here. I'm sure you will find someone."

  She chuckled at how easily the young woman had discerned her sexuality, and how uninhibited she seemed to be. "Yes, there are many beautiful women here, but I am interested in only one. Maybe you know her?" She opened the notebook she'd pulled from her bag and handed a picture of Alex to her.

  Zaira looked at the picture and nearly gasped at the sight of a much happier woman than the one she knew. She handed the picture back to her and said, "It's hard to say. She looks like so many of the tourists we see here every day. What is so special about this one?"

  Nikki ran the pad of her thumb over Alex's face before putting the picture away. "I love her."

  Zaira walked around the counter and locked the front door. "So then why is she here instead of in America with you?"

  Nikki drained the last of her wine, and set the glass gently on the counter. "Because I was stupid, and now I'm halfway around the world trying to find her so I can apologize."

  "It is always best when apologizing to a woman to tell her how stupid you are, and to fall to your knees begging to be forgiven."

  The corner of Nikki's mouth lifted slightly. "I will remember that if I ever find her." Her shoulders sagged and emotion filled her voice as she said, "I'm starting to wonder if I ever will."

  Zaira poured a little more wine into the glass, and pushed it towards Nikki. "Never give up, Dr. Pierce. Giving up is what got you into this mess in the first place." She watched as Nikki's eyes widened. "Si, signorina. I know exactly who you are. Miss Alex is a friend of my family. I can take you to her, but suggest you work on your apology first. You were not very convincing."

  Nikki's hand shook as she reached for the glass. "Is she okay?"

  Zaira opened the cash register and began to count the day's earnings. "She is in good health. Anything more than that you will need to ask her." She looked up at Nikki. "Just so we are clear, I am helping you to see her and apologize, but that is all. My loyalties will always lie with Alex." She watched as Nikki nodded her understanding. "Good." She placed the money in a bag, and headed into the back room. She returned empty handed a few minutes later. "I'm sure you have thought about this many times, but do you know what you wish to say to her?"

  Nikki looked up into Zaira's eyes as she nodded her head. "I do. Will you take me to her?"

  Zaira stopped the utility cart in front of the large villa. "Please follow me," she said as she climbed out and headed up the steps. Nikki scrambled to pull her bag from the back. She opened the front door and stepped inside. She motioned for Nikki to leave her bag by the door, and led her through the house to the kitchen. She set the nearly full bottle of wine on the counter and said, "Alex, you'll never believe what I found today."

  Alex stood with her back to the room as she prepared dinner. She smiled to herself at the note of excitement in her friend's voice. "What did you find today, piccola?"

  Zaira walked over and leaned against the counter beside Alex. "I found the most beautiful woman. She walked right in to the tasting room, and I knew in my heart it was right."

  "Is that why you are late for dinner?"

  She bowed her head. "I'm sorry, Alex, but I had to make sure she was worthy." She looked into Alex's troubled eyes and said, "Of you."

  Alex began to shake her head as her brow furrowed. "Please tell me you didn't, Zaira."

  A tear welled in her eye. "Please don't be mad at me, Alex. I only want you to be happy, and I think she can help." She raised her hand and pointed towards Nikki as Alex sighed.

  She cringed inside at the thought of a stranger in her home, someone expecting her to be interested in them. "We will talk later, piccola," she said as she set the knife down and slowly turned to greet her guest. She gasped when she saw Nikki standin
g less than ten feet away, nervously waiting. She felt her knees begin to shake, and clutched at the counter to keep from falling.

  Nikki took a step forward and stopped when she saw Alex shake her head. "There are so many things I need to say to you," she said as her eyes drank in the sight before her. She dropped to her knees and hung her head as she began to apologize. "I'm so very sorry I hurt you. I was stupid to walk away instead of talking to you about what I was feeling." She felt the tears begin to slide down her cheeks and prayed that she could find the words to express her sorrow and love. "If you find it in your heart to give me another chance, I promise I will never make that mistake again. I love you, Alex. My life has been meaningless without you." She closed her eyes as the fear of rejection washed over her. "Forgive me, Tesoro, please."

  Alex listened to Nikki as she apologized, begging to be forgiven, and watched as the tears rolled down her face. She suddenly found herself standing in front of the kneeling woman, and reaching out to run her hand through the soft curls she'd missed so much. As Nikki looked up at her, she knew Nikki had suffered as much as she had, and dropped to her knees. "I owe you an apology as well, mia cara." She reached out and placed a hand on her cheek, stopping her shaking head. "Yes, I do. I'm sorry I let my fears and mistrust get between us, and keep me from telling you everything you deserved to know."

  Nikki felt her heart racing as she thought that maybe there was a chance they could work things out. "None of that matters to me anymore. I don’t care who you were as long as you love me. I hate the thought of secrets between us, but will learn to live with them until you decide you can trust me enough to share."

  "It took losing you to understand that I trust you far more than I realized." Alex stood and offered a hand to Nikki. She looked into her eyes and saw her own pain and hope reflected there. "We have much to discuss. Why don't you sit and have a drink of wine while I finish dinner. I see Zaira brought us a bottle." She looked around the room and realized they were alone. She heard the front door open and called out, "Zaira?" When she didn't get an immediate response she said, "Get your ass back in here young lady. I'm not through with you." She heard the door close, and Zaira appeared in the doorway moments later.