Coffee in Common (19 page)

The spell was broken when Jillian's hand relaxed enough to let the flowers slip from her fingers.

Shoot. Why did I bring them? I should have put them in water.

She snatched them up, relieved to see they were undamaged. "Paul, these flowers are very beautiful. May I ask a question?"

"You may ask a thousand questions and I'll give you a thousand answers. They may not all be the right answers, but I guarantee they'll sound good."

Jillian giggled. "Just one for now, thank you. Why did you choose these lilies to send yesterday and to give me today?"

He had been expecting something personal, something one usually shared on a first date. "I don't know, really. I went online to see what the florist had to offer and when I came to the Calla lilies they just felt right. They reminded me of you, I guess. They looked soft, and delicate, but hardy at the same time and when I
googled
them and found they represent innocence, purity and beauty, well, I knew they were the right flowers for you."

Jillian was more than pleased with his explanation. "They're perfect. Thank you again."

She wanted to tell him they had always been her favorite flower but held back, partly afraid it would sound phony but mostly because she was feeling a little overwhelmed. At every turn, there seemed to be another connection between them. She sighed.

I guess there's no way to know what's going to happen. But it looks like it'll be fun finding out.

6:45 PM

Priya leaned back in the tub, letting the warm water and clouds of bubbles envelope her up to her chin. A single vanilla candle cast a soft glow as it filled the bathroom with its delicious scent.

I hate feeling jealous like this. He's a friend now…a very special friend. Be thankful the fates have allowed that. And with luck maybe she'll be a friend, too. He wants her and that's all there is to it so stop acting like an irrational fool and get over it.

A long sigh split the bubble mountain she'd built above her chest.

Be happy for them. If you're happy for them it will make the envy go away faster.

She tried to clear her mind but her guilt kept nagging, refusing to let her be.

Two lies in two days. What's wrong with you, girl? Daddy would be ashamed if he found out. But I had no choice. He didn't feel it. I couldn't let him know about the fire. And I certainly couldn't tell Jillian. That kiss…nobody's ever made me feel this way before. This burning…this ache…I see now why girls give themselves with such abandon. Is it like this for guys, too? Do they feel this way when they want someone?

Priya sighed again and moved her hands gently beneath the surface, circulating the warm liquid over her skin. The sensation felt good and she tried to concentrate on that instead of imagining she was with Paul tonight or that he was here with her in the bath, but it was no use. He was in her head, and would stay there until her passion for him faded and only their friendship remained.

Silently, she cursed the fates for toying with her. She finally found someone with whom she could let down all her barriers, someone who could know all her secrets and not use them to his advantage, someone she knew she could count on for help and comfort whenever it might be needed, someone who could make her feel like a woman
and
a person, but she'd only been allowed to discover he'd been right under her nose a day after it was too late.

I wonder if he knows what kind of friend he's found? Probably not. Men are so clueless. They really aren't very good at sensing feelings or reading body language…unless the hints were as obvious as rocks hitting them on their stupid hard heads.

Again, she sighed.

I guess it's for the best. He'd probably get all weird if he knew. And that would be the end of the friendship. And kill any chance of being friends with her. I wonder where they are now? They must be on their way to the restaurant. Will he think of me at all, tonight? Right. Don't be stupid.

Again, she tried to relax and clear her mind, but memories of that kiss kept intruding.

It was a mistake to kiss him…no…it was wonderful, and now I won't wonder every time I see him. I'll get over it soon…and neither of them will ever know how I felt.

Priya realized she would not be able to get him out of her thoughts tonight, so she stopped trying. With the toes of her right foot, she turned on the hot water and let it run until the bath was toasty warm again. Then she closed her eyes and indulged in her favorite fantasy, only this time, her lover wasn't faceless.

6:55 PM

Jillian knew they could not have traveled far when the limousine rolled to a stop.

Paul jumped out when Gary opened the door, then reached a hand inside to assist her. As she stepped out, she saw a red carpet leading up to massive wooden doors on which had been carved a beautiful, detailed moon.

Ohmygod he's taking me to Casa de Luna! How? It takes weeks to get a reservation here.

She turned to him in disbelief, but Paul offered only a smile and his arm.

The inside was even more wonderful than she'd heard. If she hadn't just walked through those famous doors, she would have sworn she was standing in an outdoor café somewhere in Italy.

At first, it appeared the only light in the room came from the candles in fancy lanterns casting a soft glow on each table. But when her eyes adjusted, she noticed the high domed ceiling twinkling with thousands of points of light, like stars in a night sky, complete with a softly glowing moon. The effect was breathtaking.

Scattered around the fountain that commanded the center of the large room, were square, wrought-iron tables, spaced far enough apart to ensure conversations were not overheard. They were covered with crisp, white linen tablecloths, and set with fine china, crystal, and silver. Each had four sumptuously padded wrought-iron chairs around it.

The floor appeared to be stone and brick. On three sides of the room, false stone facades rose to meet the sky while the fourth was a magnificently detailed fresco that gave the impression the whole room overlooked a large bay partially ringed by hills.

Even in the dim light, she could see all the tables were occupied.

"Mister DiLorenzo, Ms. Marshall,
buona sera
! Welcome to our humble café. My name is Gino." The heavily accented greeting came from a slender, distinguished looking man in a tuxedo who approached them from an unnoticed doorway to their right.

"Thank you, Gino," Paul replied as Jillian removed her wrap and draped it over her arm. "And please thank Mr. DiBenedetto for his kindness."

I wonder how he knew who we were. Must be the time we arrived.

"
Si, certo!
Of course. Please, give me a moment and then I will show you to your table."

Jillian watched as he spoke with a tall, similarly tuxedoed young man, then turned, the wonder still in her eyes. "This is amazing, Paul. How did you…"

"I'll tell you later," he promised, nodding to indicate the maitre d' was returning.

Gino led them across the center of the room. Paul was aware of the many male eyes following Jillian. Part of him felt proud to have someone so lovely by his side. But another part wanted to bare his teeth and glare as a warning to stay away from his woman. Fortunately, the civilized part kept him moving forward, calmly ignoring the stares.

Jillian could not imagine where Gino was leading them since it was obvious there were no open tables. Her question was answered when he led them to one of the false building fronts and opened the double doors to reveal a cozy, private dining alcove that had been constructed to resemble a
terrazzo
.

The table was set for two. In keeping with the walls of the main room, these appeared to be wide, ivy covered arches and railings with beautiful frescos of lush gardens overlooking the same bay as did the main room.

"Oh my! It's so lovely." Jillian's head was spinning. Paul said this would be a memorable date, but she never imagined he'd be taking her here, and to a private room!

She slid gracefully into the chair Gino held for her as Paul took the seat to her right. Gino stepped back a pace and, as if they had been signaled, several waiters appeared to fill water glasses from a crystal pitcher, place on the table a silver basket of warm breads and breadsticks and a matching tray with assorted olives and dipping oils, and to present them with beautiful leather-bound menus.

As quickly as they'd appeared, the waiters vanished. "Please, take your time," Gino said. "Nothing is ever hurried here. When you are ready to order, or if you need anything, anything at all, just press the button at the base of the lantern in the center of the table."

Paul nodded. "Thank you, thank you very much."

Gino bowed slightly before he backed out, pulling the doors closed to give them complete privacy.

Jillian's gaze drifted slowly around the room again before focusing on Paul. She felt like she was dreaming. "This is so lovely, Paul. It's like a fantasy. How did you ever get reservations?"

"I wish I could say it was because of my charm and good looks, or that I know powerful people in important places, but the truth is, Rob's girlfriend knows the owner. She overheard me talking about where to bring you tonight and offered to help. When she told me she'd arranged reservations here, I thought she'd wrangled us a table near the kitchen or something. I had no idea she'd managed this."

A gleam came into his eyes.

"You're right, though, this is a lovely room." He reached over and traced the line of her cheek with his finger. "But it's nothing compared to how beautiful you are tonight."

Jillian could feel herself getting all soft and fluttery inside and it made her a little nervous.

I shouldn't be feeling this way so soon. I hardly know him. Sure he's…

A short knock interrupted her thought. A few seconds later, Gino entered carrying an ice bucket and two champagne flutes. He set one down in front of each of them, removed the bottle from the bucket, and displayed the bottle for Paul's approval. It was a 1996
Dom Pérignon
.

"Thank you, Gino, but we didn't order this."

"
Si
, I know. It is a gift. I am not permitted to tell you from whom, but I am to tell you…" He paused and removed a small card from his pocket. "If you do not behave like a perfect gentleman tonight, instructions will be provided to Ms. Marshall on how to make you suffer in ways you can't begin to imagine." He shrugged apologetically.

Chuckling, Paul shook his head. "Thank you, Gino." He turned to Jillian. "It has to be from Lisa. She said the same thing this afternoon."

After Gino opened the bottle and filled their flutes, Paul explained Rob's ‘coffee girl' joke, Lisa's threat, and how she made good on it.

"I am liking this Lisa more and more," Jillian said when she stopped laughing. "Rob. That's the guy who was with you in the coffee shop Wednesday, right?"

"Yes, ma'am. He's my best friend."

"I would think he'd have to be to pick up the tab for the limo."

"Well, Lisa didn't give him any choice, but I don't think he'll care right now." He chuckled at her quizzical expression. "It's kind of a long story. How about I tell you later, while we're eating?"

Jillian agreed and they picked up their menus.

Casa de Luna served a classic Italian six-course supper – appetizer, soup, pasta, main course, salad, and coffee and dessert. There were no prices on the menu because there was only one per-person price that included everything except beer, wine and spirits.

The menu changed irregularly, but frequently. Each of the four brothers who owned the restaurant took turns scouring the cities, towns, and countryside of Italy for new recipes. The current menu featured dishes from Tuscany, particularly the cities of Florence, Sienna, and Pisa.

"I'm having trouble choosing," Jillian confessed. "Everything sounds so delicious."

"Me, too. If it wouldn't completely bankrupt me, I'd have them bring one of everything so I could take a bite of each."

Jillian laughed and touched his hand. "I'm afraid if you did that, by the time we left here this dress would be tighter than spandex on me."

"And that would be a bad thing?"

The implication pleased her even as it caused her cheeks to take on a rosy glow.

Jillian had indeed planned to play the game Shandra mentioned at dinner last night and order a salad and maybe a piece of fish or something. But as she read the menu, she realized she wasn't experiencing the same anxiety, the same need she usually felt on first dates to make the guy think she ate like a bird. Paul was a virtual stranger yet she sat with him as if they were old friends. Despite her misgivings, she could not help feeling comfortable with him.

She snuck a glance at him studying his menu.

He seems so relaxed. Why isn't he nervous? He's the one who chased me. He's the one who has to make a good impression…who's being judged here. But he looks so calm, so…content. Maybe that's why I feel like this, like I can just be me. No games, no watching every word like with Patrick. This is nice!

She returned her attention to her menu, and a few minutes later, they compared the selections they'd made.

Jillian decided to start with
Involtini di Melanzane e Zucchini,
eggplant and zucchini slices wrapped around a filling of bread, ham, pine nuts, currants and cheese then covered with a light tomato sauce and melted cheese. For his appetizer, Paul selected
Formaggio con le pere,
diced ripe pear tossed with small cubes of peccorino romano cheese and sprinkled lightly with freshly ground black pepper.

Both selected the same second course,
Pappa al Pomodoro
, a tomato and country bread soup with sweet onion and basil. Paul's pasta choice was Cavatelli with a spicy bolognese sauce. Jillian decided to try the potato gnocchi with a simple marinara sauce.