The Winemaker's Dinner: Entrée

by Dr. Ivan Rusilko

  “Could you handle me for that long?” he asked.

  “I’d probably trade you in around seventy for a newer model.”

  “Isn’t it supposed to be the other way around? It’s the guy who usually upgrades his partner, isn’t it?”

  “Trade-in maybe, but upgrade? Could you do better than me?” She smiled as she motioned to the way her dress hugged her curves, but she felt a quick stab of conscience within.

  Ivan turned and stopped her. He held up their clasped hands and turned her slowly so he could check her out.

  “No way in hell,” he concluded. “Perfection, baby.”

  “You just want to get into these panties again.”

  “Guilty. But also spoken from the heart, mi amore.” He pulled her in for a soft kiss that was interrupted by a screeching cackle.

  “Will you two knock it off? We have places to go and people to see,” Tasha called from the end of the corridor.

  Jaden looked up to find her friend standing with Micky, both of them dressed to an elegant perfection.

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah. Can’t a man show affection these days without being ridiculed?”

  “As long as he doesn’t keep his friends and the limo waiting!” Micky said.

  “Limo?” she whispered.

  “Well, a guy only gets to propose once, so I wanted to make sure it was perfect.”

  “Ahh, that’s so nice, Ivan.”

  “You seem surprised. Jeez.” He laughed as they joined their waiting posse.

  “Everything go okay? Was the limo there on time?” Ivan asked Micky as the men shared a handshake and the girls a hug.

  “Yes, sir. Right on time.”

  She felt her excitement brimming close to the surface. Oh, if she only knew… “You look gorgeous, Tasha,” she gushed. “And you too, Micky. So nice!”

  “We match,” he said proudly as he adjusted his black and blue striped tie, which coordinated with Tasha’s blue dress.

  Jaden bit back a laugh and cut her eyes over to Ivan. “What a coinkydink.”

  He just smiled as he motioned to the black Chrysler 300 stretch limo parked outside the doors. “All right, let’s get a move on. I’m starving and ready for a drink.”

  “Well there’s a copious amount of champagne and booze in there, so I think we can get this party started on the drive over,” Tasha said as she started to the door.

  “Sounds like someone may have already started!” Jaden called.

  With a nod over his shoulder, Micky confirmed her suspicion.

  Outside they were greeted by a large, bouncer-type fellow dressed in black. “Hello, Dr. Rusilko. It’s been too long.”

  “Yes, it has, Terrell.” He stopped to chat with the driver and motioned for the other three to get in the car.

  Jaden sat across from Tasha and Micky, reveling in their obvious natural connection. She wanted more than anything to jump across the seat and congratulate them, but she restrained herself.

  When Ivan joined them, Micky pulled out a bottle of chilled sparkling Shiraz and poured four glasses. As the elongated car started its four-mile journey across Miami Beach, he took it upon himself to toast the group.

  “To beautiful experiences with beautiful friends and making lasting memories,” Micky said.

  “Here, here!”

  “Cheers!”

  “Salud!”

  After a collective sip, likely the first of many toasts to come this evening, Tasha leaned back in the seat. “So what is this event?”

  “It’s a fundraising dinner for a local charity—the Naked Foundation. They raise awareness and donate condoms to prevent HIV and STDs. And it’s at The Bath Club,” he added, taking another sip of wine.

  Tasha nodded approvingly. “Thanks for getting us in!”

  “Absolutely. I do a lot of work with them, so they owe me,” he said with a laugh. “Should be a great event with amazing food and music. Think of those underground clubs where you knock on the door and a little panel slides opens and then shuts before they let you in…or not. ‘Speakeasy cool’ is the best way to describe it. They put a lot of work into the production.”

  “Sounds like it’s gonna be fun!” Micky exclaimed, shooting Ivan a grin.

  “Is it a red carpet thing? Are there gonna be a lot of people there?” Tasha asked. Jaden could see her celebrity radar preparing to spring into action.

  “No, no, no. This will be very intimate. It’s a sit-down dinner where people pay a lot of money to support the charity and enjoy the venue and the show. It’s going to be a very special performance too.”

  She felt Ivan’s hand grow damp with sweat. “Don’t worry, babe, it’ll be great. They’ll love it,” she whispered.

  Ivan smiled and winked at her before downing some more bubbly.

  “We’re here, sir,” the driver called. They all turned to see exactly where “here” was.

  The car had stopped in front of a large set of wooden doors. The surrounding stones were covered in vines and illuminated by a soft, golden glow. Theirs was the only car in sight.

  “You sure it’s tonight?” Tasha asked. “Doesn’t look like anyone’s home.”

  “Positive.”

  The driver opened the door, and Tasha and Micky climbed out.

  Before she got out, Jaden turned to Ivan, held his face in her hands, and kissed his lips. “I love you.”

  He smiled back at her, and before her hands slipped from his face, he leaned in and kissed her again.

  After he helped her from the car, Ivan thanked the driver and led the crew to the massive, medieval-style wood and iron doors.

  Knocking on the door elicited an unseen brusque voice. “Name on reservation?”

  “Hey, darling. It’s Ivan.”

  Darling? Jaden thought. What the hell?

  “Hi, Ivan! One second.”

  The enormous doors creaked open and a gorgeous little blonde in a very tight black dress emerged.

  “You look so much better than you sound on the other side of that door,” he teased, giving her a friendly hug and kiss on the cheek. “Liz, this is my table for the evening.”

  “This must be Jaden, right?” she asked, completely unconcerned with Micky or Tasha.

  “The one and only.”

  “Wow, you are gorgeous.”

  “Ah, thank you,” Jaden said, a bit uncomfortable.

  “So nice to meet you! I hope you all have fun,” she said, smiling big as she directed them through the door.

  “Thanks, Liz.”

  “Sure thing, doc.”

  Micky and Tasha went on ahead, and Jaden walked more slowly with Ivan as they entered the club.

  “She was…nice.”

  “She’s great. I tell everyone about you. Is that a bad thing?” Ivan smiled and squeezed her hand.

  “No. Of course not. Just takes me by surprise sometimes.”

  “Oh! This way,” Ivan called as he stepped ahead to direct the group out on to the patio for cocktails.

  Jaden admired the beautiful space. Perfectly placed lighting created a magical glow, and an assortment of lounge furniture waited at the ready, along with an hors d’oeuvres table and a large wine bar. She smiled as she looked around. Every man in attendance was dressed in black, except for a tie to complement his date’s ensemble.

  The group helped themselves to the vino and bites and then found a spot to relax.

  “I have to take care of some things, so I’ll leave you guys to mix and mingle. Is that okay?” Ivan asked.

  “Yes, of course, baby,” she replied around a mouthful of food. “You do what you need to do. We’re fine.”

  “Love you,” he sang as he scurried off.

  Jaden sipped her wine and turned her attention to the crowd. She felt at home as she noticed that many of the people she knew in Miami were here. She spotted Bert and Geoff in the crowd and excused herself to greet them. She was thrilled to catch up on Bert’s new gig and talk further with Geoff about what was happening at Bianca. They were de
ep into a discussion of the new chef when she remembered Tasha and Micky. But a quick scan revealed them to be perfectly at ease and off making new friends. Tasha gestured broadly as they chatted with another well-dressed pair. Being with old friends back in Miami and seeing Tasha and Micky so happy was like heaven on earth. Jaden felt like herself again. No chance creepy Damian was going to pop up out of nowhere to ruin this. It’s going to be a great night.

  After a few minutes, Ivan reappeared with a boyish grin and a lot of extra energy.

  “What’s up?” she asked.

  “Nothing. Just having fun!” he exclaimed. “You okay?”

  “Yes! Why do you keep asking me that? This is amazing, baby.” She gave him a quick kiss.

  “Well, hopefully you feel the same way after dinner.” He laughed and motioned toward the ballroom. Inside the dimly lit room, she could see a grouping of perfectly set tables, each with gorgeous linens, crystal glasses, and sparkling place settings.

  “Is that where he’s gonna do it?”

  “Yep, that’s where a poor sucker’s going to pour his heart out.”

  She smacked him playfully. “It’s a big deal to ask someone to marry you! Have some respect, eh?”

  “I was teasing, baby! I can imagine just how big a deal it is.” He squeezed her hand. “Let’s grab a drink and find our table. They’re starting dinner in five minutes.”

  “Okay, sounds like a plan. I’m so excited for them!”

  Ivan scooped up two glasses of vino, followed by Tasha and Micky, and led them into the ballroom for dinner. They wound their way through the room to what had to be the best table in the house—right in front of the stage—where two velvet-wrapped bottles of wine flanked a beautiful floral centerpiece. Jaden glanced around at the other tables. No one else had little black velvet bags of deliciousness. Ivan had done this. It was the wine he loved and had shared with her. Even in the midst of helping Micky plan, he’d thought of her—of them. A pang of guilt stabbed her heart even as she smiled at the gesture.

  As the others started to chatter about the venue and who was who among the attendees, Jaden looked around the elegant setting and the dark red roses featured at every table. At a closer look she confirmed her suspicion: they were all thornless.

  “The menu looks good,” Tasha mused as she reviewed the card set atop her plate. “Rosemary chicken with lime-infused steamed vegetables or filet mignon with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus. Hmm…I think the meat and potatoes for me.”

  “I’ll second that,” Micky chimed in.

  “And I think we’ll counter that with the exact opposite,” Ivan said with a chuckle.

  “You guys are way too healthy,” Tasha asserted as she finished off her wine. “What’s in the bag?”

  “More wine, my dear. It’s a special night. Let’s have some fun!” Ivan reached for one of the bottles and began to unwrap it. He motioned for a waiter to assist with the opening and pouring, and they raised their glasses for yet another toast.

  “To friends!” Ivan announced.

  Clink, clink, clink, clink!

  “I don’t know where you’re going or where I’m going,” he added, turning to Jaden. “But wherever that is, I hope we’ll be there together. I love you.”

  Before she could speak, a voice boomed over the sound system.

  “Hello, everyone, and welcome! I hope you’re all having fantastic evening here at Behind Closed Doors, The Bath Club’s charity event for the Naked Foundation.”

  The crowd erupted in applause, but she and Ivan just looked at each other: invincible, inseparable, and impossibly in love. It was magic.

  The enthusiastic voice continued. “I’m Max, your hostess for this fabulous evening, and as we begin I want to give a special thanks to Dr. Ivan Rusilko. He has long been a supporter of the Naked Foundation, and he worked tirelessly to help make this event a success.”

  She gestured toward Ivan, and Jaden’s eyes widened. “That’s you, baby! Better give the people what they want.”

  He smiled and might have even blushed a bit as he took to the stage and accepted the microphone. “Everyone give it up for such a beautiful hostess!” he began, seeming instantly at ease. “My thanks to everyone here, as you’ve made a vital commitment to creating a better community and a better, healthier world. Tonight’s Behind Closed Doors event is particularly special for me. And I’m sure we can all agree that this is truly magical, right?”

  Enthusiastic applause sparked up around the room.

  “It is an honor to support the Naked Foundation this evening and ensure that their important work around the world in the fight against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases can continue,” he added once he could be heard again. “I hope you’ll join me in showing your appreciation and enthusiasm for such a noble cause. And by appreciation and enthusiasm, I mean penning some fat checks.” He paused for a round of laughs from the crowd.

  Jaden loved watching him work a crowd. Among his many other talents, he seemed to have a gift for improv. He could think on his feet with no problem, but she giggled as she recalled how reading lines was another story. He’d helped her get comfortable with her scripts in the early days of One Hot Kitchen. He’d fumble through them over the phone and get so pissed at himself, but she’d loved it.

  “We’re about to enjoy a delicious dinner, and we also have a great show for you this evening: the magnificent stylings of ALFIO, straight out of Australia and just for you, Miami Beach.” The crowd greeted this news with yet another round of applause. “Before you dive into your meals, I want to welcome to the stage the president of entertainment for the Bath Club and our true host for the night, Gary Pallaria.”

  As the crowd clapped yet again Tasha turned around in her seat. “You having fun, girl? Ivan looks great up there.”

  “Yes, it’s so nice to be back—” She stopped short at the sight of the man crossing the stage to join Ivan. Why did he look so familiar? The closer got to Ivan, the closer she came to recognition, but she still couldn’t quite place him. Did she know him from Miami? Maybe it was someone Ivan had introduced her to before? That was probably it—he knew everyone.

  As the two men shook hands, Ivan handed over the microphone, and the man addressed the crowd. “Hello! I want to welcome you to the beautiful Bath Club. Thanks for coming out tonight to support such a great cause!”

  His accent…what is that? Oh shit. Boston! A feeling of complete and utter fear raced through her body and settled in her stomach, sending waves of nausea through her. She clasped her hand over her open mouth. “Oh my God,” she muttered. What have I done?

  Chapter 29

  “Send in the Clowns”

  “ARE YOU OKAY?” Tasha asked. “What happened?”

  Jaden wondered how horrible she must look. “I’m fine. Sorry, it must be the heat.” I am. I’m fine. Am I fine? No, I’m not. I am not fine!

  That Boston accent had dropped everything into place. Once Gary spoke, she remembered meeting him on that cursed night she’d tried so hard to forget. He’d been at the network gala in LA—the night she went home with Damian. Oh, fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Her careful plan to move forward, leaving past mistakes behind, began to unravel as the feelings she’d suppressed and forced into remission—kept there by the latest intimacies and explorations she’d shared with Ivan, his unbelievable connection with her family, and their renewed bond of love—now roared to the surface in a flurry of angst and turmoil.

  How dare she

  try to conceal this?

  How could she do this

  to the man who’s given

  her everything?

  What’s the big deal?

  It was a one night thing,

  an accident. She doesn’t

  even remember.

  Accident.

  Accident?Bullshit.

  That’s a bullshit excuse.

  He’s probably done

  the same thing.

  You saw how

  the girl at the door


  fucked him with her eyes.

  He’s never given

  any inkling of infidelity.

  He’s treated Jaden

  like a queen.

  But why has he been

  so nice? Is he making up

  for something, just as she’s

  been doing with him—

  giving her everything she wants

  to make sure she’s happy?

  “Jaden? Jaden!”

  She snapped out of the war zone and looked at Tasha, who seemed a little annoyed. “He needs your order. Do you want the chicken or beef?”

  She looked up to find the waiter with an equally annoyed look on his face.

  “Umm…chicken, please. Sorry.”

  She grabbed her glass of wine and tried to center herself—or at least tune out the torment. She couldn’t decide which would be better.

  “You okay, Jaden?” Micky asked. “You look a bit pale.”

  “I’m fine. Sorry…ah…just had a girl moment.” She rolled her eyes, which seemed to confuse both Micky and Tasha.

  “Okaaaay,” Tasha replied.

  Her eyes darted around the room, looking for Gary. Was he talking to Ivan? Had he seen her and Damian getting friendly and leaving together? He certainly could have. He must have. Why did I ever think I could hide this? So stupid! Frantically she searched the room and found Gary chatting with a sound engineer and pointing at various speakers that loomed above the crowd. Then a short time later she found Ivan on the opposite side of the room chatting with Max and a few other guests.

  She blew out a relieved breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. She breathed for a second and then began to convince herself everything was going to be fine. If Gary and Ivan just stayed on opposite sides of the room all night, everything would be okay. Her stomach tossed and turned.

  Jaden glanced across the table at Tasha and Micky, now lost in themselves again. Their over-the-top affection could usually make her smile, but tonight it just made her even more sick. This was supposed to be their big evening, and all she wanted to do was curl up in a ball somewhere alone. I would do anything to put that night behind me. She took another sip of wine and watched as Ivan excused himself from the small group he’d been chatting with and headed across the room toward Gary. Shit, shit, shit! No, no, no! What’s he doing?