Heart Nectar

by Davee Jones

  Engaging Nixie’s every human sense, Brent passed each detailed analysis her body required. Only one element remained, the very idea making her breath catch in the back of her throat. Heaven help her…his taste had yet to infiltrate her body. Thinking of his full lips, Nixie barely avoided any misstep while following the melody. She recalled Brent had taken a long sip of wine. How would he taste when tinged with a crisp sweetness of her wine? Wrestling her imagination into check, Nixie barely finished the dance without tripping. It was only when the song ended, and the needle smoothly traced over the inside ring of the vinyl, that she realized they finished the last remaining songs of the record. “Oh my goodness, I lost track of time.”

  “So did I.” Keeping her close, though the music had ended, Brent didn’t let her go.

  “Wait a minute. Where’s Mindie? It can’t take that long to get appetizers?

  “I guess it depends on where she went to get them.” Chuckling, he gently teased, still holding her closely.

  Also not pulling away, Nixie barely lifted her ear away from his shirt front. “We fixed most everything this afternoon. All she had to do was carry it in here.”

  “Are you sure she didn’t go to the store for something last-minute?”

  Reluctantly pulling away, Nixie saw shadows drawing out fixed objects in the room. Night created a velvety blackness outside the windows. The creamy haze of streetlamps chiseled vertical light paths here and there, illuminating through the panes. “We didn’t need anything else.” She now wondered the legitimacy of her best friends’ plan. “I need to go check the kitchen.”

  “I’ll come with you. Maybe we’ll catch her sleeping or something.”

  Flipping the light switch, Nixie scanned the small space. Immediately zooming in next to the back door, she checked the hanging car key ring. Naturally, there weren’t any keys on the hook. “Looks like she pulled a smooth getaway. I should’ve known.”

  “I’ll be darned, she set us up.”

  “Literally in every sense of the word she did.” Shaking her head, Nixie immediately worried he’d get the wrong idea. “Brent, I promise, we had plans to talk with you about the renovation work. I had no ulterior motives.” Her stomach twisted up into knots again. How much reliability would he place in them now? For all she knew, he merely thought of them as two silly girls, still playing high school games. How could she make him see they had true business intentions?

  “Hey, hey, hey, I know. You girls are the real deal. Besides, what if I liked your motives? You know, no matter how ulterior.”

  “If Mindie had this up her sleeve, she never clued me in. As far as I knew, we were strictly talking business tonight. We could really use your help.” Establishing themselves as savvy business owners was challenging at times for the female duo. In a field dominated by men, they’d worked diligently to establish reputations as winemakers, store owners, and most recently, vineyard tenders. They never had the luxury of relaxing their responsibilities, lest they lose any ground they’d gained.

  “I’d never think less of you for any of it. This is the best evening I’ve had in a very long time. Shoot, it’s probably even better because Mindie decided to skip out.” Although his joking tone held no malice, Nixie gathered for certain he’d rather have some alone time dancing than discussing business as a trio.

  “What would you like to do now?” Nixie explored the question belatedly when the last syllable left her tongue. Her fingertips tickled to hold him again. Nervously licking her lips, she valiantly hoped he felt the same.

  “I’d like to find another song or two I can walking hug you again.”

  Although priorities changed, Brent’s presence in the current capacity was no less important from discussing construction. “Walking hug... I like it. What a unique way to describe dancing.”

  “It’s my way of holding on longer, while still appearing to keep my cool.”

  Why in hell was he allowed to keep his cool when hers had long since melted?

  ****

  “Where in the heck did you run off to last night?” Tapping her fingers against her coffee mug, Nixie’s fixed glare held more amusement than aggravation.

  Mindie fully intended to spend their night discussing business plans with Brent. After he showed up, clearly their shared sappy expressions told her they’d both be useless business advocates for that evening. The two absolutely had more personal issues on their minds than work. There had been little chance they’d actually concentrate and be a productive part of the conversation. Never before had Mindie seen such adoration flood Nixie’s eyes. “Sometimes life makes unexpected turns. I saw an opportunity with you guys and I’ll be damned if I was gonna mess it up.”

  “You could’ve said something you know? I felt sad you walked out that way.” Sitting back in the overstuffed chair, Nixie brought her daydream back to life. The sated, dreamy glow enveloped her entire body, making it almost visible to the human eye. “I don’t want to leave you out.”

  “Number one, did you discuss any business after you noticed I was gone?” Mindie knew well enough she needed to establish factual information to have a conversation with her best friend. Especially when the conversation involved something as personal as matters of the heart. No matter how close the girls were, romantic encounters had been so rare neither of them were sure how to process fantasies alone, much less discuss details out loud. “If you tell me you left me out of any business decision that would directly affect me, then you’d have reason to feel bad.”

  “We absolutely did not discuss any matters concerning the store, wine, or the vines. You’re exactly right.” Sitting up straight, she leaned in Mindie’s direction. Opening her mouth, she suddenly closed it and reached for the coffee cup again.

  “You seem a little nervous there, bestie. You have something you need to tell me?” Wagging her eyebrows up and down Mindie did a little shimmy with her shoulders.

  “No! Nothing like that absolutely nothing like that happened. I don’t just fool around. You know me better than that. I’m still a virgin remember? The last time we talked you hadn’t been around the bases many times yourself.”

  “We aren’t talking about me right now. But, you’re right, I’m not loose and I don’t have many notches on the bedpost. I need someone to really rock my world. You know, sex like they have in romance books? Come on, I’m dying here, what gives?”

  Reassurance gave even a reserved Nixie license to spill her feelings. She couldn’t hold all the emotion bubbling around inside. Bursting, Nixie quickly began giving Mindie at least a few details. “We danced for what seemed like hours. Every nerve in my body tingled from being so close to him. I never realized I could be so in tune, or even interested so deeply in the human experience. I don’t know if I can fully put it into words.”

  An unexpected combination of sadness, envy, and sorrow crept into Mindie’s heart. It wasn’t the feels confusing Mindie. The part bothering her was a desire for her own Prince Charming. She wanted to feel nothing but happiness for her best friend. How could she focus on this exciting discussion without giving the depression away? “Try describing it, I bet you can do it better than you assume. I’m all ears.”

  “When people talk about butterflies, I’d always associated the sensation as an unpleasant nervous stomach. As if you’re nauseous and just need to throw up.”

  “Wow, it’s hard to believe were talking about your guy crush anymore. You’re taking me out of the moment here.”

  “Okay, okay, I’m sorry, having trouble finding the right thing to say. It’s just that from my gut my body responded like Christmas eve, the best roller coaster ride, and the perfect vacation all merged into my senses.” Making a fist, Nixie pressed it gently into her belly, fully portraying the experience.

  Memories assisted Mindie, as she recalled the brief moment she dabbled in similar feels. Before Charles became the pompous asshole, he’d sparked her guts as well. “I can relate. A suspended disbelief you could feel so incredibly happy took
over.”

  “Exactly, this place he brought me to, without leaving the room, became the best place on earth.”

  “Did you at least give him some of the food we made?”

  “We ate everything, and he loved every bite.”

  “How long did you guys stay?”

  “We didn’t say goodbye until well after midnight. We talked and talked forever it seemed. But then again, when we danced we didn’t say much. I was happy about that because I was still trying to interpret everything running through my mind and my body. I never knew something like this was real. Fiction in books and movies describe things all the time between people. I thought all the extra gush was overboard and untrue.”

  “All sorts of media certainly exaggerate normal expectations. But, don’t deny your feelings because you think it could be fake.” Mindie remembered a way she could lighten her friends’ mood. With Nixie’s German heritage, some words in English meant something different in her native tongue. The hazards of communication between languages could prove almost embarrassing occasionally. Mindie let the chosen word loose. “Let yourself get mushy for once.” Sneaking a low glance toward Nixies facial features, she had an idea what would happen next.

  Her mouth dropping open, Nixie fought for something to say for a few moments. “Oh, you’re so funny with that one, the jokes on me for sure.” When she couldn’t hold them in any longer, Nixie burst into a fit of giggles, belly-rolling into full on laughter. “I’m gonna wash your mouth out Mindie Larsen.”

  “Say it, just once, say it.”

  “I hate that word in German and in English.”

  “It doesn’t mean anything bad in English. We could be talking about overcooked pasta, romantic movies like The Notebook, or you and Brent. Did you two get mushy last night?”

  “Not me and Brent, gah! You make me crazy. How can I be serious with you around making me confused?”

  “You know I love you. I wouldn’t trade you for the world.”

  “You know I love you too. Even when you say dirty things like mushy.”

  “Ha! You said it!”

  Coyly, Nixie crossed her arms over her chest. “Now your turn.”

  “I’ve said it a few times.”

  “No, no, no, I want you to say it in American language. Use your native tongue.”

  “You just said tongue, you realize this?”

  “Your horrible dirty mind will get you in trouble someday. Stop changing the subject, say it.”

  She should’ve known when she even brought up the subject, there’d be a price. All’s fair in love and war, or discussions with her best friend. “Pussy.” Rolling off her tongue was some difficulty, Mindie took the word on as if swimming in a cold lake- jumping in. “Now I’ve lightened the mood, we can continue with our discussion about Mr. Brent.”

  “I may not know exactly how to describe it all, but I do have plenty to share.”

  The girls spent the better part of the morning on the subject of fledgling love. The sometimes-naughty word icebreaker served an important purpose for Mindie. Working out of her own rut was exactly what she needed to shake her selfish poor-me attitude. Listening to Nixie’s eloquent, if unfamiliar, descriptions of mysterious turnings reminded her she’d experienced such stirrings before. Long before Charles screwed with her head, she had romantic excitement tug at her. Improving patience would become a new priority in yoga practice.

  “So my friend when would you see Brent again?”

  “We’re meeting for lunch today. Isn’t that crazy?”

  “You guys aren’t wasting any time.”

  “No, we aren’t.” Nixie grabbed Mindie’s hand. “This time you’re meeting with us and we’re finally going to talk about these business plans. You aren’t ditching me today.

  “And that would be why we’ve become best friends.”

  Chapter Five

  Getting in gear for another business day, the girls made new rounds of appetizers. This time they made a few extras to add to the tasting room. Expecting another busy day, they prepared extra glasses, bottles of wine, and everything else they could need. Brent showed up a little early. He’d started his hot work day much earlier that morning. Ready for food and some time under the air conditioning, he settled in eagerly, becoming involved in the plans the girls had made. Just after the noon hour, a slight rush hit when a tour group descended upon them.

  “Brent, if you’ll assist Nixie, I’ll head to the back and whip up a few more goodies to eat. This group could mean some awesome sales this afternoon.”

  “Just show me what to do and I’m all yours.” Rubbing his hands together, he smiled and that devilishly handsome twinkle appeared in his eyes.

  “You’re going to be a hit with the older ladies.”

  Nixie leaned in and whispered under the din of the crowd. “Yeah, you may not know it yet, but you’ve become our secret weapon. Turn on that charm and you’ll double the intended sale of some customers.”

  Handing Brent a wine list, Mindie eased out of the front room. They had everything under control in the front, while she needed to get busy in the back. Having him around suddenly became a valuable commodity. Maybe she needed to facilitate this relationship a little bit more. The happy prattle became an encouraging background noise helping her get everything done more quickly than she expected. Not only had she prepared enough for in the shop, she wrapped several different varieties of treats as miniature to go packages. A nice arrangement on the first tray, she turned her smile up a notch and entered the tasting room.

  Her chest swelled with pride catching the first sight. Several folks milled around examining everything they had on display to sell, making a note to congratulate Nixie on her selection of knickknack items. Approaching the people closest to her, she held the tray out as an offering. “Would you like to sample some of our food items? We use our wine in some of the recipes.”

  Making her way around the room, she intentionally spoke to every single customer. No matter how successful they might become, she’d never forget it was the customers that got them there. Observing Nixie and Brent successfully working together on the wine sampling, Mindie nodded. Brent winked in return. Swiftly, her eyes registered a tall gentleman who immediately grabbed her attention. The same height as Charles, this guy stood with his back facing her. If it weren’t for the longer, lighter hair, she’d swear it was that rat bastard standing in her shop. Further examination expressed his clothes were far too casual, and formfitting to be the asshole.

  Frozen in place, Mindie looked at the tray, anything for a reason to stop staring at the mesmerizing gentleman. A sweet lady approached from the right. “Are these samples dearie?”

  Mindie gathered her voice. “Why…yes, ma’am, take as many as you’d like. Are you with the group?”

  “Yes, we’re touring wineries in the area today. I must say, so far your shop is the most charming.”

  Using the lady as cover, Mindie casually glanced around the room, taking an opportunity to check out the mystery man. Like a statue, the man remained with his back to her. He appeared to be extensively studying the wines on display in their front rack. When he turned slightly enough for her to catch his profile, she gulped. The same strong cheekbones, distinctive chin, and curved eyebrows accentuating his forehead became shockingly familiar. Charles’ distinctive profile revealed itself. His choice of clothing, new hairstyle, and way he carried himself couldn’t hide his true identity. There was no denying he stood in their shop. The same anger that overwhelmed her fingers to slap him, also craved to brush the hair off his forehead. Mindie clasped her hands together tightly, irritated with their indecision.

  The last thing she needed was a scene in the store. If history repeated itself, all these customers might either file out one at a time, or run away, screaming from the drama. With the woman’s attention diverted to something else, it was time for her to make her break. Glancing around she noticed Nixie and Brent still happily serving what appeared to be tipsy guests. Thank goodn
ess they were on a bus and not driving. Quietly setting the tray down, she buzzed quickly to the back, clearly out of sight.

  Taking her cell phone off the counter, she turned it back and forth in her hands. There wasn’t anyone she could call. There were no Charles Busters on speed dial. With trays of important appetizers glaringly waiting to be served, Mindie set the phone down and picked one tray up. Nonetheless, her feet stayed frozen in place, matching her defeated will for confrontation. Setting the tray back down she grabbed her cell phone again, immediately dialing Nixie’s number. “Pick up, pick up, pick up, I know you’ve got your phone on you.” At least she hoped Nixie had her phone on her.

  The ringing stopped, and Nixie’s question was obvious. “Where are you?”

  Mindie hunched over, pushing the receiver close to her mouth, hiding in plain sight. “I’m in the back.”

  “I can barely hear you, where are you?”

  “I’m in the back kitchen. Listen to me, don’t look around, don’t give me away either. Charles is in the store. He tried to disguise himself.”

  Silence for a few moments while Nixie was obviously checking out the store. “There’s a tall guy at the front. Do you mean him?”

  “Yes, that’s him. I don’t know why he’s here. I sure the heck don’t know why he changed himself up. I didn’t think he had it in him to wear common cotton.”

  “Okay, Brent can handle the front. I’m going to finish walking the thirty feet or so to actually talk to you in person.” The connection died.

  Still crunched over, with her back to any entrance, Mindie remained stock still. Hearing footsteps, she took a chance. “Nixie, is that you?”