As she moved into the dining room, the clanking of silverware roared in her ears over the chatter and laughter, but it didn’t bother her. It had been a long time since she’d been this content. The warm feelings of happiness were impossible to put into words. Her growing desire was a rush, and the short phone calls and texting added to the thrill.
After exchanging a few pleasantries with customers, she noticed Emmy in the middle of the room. Ecstatic, she ambled over, trying to appear composed. “Mind if I join you, Ms. Russo?”
“Please do.”
Emmy’s clean light fragrance drifted up and filled her senses. “Looks like you need some dessert. We have several. I recommend the Turrón ice cream topped with a chocolate layer. It will enliven your tongue and taste buds.”
Emmy’s lips curled into a playful smile. She leaned back, resting her arm on the back of the chair. “Sounds sinfully rich. Dark, delicious chocolate over a light creamy base. That certainly conjures up delight.” She licked her upper lip. “How do you handle the base? It must require a balance of slow and continuous stirring. I’m sure you whip the cream into soft peaks and the egg whites into stiff peaks while gently folding everything together at the right time. My guess is you’re an expert at timing and getting the right amount of consistency.”
Jordan tried damn hard not to lose it, but the double entendre sent tingles through her body. She swallowed and it was all she could do to get the words out. “Oh, it’s easy to work with. Although, mixing in the right amount of hard crunchy almonds and honey can be tricky.”
“I’m sure.” Emmy lifted the cup to her luscious lips.
“Do you have any plans for New Year’s Eve? It’s only a couple of days away.”
“Possibly,” Emmy said, drawing out the word. “There is this one woman I’ve been dying to spend time with, but her calendar is rather full and her life is complicated. Still, I’m hoping to be a dear friend and show her exactly how much fun she is missing.”
Jordan felt brave. “And what might that be?”
“Let me think.” Emmy twisted her mouth. “Hmm. I have meant to show her some excellent exercises for flexibility and stamina. I’m positive she is rather strong, but I wouldn’t mind testing her hand and forearm strength. Of course, if she’s not ready, a movie could be an alternative. You know, a good movie is always Better Than Chocolate.”
The look on Jordan’s face was priceless. Emmy had never seen such a crimson blush. The restaurant was packed, and they spoke at normal volume, but no one would have gotten the movie reference unless they were gay.
Just as Emmy wondered if she had taken the banter too far, Jordan said, “Well that depends. A film When Night Is Falling may be best. It could be A Perfect Ending.”
Now, the shy woman had disappeared, and Emmy was surprised and elated. “Hmm. So many possibilities. What about you?”
“What about me?”
Emmy put her elbows on the table and leaned over. “Will you have any stamina left after the New Year’s Eve party or will you have to take time to recuperate?”
“Only one way to find out.” Jordan’s voice dipped to a sultry tone.
A waitress rushed up. “Jordan, there’s a phone call for you in the kitchen.”
After looking at the retreating woman with an odd expression, Jordan said, “I have no idea who that could be. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Emmy watched Jordan’s graceful stride. God, how she wanted that woman.
****
As the staff skillfully moved around the kitchen, Jordan walked up to the phone receiver laying on the table near the back door. This was weird. She had a separate number for the office phone as well as her cell. Who could be calling her on the kitchen phone? Hopefully not a complaining customer.
“Hello, this is Jordan Simón. How can I help you?”
There was no answer. She plugged one ear up to block out the noisy kitchen and repeated herself. Again, no reply. Then she heard a click.
Stepping away, the phone rang once more. She pivoted and stared at the device for a caller ID, but the screen read “unavailable.” After hesitating for a couple of rings, she picked it up. Again, her words were met with silence. As she began to think there was a bad connection, she heard a male voice snicker.
She snapped, “Is there something I can do for you, or not? I’m busy.” His snicker tapered off. More silence. Not wanting to alarm her employees, she replied in a quiet but strong tone. “Don’t call again or I’ll alert the authorities.” She hung up.
Furrowing her brows, Jordan saw the waitress. “Debbie, do you have any idea who that was?”
“Didn’t give his name.”
“And you don’t recognize the voice?”
“Nope.” The waitress hurried out of the room with a basket of fresh bread while others looked her way curiously.
“Probably nothing. Some jerk is likely playing a prank.” She turned her attention to helping the staff.
Chapter Nine
“Good evening, Ms. Russo. I’m happy you’re able to join us for New Year’s Eve.”
Emmy ignored Jordan’s extended hand. Clutching her purse with one hand, she grabbed Jordan with the other and drew her in for a peck on the cheek. “Thank you for inviting me, Ms. Simón.”
“The pleasure is all mine.” The unnecessary formalities were laid on thick and caused heads to turn. Jordan didn’t care as the light kiss electrified her. She felt daring as she eyed Emmy in the simple purple velvet dress with a black silk scarf loosely draped around her neck. Emmy looked fabulous, and Jordan’s vital signs had spiked. “How is your aunt?”
“She’s getting around better.” Emmy now looked flustered. “Regrettably, I have a curfew and have to leave by one a.m. Betty Jean’s friend cancelled. Tonight is the last time she has to take one of the meds in the middle of the night, and despite having an alarm, she insists I give it to her. I think she’s being overdramatic. However, I fully intend to catch up another night.”
“I hope so. Let me introduce you to a few people.”
Jordan took her elbow and led Emmy over to a group of artists. Most were acquaintances or town gallery owners she had bought pieces from over the years. She was comfortable with them and knew Emmy would be as well. Two waiters approached, one with hors d’oeuvres and another to take drink orders.
After a bit of conversation, Jordan said, “If you’ll excuse me. I need to say hello to the mayor.” She tipped her head. “Boring stuff but it’s gotta’ be done. Emmy, you’re in good hands.”
Jordan couldn’t hang on to Emmy all night even though simmering feelings were about to boil over. They had only met a month ago, and she had previously warned Emmy that the New Year’s Eve party was a mix of business and pleasure.
She didn’t want to leave the group, but there were a lot of people she had to greet, especially the Republican mayor. While she disagreed with many of his views, he was probusiness and seemed to be trying to bridge the gap between all sides. That wasn’t why she invited him. It was because of the old saying, “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer,” and the fact that his wife was Jordan’s hairdresser.
Soon after the state same-sex marriage ban had been overturned, Jordan overheard his comment on a state religious freedom bill that the right-wing movement was pushing: “Hell, we’ve got a seasonal economy. We can’t turn away the queers. They flock here in droves for the nature crap. As long as they are civil and don’t flaunt the shit, I could care less.” She wanted to know where he stood, and the need was more urgent as a situation with Jo’s friend had occurred over a week ago and was already the hottest gossip in town.
His wife spotted Jordan first. “You haven’t been in for a trim.”
Jordan accepted the air kiss and friendly hug. “Yes. I’ll have to make an appointment. Good thing my style is basic.” She shook the mayor’s hand. “Jim. Glad Diane was able to drag you out. You work too hard.”
�
�I’m afraid we can’t stay long. Got other commitments but couldn’t pass up the opportunity to chat.”
“Oh, Jim. You know darn well you came for the food.” Diane giggled. “But we did promise to meet up with old friends. Only one drink tonight and we’ll have to scoot out the door.”
“Let’s get you taken care of.” Jordan walked them to the bar and personally mixed their drinks while they loaded up on appetizers. “Jim, what’s the news with the bypass?”
“God, that would kill business. I think I’ve talked the council out of pursuing that for now.”
“Agree.”
Jordan was the perfect host. As they finished their drinks, she brought up the topic that interested her the most. “What happened at the courthouse? I heard something about a fight that got out of hand.”
He rolled his eyes and huffed. Jordan didn’t know if he would answer. After a big swig, he said, “A young woman in the county clerk’s office was fired. A sassy twenty-something.” He craned his neck and scanned the room. Apparently worried that they could be overheard, he leaned in and spoke in Jordan’s ear. “She’s claiming it’s because she’s gay. I don’t care, but they all got in a hullabaloo over this damn same-sex marriage ruling. The supervisor claims she’s been egging it on for some time. Now, someone else has stepped forward saying it’s the other way around.”
Jordan kept her emotions in check and thought of how to respond. Before she could get any words out, he looked her in the eye. “I called her this afternoon and told her I was overriding the supervisor, and she’s got her job back. Thank God, she’s not suing. I’m also bringing in a consultant to teach the staff some manners. We don’t have to whistle the same tune, but we all need respect, and they need to do their job without shoving their personal views down someone else’s throat.” He crumbled his napkin. “What really chafes my ass is they were yelling in front of customers.”
“Honey, watch your language! You’re in front of ladies and in public,” Diane berated him.
He turned to his wife. “Yes, dear.” He took a swig of his cocktail and glanced back at Jordan. “Don’t worry. It’s under control. Besides, most everybody just wants to get along anyway.”
Nodding, Jordan was silently relieved. The consultant was a good idea and made Jim seem more reasonable. Only two hours from Washington DC, Oakville had always teetered on the edge, politically and socially. An influx of city dwellers and tourists, as well as a widening generational gap, added to apprehension, and older folks were extremely uncomfortable with confrontation and more worried about appearances. It was not unheard of to have undisclosed family stories and secrets appear generations later.
Most people were naïve and probably scared. The community was changing from traditions people had always known to new ways that locals did not understand. Many had never traveled extensively, and ninety-eight percent of the county population was white. Despite darker skin from her father’s Mediterranean side, Jordan rarely experienced racial prejudice. Locals tended to support their own.
The mayor departed, and the party continued. Jordan milled around, playing the attentive host, making sure to bump into Emmy as often as possible. She would have relished being alone with her, but the party had been planned long before they met.
****
As the partygoers welcomed in 2015, Emmy casually placed her hand on Jordan’s shoulder, her fingers resting on the side of Jordan’s neck. She stretched on her toes and said into Jordan’s ear, “Happy New Year. I’m still holding you to a date night. Shall we do a movie or something else?”
Emmy was amused that her words seemed to cause an immediate visceral reaction. Maybe it was her imagination, but she felt goose bumps under her fingertips, and Jordan was trying but unable to suppress a grin. She looked so damn adorable, and Emmy fought the urge to kiss her right there. They were brought back to reality when the boisterous guests demanded Jordan make the first toast.
Jordan yelled out to the crowd, “To all my friends and business associates, I wish you all a blessed and successful year. And despite our differences that seem to be pushing our country apart, please let your heart and compassion be your guide.”
The cheering was loud from all corners of the room. Emmy was gently pushed aside as the merrymakers engulfed Jordan. Emmy watched the interaction. Jordan attempted to politely say goodbye to the other guests and make her way back to Emmy. Each time she glanced over, Emmy would make a question mark in the air with her finger. Watching Jordan squirm made the buildup all the more perfect. Perfect to let her words marinate in Jordan’s brain until her question was answered. Perfect to ramp up Jordan’s desire. She would wait in sweet anticipation.
When things began to calm down, Emmy sashayed over, smug with the thought of another opportunity to tweak Jordan’s emotional meter again. “What’s my answer?”
Jordan’s eyes held a mischievous glint. “I forgot to tell you about a tradition I have on New Year’s Day.”
Jordan took a drink. Obviously, letting her words dangle on purpose. Emmy’s excitement grew.
“And what might that be?”
Jordan’s eyes were dark and playful. “Dinner,” she said through a smirk. She bit her lip. “After a good hike.”
Emmy could not believe her ears. “Did you say hike?”
Jordan only nodded, her smile gleaming.
“Let me get this correct. New Year’s Day. You want to go on a hike! First, it’s winter. Second, there’s still snow on the ground. And third, it’s cold as bollocks around here and there always seems to be a threat of some sort of storm.”
Jordan chuckled. “A New Year’s Day hike is a tradition I revived when I returned home. A little cold won’t hurt you.”
Emmy moved her mouth but couldn’t seem to make any words come out. Is she toying with me?
Jordan straightened up. “The cold front moved out today, and the forecast for tomorrow is partly sunny with temps rising to the midforties and light winds. There’s really not much snow on the ground. With proper layering, we’d keep plenty warm. You said you have hiking boots.”
Emmy twisted her mouth, mulling over the idea. “You’re serious?”
“I’ve got an easy trail we can do and extra outdoor clothing I can loan you.” Jordan leaned down. “Afterward, I promise to please your palate.”
Emmy grabbed another glass of champagne as a waiter passed by and took a large gulp. “Count me in.”
Chapter Ten
By midmorning, the sun was shining, and only small patches of snow were here and there. Perfect day for a hike.
“Wow, I can’t believe the weather here changes so quickly.”
Jordan admired Emmy’s form even though she was layered up in clothing. “I told you, today is going to be gorgeous. There’s a trail up Cacapon Mountain along the ridge, that’s about four miles round-trip. How does that sound?”
“Let’s go for it.”
The hike began through the woods then became narrower and rockier as they climbed. They kept a good pace, frequently stopping to check out the lovely surroundings.
“The rock scramble is up ahead. The summit has a three-hundred-sixty-degree view with a flat spot that makes a great picnic location. You don’t have any fear of heights do you?”
Emmy laughed. “Now you ask. I can take whatever you throw at me. Just because I happen to be a little older and less in shape, doesn’t mean I can’t manage.”
This was the first time Emmy had ever expressed a lack of confidence or mentioned an age difference.
Jordan glanced down Emmy’s body. “Oh, I’d say you’re in shape. In fact, a nice curvy appealing shape.”
“Okay, Casanova, lead the way.”
Jordan handed her a pair of climbing gloves. “I think it’s prudent.”
They climbed on the side facing the sun. There were numerous handholds and footholds and no less than a twenty-foot drop in the most difficult section. Overall, the activity was invigorating and well worth the view.
Jordan removed the small backpack and stretched out a thin foam mat, which elicited a sly grin and a bit of teasing from Emmy.
“Are you intending to bed me up here?”
Jordan chuckled. “It’s for under a sleeping bag, but it’s cushiony, and it’ll keep our butts warm.”
Passing Emmy a water bottle, she placed lunch in the middle of the mat. They both sat quietly eating pita chips and hummus, apple slices, and peanut butter sandwiches, looking out at the valley for some time before Emmy broke the silence.
“Have you ever wanted to be anything other than a chef? What made you decide to live in Europe?”
Jordan shrugged. “Well, I did love singing as a child, but for the sake of everyone’s eardrums, I discovered my real aptitude was cooking. I never dreamed that one day I’d make it as a top chef in Europe and eventually own a restaurant.” Jordan hesitated and drank some water. “I stayed in Spain rather than return home for a couple of reasons. One, I loved the beautiful city of Madrid and the freedom I felt when I was away from the town and my family. And the other reason”—Jordan stared back out into the valley— “was Luciana.”
Emmy placed her hand on Jordan’s shoulder. “The woman that ripped apart your heart.”
“Yep. I once loved her. Or at least, I thought I did. Anyway, she cheated. The worst part is, I didn’t have a clue. She apologized and begged for forgiveness. I wanted to believe her because we had been together for over eight years. Silly me gave her another chance.” Jordan stared out at the valley before continuing. “You know, the same old story line of any serial cheater. Except she was an expert. At the end, I found there had been numerous affairs, including one so-called mutual friend.”
“The important thing is, you figured it out. We all have our share of hard knocks. Life goes on.”
“How about you?” Jordan said, wanting to get off the topic fast. “Have you always wanted to be in finance?”
Falling for Love Page 6
