The Winemaker's Dinner: Appetizers

by Rusilko, Dr. Ivan

  “Your chariot, my dear,” Ivan chirped in a phony Australian accent as he helped her into the black beast, its oversized tires raising it an extra two inches off the ground. Shutting the door, he laughed. “Assumptions, baby girl, are never right!”

  Ivan hopped in the driver’s side, clicked on the stereo, and blasted a live version of Jimmy Buffet’s “Margaritaville.” He hit the gas and tore out of the parking lot, screeching the tires and leaving the valet standing on the curb with a stunned, pissed off look on his face.

  Who is this guy? He’s full of surprises, Jaden thought. She smiled because she’d loved everyone one of them so far and couldn’t wait to see what happened next.

  Chapter 8

  “Wild Nights”

  JIMMY’S COCONUT-RUM-FLAVORED VOICE echoed from the stereo, nearly drowning out the wind as they screamed down the road.

  “So, where are we off to?” Jaden asked as the whipping breeze threatened to mess up the hair she’d spent the past two hours perfecting.

  Turning down the tropical tunes, Ivan responded, “Patience is a virtue, girl.” He seemed quite proud of his joke until he glanced over at the annoyed look Jaden couldn’t keep off her face. “We’re off to a friend’s birthday party,” he said immediately, motioning to the high rises in the distance. “It’s in the penthouse of one of those bad boys.”

  Suddenly fearful, Jaden could feel the bile rising in the back of her throat. It was her job to cook for the rich and famous, not mingle with them. She was fresh meat about to be tossed in the lion’s den. “Who will be there?” she asked, trying not to sound too nervous.

  “It’ll be mostly professionals—lawyers, doctors, socialites, CEOs.”

  She must have been broadcasting her unease, because Ivan placed a reassuring hand on her knee. “Jaden, these people are no better than you. They eat, they sleep, and they have sex the exact same way you do… Oh, well, not sure on that last one. Actually, I’m pretty sure they don’t have sex like you do, because that’s like fu—er, sorry. You know what I mean.” He gave her a goofy smile and rubbed her thigh playfully. “The only difference is the size of their bank accounts. Just follow my lead, and you’ll do fine. After all, you’re going to be the most beautiful thing that walks through the door tonight.”

  “Great,” she mumbled. “You’re used to this sort of thing. I’m not.”

  “Well, practice makes perfect. I’m horrible with names but I’ve perfected a technique to get people to say their name without me having to ask. Pay attention and you’ll see. Plus, you’d better get used to mingling. One of these days it’s going to be you people are flocking to see. Jaden Thorne, chef extraordinaire—I can see cooking show written all over it.”

  Jaden rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t help being flattered by his confidence in her—even if he was just trying to be his charming self and make her feel more at ease. She swallowed hard as they pulled up in front of the lavish condo, forcing back her queasiness. Looking up, Jaden noticed they were now at the Point—the southernmost tip of South Beach and a place she jogged every morning because of its beauty. Many mornings she’d run by and wondered what it would be like to live here, and now she was about to find out.

  It looked much different in the evening. Red and green lights flickered and danced along the columns of the boardwalk, and the water glistened in the dull orange light cast by the port on the other side of the inlet, miles away. There was a certain peace about it now, when it was devoid of the dog walkers, joggers, and sightseers that crowded it during the day.

  “Hello, sir. Are you here for the party?” asked a valet in a crisp red and white uniform.

  “You betcha,” Ivan responded as he opened the door, slid out of the driver’s seat, and rushed around to Jaden’s door. Offering her his arm, he helped her out of the Jeep. “Mmmmm,” he murmured appreciatively as she slid down his body to exit.

  Jaden couldn’t help but smile in spite of her nerves. Maybe this guy is for real…

  Large glass doors and windows lined the front of the building, and they were immediately greeted by a rush of cold-air refreshment that poured over their bodies as they entered. Jaden shivered and her nipples stood at attention as the chill assaulted her body. She was immediately thankful that her little black dress did a good job of hiding her body’s reaction to frigid temperatures—among other things. Walking across the lobby, they passed assorted Miami Beachers dressed to the hilt and scurrying about as they prepared for Saturday night.

  Beyond the people, the lobby itself was a sight to behold. Picasso-style paintings adorned the walls, but the pièce de résistance was the waterfall sculpture in the middle of the floor, which emanated the sounds of trickling water and soft glow of iridescent light. Bright red carpeting lay scattered in no particular pattern across the white-tile floor, and coordinating ruby red sofas and glass coffee tables completed the elegant décor.

  As they passed one of the sitting areas, Jaden couldn’t help but notice a fancy epicurean magazine she’d never even heard of before, and briefly imagined herself gracing the cover. One day…she thought, embracing Ivan’s confidence.

  They approached the concierge, and he looked up immediately. “May I help you?”

  “Yes, we’re for the Shaunnessey party,” Ivan replied.

  “Your name, sir?”

  “Dr. Rusilko, plus one,” he replied nonchalantly, probably having said the phrase a thousand times before.

  The concierge leafed through the papers on his desk and scrolled through the names. Finding the one he was looking for, he checked it off, and then motioned toward the other side of the lobby where a bank of golden elevators lined the wall. “Please use the second set of elevators on your left.”

  “Are you okay?” Ivan asked as they approached the elevators.

  Jaden willed herself to smile. “So far, so good,” her voice cracked. “But I swear, if you leave me alone for one second…”

  “Leave you alone, are you kidding me? I’m gonna have to stand guard to make sure you don’t get swept off your feet by some millionaire banker. So help me God, if that happens…” Ivan joked, successfully eliciting a smile.

  “We’re going to the parking garage again?” she asked facetiously when he pressed the P button, just as he had before.

  “Damn right! Only the best for you, girl.” He winked and chuckled under his breath.

  The elevator glided smoothly toward the top floor, and Jaden leaned against the glass, the memory of their previous night in an elevator replaying in her mind like a movie. Trying to conceal a grin, she lost the battle and laughed. She looked up at Ivan, and his smirk told her he was thinking about the same thing. They smiled together as the elevator halted.

  “You ready to rock and roll?” Ivan wrapped his arm tightly around her waist.

  For a moment, Jaden felt as if she were the only woman on earth, and it was his sworn duty to protect her. Confidence swelled within her, and she smiled. “Always.”

  “That’s my girl.”

  The doors of the elevator slid open, and riotous music and laughter bombarded them as they stepped into the most lavish apartment Jaden had ever seen. Her eyes widened as she realized it filled the entire floor.

  Two women in black-and-white designer gowns and one-hundred-watt smiles greeted them, brandishing trays of rose-colored wine. Ivan reached for a glass and handed it to Jaden before retrieving one for himself. “Gracias,” he thanked them.

  Moving further into the lion’s den, Jaden noticed the elaborate kitchen. Four cooks busied themselves with tonight’s dinner preparations, and it took every ounce of her willpower not to jump in and start making corrections to their obvious mistakes. “Rookies,” she whispered under her breath.

  “Fair is fair,” Ivan whispered back. “If I’m not allowed to think about sex, you’re not allowed to think about work.”

  Jaden shivered, his sultry voice melting her like butter. “You know, Dr. Rusilko, some rules are meant to be broken,” she replied, whi
ch left Ivan speechless and grinning that quirky little grin she was beginning to adore.

  Then Jaden froze as a sea of people engulfed her. Socialites, businessmen, and chesty women in high heels who could have stepped off the pages of a magazine swirled around her. The furniture in the home’s main room had been removed, and in its place they’d constructed a dance floor with a DJ booth, which now pumped out the latest chart toppers.

  “So, whatcha think?” Ivan asked.

  “Wow!” Jaden shook her head. “Are all these people friends of the birthday boy?”

  Ivan bellowed more than laughed. “When you’re this wealthy, everyone’s your friend.”

  “What does he do?” Jaden asked, curiously.

  “His primary business is financial stuff that I don’t even pretend to understand, but he’s also a partner in a TV station, among other things,” Ivan shouted above the music. “He does a bunch of random stuff really, but he’s a great guy.”

  Jaden nodded, but she must have looked as overwhelmed as she was feeling.

  “Let’s check out the balcony,” Ivan suggested with a warm smile.

  As they made their way through a sea of silicon, Botox, and spray tans, Ivan introduced her to everyone who stopped to greet them. Jaden smiled politely, making small talk and appreciating Ivan’s efforts. From fabulously dressed bigwigs to local business professionals, the party was a networking paradise—if Jaden had enjoyed networking.

  Only once on their trek through the crowd did Ivan insist that she meet someone in particular. He pulled her eagerly toward an impeccably dressed, overly tan gentleman surrounded by a swarm of beautiful women. Walking right past the fashionistas, Ivan didn’t so much as cast a second look in their direction as he interrupted the man’s conversation with a hearty greeting. They shared a warm hug and a few laughs before Ivan guided Jaden front and center. “Jaden I want you to meet—”

  “Ah, this must be the Ms. Thorne I’ve heard so much about from my colleagues,” the man said, interrupting Ivan’s introduction. “How are you doing, my dear? Are you enjoying the party?”

  “Yes, it’s great. Thank you so much for having me.”

  “Well, eat and drink to your heart’s content. Patty’s footing the bill.” He paused to chuckle at his own joke. “It’s a delight to have met you. I apologize that I must leave so abruptly, but my driver awaits.”

  Kissing Jaden’s hand, the tan man turned to Ivan and winked before jetting off toward the elevator with the harem of gorgeous women in his wake.

  Utterly confused, Jaden turned to look at Ivan. “Who was—”

  “Don’t worry about it, babe,” he replied indifferently.

  Jaden opened her mouth to inquire further, but they were on to the next greetings. As they moved gradually toward the balcony, Jaden took note of Ivan’s name trick, and couldn’t help but laugh to herself. He said he was terrible with names, but he’d gone to great lengths to discover hers, she reminded herself. Finally, just feet from their balcony destination, they stumbled upon the birthday boy—engaged in a political discussion with several of his guests.

  “Dr. Shaunnessey, trying to save the world again,” Ivan said with a smile, apparently diffusing a heated debate.

  “Always trying, doc,” he said. Motioning to Jaden, he asked, “And who might this be?”

  “She was the escort service’s top girl for the night. Not too shabby, eh?” Jaden’s eyes widened, but Ivan maintained a complete poker face as everyone around them fell silent. He allowed Dr. Shaunnessey to turn a bright shade of red before bursting out laughing and properly introducing Jaden. “This beautiful woman is my date, Jaden Thorne. She’s the new head chef at Bianca.”

  “Is that right?” Dr. Shaunnessey asked, raising his eyebrow. “I’m Patrico Shaunnessey, but please call me Patty. I’ve heard marvelous things about that place and your culinary expertise. I had to decline Ivan’s lunch invitation because of a previous commitment, so it’s an honor to finally meet you, my dear.”

  “I might say the same thing, if I knew for sure which side of that argument you were defending a moment ago,” Jaden replied. She could practically feel Ivan’s heart jump into his throat, along with the birthday boy’s, but just as Ivan had done, Jaden let the joke linger to the point of awkwardness before giving in to giggles and poking Ivan in the ribs. “Sorry, I had to get him back for that escort barb,” she explained to Patty with a smile.

  The group erupted in laughter as Ivan took Jaden’s hand and raised it to his lips. “Apparently, she’s a comedian as well!”

  “My dear, you’ve made my night,” Patty responded, and he gave Jaden a gentlemanly peck on the cheek before returning his attention to Ivan. “You got lucky, my friend.”

  Ivan’s gaze fell intently on Jaden, and she felt warm under his stare. “You have no idea how lucky,” he said.

  Finally stepping out onto the balcony that overlooked the port inlet, Jaden sighed as she looked out across the open water, transfixed by the breathtaking view. The cool summer breeze cut the humidity and washed over her skin, raising goose bumps on her arms. The Miami skyline shimmered in the distance, its reflection dancing on the water below.

  Ivan leaned in and placed his hands around her waist, smoothing the silky fabric of her dress. “A bit different from up here, eh?”

  “It’s exquisite.” Jaden sighed, shaking her head. “Thank you for bringing me.”

  “No, thank you,” he whispered.

  “For what?” She turned from the view to find something equally dazzling before her. Ivan drank her in with his eyes, as if he were trying to memorize every detail. She felt a swell of emotion and lifted her head as he brought his mouth to meet hers.

  “Mmmm…pineapple,” he softly murmured, and Jaden smiled into his kiss. “Thank you for making this moment perfect.” Sensing that they’d become a peepshow on the balcony, she stepped back, and they parted as smoothly as they’d come together.

  “Let’s get a drink,” Ivan suggested, taking her hand. Jaden’s heart thumped as they fell into step like they’d been dating for years.

  As they wove back through the crowd and across the room, Jaden examined the trays of appetizers being passed and noted the effort that had gone into their presentation. She had no doubt that a great deal had been invested in the evening’s menu. Jaden looked toward the kitchen, where the cooks were preparing the next round of appetizers, and noticed her—the blond-haired bimbo who’d been weighing on her mind. She’d been draped on Ivan at the Winemaker’s Dinner, and then she’d been part of the group that came to the restaurant. Who is this woman? Jaden wondered, and she cringed as jealousy crept over her. She hoped they’d be able to sidestep her, but the moment the woman saw them, she made a beeline for Ivan. Damn.

  “Ivan, darling, how are you?” the blonde called as she hurried across the room.

  Jaden tempered her glare, hoping desperately that a pleasant look settled on her face. Close up, the woman, probably in her early thirties, showcased a warm Latina complexion, light hair, and a trim, athletic body. God didn’t make those, Jaden noted to herself as she observed the telltale all-too-perfect breasts and matching ass. Despite this, she could see why men, including Ivan, would find her attractive.

  “Jaden Thorne,” the woman enthused a little too loudly after making eyes at Ivan for a moment. “How are you? Are you enjoying yourself?” Lifting her chin and giving her best impression of enthusiasm, Jaden replied, “I’m doing fine, thank you. Who wouldn’t enjoy herself at a party like this?”

  “You weren’t kidding, were you, Ivan? She is a stunning little thing.” The blonde tossed Jaden an appraising glance. “You’re a lucky man.”

  “So I’ve been told.” Ivan smiled and squeezed Jaden’s hand.

  “How do you like Miami?” the woman asked Jaden, barely pausing for her response before she followed up with a succession of personal questions ranging from where Jaden was from to her five-year plan, and even touching on her family.

  Jaden ans
wered with as much grace and humor as she could muster, impressing even herself with how naturally she was able to do it. Maybe Ivan was right. They were just people.

  “Well, sweetheart, I do have to run and find my friends,” she finally said, touching Jaden lightly on the arm. “But I’ve heard so much about you that I had to have a moment to talk with you. I’ll be in touch.” She turned to Ivan and winked. “And you, let’s do lunch soon. We have so much to chat about.”

  “Sounds good, doll. Be safe.” Ivan waved as she slinked away into the crowd.

  What was that all about? Jaden’s curiosity was piqued, and shit!—she still didn’t know the woman’s name. During all those rapid-fire questions, the blonde hadn’t said a thing about herself. Jaden accepted a glass of wine from Ivan, but remained preoccupied with the odd conversation. “Who was she?” Jaden wondered aloud.

  “Her? Oh, she’s a friend I’ve known for a while now. She’s a peach,” Ivan said with a laugh. “Are you having fun, girl?”

  “I started having fun the second I saw that black beast of yours turn the corner,” Jaden responded cheerfully, though a part of her still wondered about the blonde.

  Forcing the issue from her mind, Jaden returned to mingling and working the crowd like a pro. Laughs were laughed, drinks were drunk, and relationships were forged, all while Ivan stood by her side, beaming.

  Finally Jaden glanced down at her watch, expecting it to have gotten late, but still shocked to see it was four in the morning. She gasped. “Time sure does fly…”

  “Are you ready to go home?” Ivan asked, looking pretty convinced that’s what he wanted.

  “Almost,” Jaden smiled, still amazed she’d finally managed to feel at ease in this crowd. “I just need to find a ladies’ room.”