“Don’t worry, sir. I’ll see her to your table” The man assured him.
“Yeah, it’s fine.” Lou smiled. “Hurry, though.”
“I will!” Niko turned back and pressed the button on the elevator repeatedly as if that would make the thing go faster.
“This way, Miss.” He escorted her to the door and opened it for her.
It was a peculiar entrance for a nightclub, but Lou knew that was all the rage these days, the whole industrial thing. She heard music coming from behind the door at the top of the stairs but couldn’t place the song. Before she could reach for the door at the top, it swung open and a gentleman in a white dinner jacket and bow tie smiled down at her.
“Good evening, Miss Donovan.” He smiled. “So glad you could make it.” He gestured with his hand for her to go to his right and she walked through a corridor constructed of massively tall potted trees, all densely placed to create a hallway. She could see stars overhead so she knew the place was open air, but it was quite warm for an April night in Nevada. When she came to the end of the hall, she could only turn right again and when she did, she couldn’t move.
The rooftop of the hotel had been transformed into something out of a movie. Potted trees created the feel of a large room while blotting out anything other than the exceptional view. The ground appeared to be some sort of clover or grass, but the fact that they were on a roof made that unlikely. There were giant urns with vines and flowers spilling out everywhere and beautiful steel, glass and flame patio heaters woven into the mix, thus there being no chill to the night air. Hundreds of tiny bulbs that looked like fireflies were strewn back and fourth, high overhead making it look like they were stars within reach. There was a lounge area set up off to the right with a circular couch, just like you’d find at a club. The difference was this one had a fire pit in the center, but the flames glowed pink and blue. Almost directly straight ahead was a beautifully set table with a crisp white table cloth, crystal candelabra and the reddest roses Lou had ever seen pooled at the base. There were speakers somewhere and the music had changed to something softer, but not overtly romantic. It was nothing short of magical and Lou simply could not move or even speak.
“Good evening, Detective.” Max’s voice greeted her. He was the only person there since the maitre d’ had taken his leave the moment Lou froze. Max stood there, looking like someone who stepped out of a classic movie. He wore a full tuxedo, complete with one of the impossibly red roses in his lapel. When Lou didn’t say anything or move, he started to panic a little so he walked towards her and held out his hand. “Will you join me?” He asked.
Lou didn’t know what to say. Her heart was beating so fast she was sure she would pass out so taking his hand was probably a good idea if she could only lift her arm. When he was close enough, he grazed her arm with his fingers, reaching for her hand. That was it. Her knees buckled and everything went black.
Max caught Lou before she could fall. He swept her up in his arms and carried her to the couch, panic-stricken. As he carefully set her down, he could see her eyes start to flutter.
“Tallulah!” He cradled the back of her neck for support as he knelt next to her. “Please, Lou, say something.”
“What...” Lou realized she had passed out. “Oh, crap.” She tried to sit up.
“Take it easy.” He suggested. “Are you okay?” As soon as she could right herself he sat back on his heels and waited for her to respond.
Lou looked around once more and took it all in. He had done this for her. It was so overwhelming, she could barely stand it but this time she didn’t pass out. She tried to compose herself but to her added mortification she let a tear slip. She finally found her voice and spoke. “I’m so sorry.”
“Why are you sorry?” He asked her. “Lou, why the tears?”
“It’s so beautiful.” She tried to breathe. “I’m sorry for my behavior. God, I am so embarrassed.”
He grinned. “Are you alright?”
She managed to look him in the eye for the first time. “I am so alright. It’s just...”
“Can I get you some water? Anything?” Max got up, but she grabbed him by the wrist to stop him.
“You.” She whispered under her breath.
“What?” He had heard her but wanted to hear it out loud.
Lou stood up. “I’m fine, really.” She chickened out and didn’t repeat what she had actually said. “What is all of this?” She looked around, now unable to stop smiling.
He took her by the hand and lead her to the middle of the garden he had created for her. “This...” He stopped and turned to face her. “...this is my grand gesture.” He smiled and the music grew louder.
Lou recognized the song immediately because it was her favorite. As if ripped straight from her dreams since she had imagined it over and over, countless times, Max stepped in close and slid an arm around her waist. Her breath caught and she thought she would faint again when he reached with his other arm and took her hand in his then began to waltz her across the rooftop. As the strings of the music soared, she closed her eyes and he whisked her around as if she were a doll, moving effortlessly to his whim. When he spun her around and let her go, whirling and spinning, she laughed with pure joy. Finally she stopped, giggling and dizzy, almost drunk. She opened her eyes and looked for him, not seeing him at first as things stopped spinning. He was watching her from across the makeshift dance floor, smiling and all she could do was try to cover her stupid grin with both of her hands. There were no words to describe what she was feeling and she was at a loss for anything worthy to say. She tucked her hair behind her ear and fidgeted awkwardly and when he came toward her rather quickly, she froze again.
“Forgive me.” He said as he leaned down, took her face in his hands gently and kissed her.
Everything that had ever existed or had ever been was all just a prelude to this moment. Like windswept starlight and the warmth of the sun poured into one single gesture, neither of their lives would ever be the same. Lou grabbed the lapels of his coat for fear of collapsing again and when she felt his arms wrap around her and pull her close, sure enough, she was out.
He laughed and held her close while he waited for her to come to again, swaying gently to the music. “My beautiful, brave cop.” He whispered and kissed her cheek. “If this is going to work, we’re going to have to make sure you remember to breathe.”
There are just too many people to thank. That would be a book in itself. Please know I love and appreciate you all so very much and am blessed to have you in my life. With that said, there are those who I need to single out and thank specifically.
To all the incredible men and women who serve with such distinction in our armed forces, law enforcement, peace officers, firefighters and first responders. I thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for everything you do each and every day. You are an inspiration to so many and are acknowledged too rarely for all that you do.
A huge thank you to all the men and women at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Specifically, everyone at Lost Hills Malibu Station for your bravery, kindness and compassion in serving our community. Thank you for your tolerance and good humor in allowing me to take over your house again, even if it is fictitiously. The same goes for West Hollywood, Homicide Bureau and everyone at the Crime Lab. You are all rock stars.
A very special thanks to the Golden Nugget, Las Vegas, for your endless hospitality, thoughtfulness and phenomenal service. John Sunstrum, your patience with my stupid questions will always be appreciated. See you guys soon!
To everyone at Vic & Anthony’s, I’m not sure if I should thank you, since I can’t fit into jeans anymore. Just kidding! You all are so amazing and I thank you for allowing my liberties. John Lesko, thank you sir. I hope you don’t mind my stealing you, but you are just too fabulous and unique not to! Love you tons.
Prince Loeffler, Sensei of Shugyokan Dojo, how can I ever than
k you for all the love and support you give? I am so honored to call you my friend and grateful for having you in my little universe. Your students are so lucky to have you and I appreciate everything they have done to support me along the way.
To Fireman’s Brew, specifically Bette and Roger Baer. Thank you for your incredible support and allowing me to highjack your brand! Niko sends his thanks for the lifetime supply of redheads.
To my family. Your patience and understanding know no limits. It’s been a difficult few years and we have pulled each other through it, as we always will. Each and every one of you is a blessing in my life and I simply would not exist if not for all your love, support and encouragement.
Last, but never ever least, to my Mom. Nothing would be, if not for you. You are my best friend, my biggest fan and most skeptical critic and saying ‘thank you' is just so inadequate. Your laughter and love sustains me and I will never be worthy of all your faith and support. I love you more than words could possibly convey.
Mell Corcoran made a massive shift to pursue her passion as a writer after working in the legal profession for nearly two decades. Her first two installments of a Series of Shadows—Shadows of Doubt and Shadows of Deceit—received rave reviews from critics and fans alike with a blending of genres that bring her colorful and complex cast of characters to life. A native Southern Californian, Mell enjoys a quiet life with her family just outside Los Angeles.
Learn more about Mell and a Series of Shadows at www.Mell-Corcoran.com. She can also be found on Twitter @MellCorcoran as well as www.Facebook.com/MellCorcoran.
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