VINA IN VENICE (THE 5 SISTERS)

by Kimberley Reeves

  “Are you still up for those dancing lessons?”

  “Madam,” Travis bowed gallantly, “I am yours for the entire evening.”

  ***

  Vina flopped down on the sofa next to Travis. “I have to confess, I didn’t think you were being completely honest when you told me you knew the minuet.”

  “You thought I lied to you?”

  “Quit with the injured look,” Vina nudged him with her elbow. “I didn’t think you lied…exactly. I’d call it more of a fib.”

  “If that’s an apology for doubting my word, it leaves something to be desired.”

  “You’re right. I’m sorry for doubting you. I had a lot of fun tonight, Travis. You really are an excellent minuet dance instructor…even if you didn’t wear the tights.”

  His deep, rich laughter poured over her, warming Vina from the inside out. She liked it when Travis laughed, and she liked it even more when she was the one responsible for it. She didn’t have to guess why he wore such a solemn expression most of the time. There was so much going on inside that brilliant head of his, always too much to do and not enough hours in the day to do it in.

  “So, Mr. Malone, who’s going to be keeping an eye on business while you’re away?”

  “My brothers. Each of them volunteered to take a week, and Lydia said she’d handle the work schedules and whatever else the boys needed her help with.”

  “How is Lydia? I haven’t seen her for ages.”

  “Not nearly as ornery as she used to be. Do you remember me telling you how horribly she behaved every time one of my brothers got engaged?”

  Vina couldn’t help smiling. “I believe you said your little sister was like a she-bear protecting her cubs because she was so sure their prospective brides were gold-diggers. You know she only acted that way because she wanted them to be happy, right?”

  “I know. Lydia’s sharp tongue can tear the hide clean off of you, but her heart is in the right place. I think it was Derek’s wife, Emily, that finally mellowed Lydia and turned her thinking around.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Derek’s first marriage was a disaster and he was incredibly unhappy until he found Emily. Now Lydia thinks marriage is the cure-all for the remaining bachelors in the family. She’s been hounding Brent and me to find ourselves a good woman and settle down.”

  Vina’s stomach roiled as if she’d eaten something that didn’t agree with her. Travis didn’t do serious relationships so there had never been any danger of her encroaching on another woman’s territory. A jealous girlfriend Vina could handle because she knew they wouldn’t be around long enough to cause a rift between her and Travis. But a wife would resent any time he spent with another woman, no matter how innocent the relationship. Travis wouldn’t jeopardize his marriage by going against his wife’s wishes, which meant Vina would lose the closeness she shared with him now, and that scared her to death.

  Was it selfish to want things to remain the same between them? And what right did she have to feel this way when the sole purpose of flying off to Venice was to find the love of her life and marry him? Obviously, Travis wasn’t concerned that her future husband might pose a threat to their relationship, or maybe he hadn’t given it any thought at all.

  “Do you want to get married and have kids?” Vina asked, disconcerted by the way his expression softened.

  “Yeah, surprisingly enough, I do. It would be nice coming home to someone you loved and enjoyed spending time with. Eventually, I’d want children, but not right away. I think a couple should establish themselves as husband and wife, have fun, maybe travel a little, before jumping into the role of parents.”

  “I thought you liked playing the field, doing what you wanted, whenever you wanted, not having to answer to anyone.”

  Travis shrugged. “I’ve done my running around. I want more out of life than twelve hour work days and an occasional fling. Who knows,” he leveled a rakish grin at her, “maybe we’ll both find what we’re looking for in Venice.”

  ***

  As Travis dressed for work the next morning, he recalled their conversation with a satisfied smile. He’d been watching those expressive doe eyes of hers when he planted the seed inside her head that he was on the lookout for his soul-mate. Whether she realized it or not, Vina didn’t care much for the idea, and that gave him hope. Now all he had to do was nurture that seed and make sure it grew.

  Grabbing up his cell phone, he dialed Vina’s number. “Good morning, Miss Moore,” he said when she answered. “This is Travis Malone. We met last night at dance class, remember?”

  “Malone, you say?” Vina played along. “Hmmmm, are you the short skinny guy that kept stepping on my feet?”

  “No, I’m the tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome one that couldn’t keep his eyes off of you.”

  “Yes, of course,” there was laughter in her voice, “I think I remember you now. What can I do for you, Mr. Malone?”

  “I realize it’s short notice, but I would be deeply honored if you agreed to have dinner with me tonight.”

  “I’m flattered. It’s not often that I get asked out by a devastatingly handsome man. I think I could manage to make myself presentable by seven o’clock if you would like to pick me up then?”

  “Perfect. I look forward to seeing you again.”

  Travis caught Vina’s bubbly giggle just before she disconnected the call. He’d already made dinner reservations for eight-thirty and was having his Ferrari detailed this afternoon because he knew how much Vina enjoyed riding in it. But this was an all out campaign to win her heart, and that required taking additional steps to impress her.

  Scrolling through the address book of his cell phone, Travis located the number he was looking for and ordered an elaborate spray of flowers. After giving them Vina’s name and rattling off the address of her company, he headed for his new restaurant to iron out some issues that had developed over the past few days. It wouldn’t be easy focusing on work when he was only hours away from his first real date with Vina, but he would muddle through it somehow.

  A little after one o’clock, Vina called. “Travis, the flowers are breathtaking,” she exclaimed. “Everyone that has seen them wants to know who my admirer is. I love them, but you really shouldn’t have gone to so much trouble. They must have cost of a fortune…”

  “Lesson number one,” Travis cut in, “is to blush with pleasure when a man sends you flowers. Thank him without mentioning the trouble he went to, or the amount of money he spent. Lesson number two…”

  “Should I be writing this down?”

  “Cute. Lesson number two: a man doesn’t send a woman flowers unless he’s hoping to get something in return. It may be a way of letting you know he is interested in developing a relationship with you. It could also mean he’s working on getting you in the sack.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Deadly.”

  “Well…how can I tell the difference? Good grief, Travis, I don’t want to be suspicious every time I receive flowers.”

  “Not suspicious, just cautious.”

  “Anything else I should know before I cautiously proceed with our date tonight?”

  “Yes. Wear the green dress you bought for the Emerson’s party. You look stunning in it.”

  “Thanks for the fashion tip,” her voice dripped with sarcasm. “Any particular way I should fix my hair?”

  “Yeah,” Travis chuckled, “wear it down. It makes you look soft and feminine.”

  “As opposed to when I wear it up and look like one of the boys?”

  “Trust me, sweetheart, no one could ever mistake you for one of the boys.”

  ***

  “I don’t know why you’re so nervous. It’s not as if it’s a real date.”

  Vina eyed her reflection in the mirror before turning to face Sophia. “Technically, it is a real date. I mean, Travis and I have gone to dinner together plenty of times, but as friends. And I know he’s just role playing, but it f
eels…exciting, like I really am having dinner with someone I’ve just met. You think I’m crazy,” Vina said, noting Sophia’s arched brows.

  “Are you sure that’s all there is to it?”

  A slow blush began to work’s its way up Vina’s neck. “What else could there be?”

  “Oh, I don’t know,” Sophia grinned. “Could be, you finally noticed what a hunk Travis is and want this to be a real date.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous!” Vina headed for the walk-in closet, skewering Sophia with a withering glare as she passed by. “I told you, Travis is coaching me so I’ll be able to carry on an intelligent conversation without freezing up.”

  Grabbing the high heeled sandals that matched her green dress, she carried them back to the bed and dropped down beside Sophia to slip them on. “I am not entertaining romantic fantasies about him. Anyway, you know the type of woman he prefers.”

  Sophia rolled her eyes. “Slinky, blonde sex-kittens with big breasts and no brains. No wonder he likes hanging out with you; once his libido is taken care of by the bimbo-de-jour, he needs some intellectual stimulation.”

  Vina frowned. “That’s a little harsh.”

  “Harsh, but true. I’m glad to hear you have no illusions about him, though. Don’t get me wrong; Travis is a great guy, but he’s a heartbreaker. Getting romantically involved would destroy your friendship, and I know how much that would hurt you.”

  Pushing herself off the bed, Vina crossed the room to her vanity table and checked her hair and make-up one last time. “He’s going to be here any minute. If the rest of the brood has been conjuring up ideas about me and Travis, you can run down and tell them I’ll wring their necks if they so much as hint at it to him.”

  “Don’t worry, I haven’t discussed it with them, and they’re too wrapped up in getting ready for their own trips to think about anything else.”

  “Is everyone still upset over Mom and Dad’s choice of escorts?”

  “A little I suppose.” Sophia climbed off the bed and gave Vina a hug. “I hope it turns out wonderfully for all of us, but if it doesn’t…we still have each other. Good luck on your pretend date.”

  After Sophia had gone, Vina ran the brush through her hair a few more times, alarmed by how shaky her hands were. What in the world had come over her? It wasn’t as if Travis would think any less of her if she was a complete failure tonight. Realistically, they’d probably have a great time because it would be difficult to keep up the pretense they hadn’t known each other for years. Feeling a bit more settled than she had a few minutes ago, Vina retrieved her clutch purse from the nightstand and headed downstairs.

  She had just reached the top landing when Sophia opened the front door and let Travis in. Immaculately dressed in a black suit, red pinstriped tie, and crisp white shirt, the man was criminally handsome. Vina couldn’t take her eyes off of him. His dark hair was combed back, but there was one rogue curl he hadn’t managed to tame that seemed determined to fall across his forehead. He towered over Sophia, charming her sister with a dazzling smile as he took her hand and shook it.

  Drawing in a deep breath, Vina’s knees nearly buckled when his eyes turned to her as she descended the stairs. His gaze swept over her with appreciation before he moved forward to brush a light kiss to her cheek when she reached the bottom.

  “You look exquisite,” Travis said as he took her hand and led her towards the door. He took the ivory lace shawl Sophia held out to him and draped it around Vina’s shoulders. “It was very nice to meet you, Sophia.”

  Sophia crossed her arms, affecting a stern expression. “You will have my sister back by midnight, won’t you?”

  “She’ll be safe with me,” Travis replied, curling his arm around Vina waist, “but don’t count on her being home by midnight. The way Vina looks right now, it’s going to take a monumental effort to say good-night.”

  “You shouldn’t say things like that,” Vina admonished once they reached his car.

  “Why not, it’s the truth.”

  For one brief moment she thought he was serious. Vina’s eyes met his, her cheeks turning a furious red. “Oh, I get it. You’re trying to keep in character,” she said, feeling foolish. Because, of course, it was absurd to believe he meant it.

  Travis opened the door, neither confirming nor denying what she’d said. He cupped her elbow and helped her inside then rounded the front of the Ferrari and slipped into the driver’s seat. Vina was tongue tied. She felt awkward and was completely unnerved by their close proximity; something that had never happened before. Travis would probably get quite a kick out of knowing she couldn’t even muster enough courage to look at him right now.

  “Except for the red hair, you and Sophia could be twins,” Travis broke the silence. “Do all your sisters have such a close family resemblance?”

  “Yes. No. I mean, it’s obvious we’re all sisters, but Sophia and I actually are twins.”

  “You must be fraternal twins then.”

  “No, we…uh…we’re identical. We both had dark hair and looked so much alike, the only one who could tell us apart was our mother. Sophia was born with a heart condition, but they had to wait until she was older and stronger to operate. The medication she was taking caused all her hair to fall out. The poor thing was bald until she had the operation when she was two. When her hair finally grew back, it was the same shade of red as my mother’s.”

  “She’s okay now?”

  “Perfectly healthy, thank God.”

  “Tell me about yourself, Vina.”

  Vina searched her mind for something interesting to say and came up with a total blank. Travis was doing his best to make this seem like a real first date, so the dreaded tell me about yourself question was inevitable, but she was still at a loss. She didn’t lead the glamorous lifestyle of a model that most of his dates did, and she had no social life to speak of. She loved her job, but real estate investment wasn’t exactly an exciting topic of conversation.

  Vina’s fingers curled into fists, her frustration mounting as each second ticked by. She was hopeless, and so were the chances of this date being anything but a waste of time. Travis was going to slip into a coma from sheer boredom. No doubt, he was thinking about which gorgeous bombshell he would have chosen to be with tonight if he hadn’t sacrificed his evening to help her out.

  “I’m sorry, Travis, but this just isn’t going to work out,” she sounded every bit as miserable she felt. Vina didn’t realize how icy her skin had grown until Travis reached out and covered her hands with his. It was as warm and comforting as his voice.

  “Relax, Vina. At this point, I would know very little about you and be interested in anything you had to say. Tell me about the company and how you worked your way up through the ranks. You could talk about your own real estate business, or what it was like growing up with four sisters.” He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, slanting a devilish grin at her. “If it helps, you can pretend you’re talking to your best friend.”

  “That just shows you what a mess I am,” Vina laughed. “In order to talk to you without sounding like an idiot, I have to pretend you’re you.”

  With the tension finally broken, conversation between them flowed easily. She felt comfortable asking questions too, and though she knew most of the answers he gave her, Vina learned a few things about Travis that she hadn’t known before. She was so wrapped up in their light hearted banter, over an hour had passed before it occurred to her they were still on the coastal highway. Vina was delighted when Travis told her they were dining at Marinelli’s, a five-star restaurant that was so popular, reservations had to be made a month in advance.

  “How did you manage to get a table on such short notice?” she asked as they pulled into the parking lot.

  Travis killed the engine. “I’m surprised you don’t remember him. Joe Marinelli used to work for me when Malone’s first opened.”

  “He must have worked days,” Vina said. “I pulled quite a few evening waitressing stints for yo
u back then and don’t recall meeting Joe Marinelli.”

  “Maybe this will jog will memory.” With a dark scowl on his face, Travis began ranting in a perfectly dreadful Italian accent. “Get out of my kitchen! You know nothing about cucina Italiana. Fuoir, fuoir, get out, get out!”

  Vina was lost in a fit of giggles, more because of his horrible imitation of Joe Marinelli than any actual memories of the temperamental chef. The man was a genius in the kitchen and he knew it, which meant anyone that questioned what he did or tried to alter his recipes was tagged a tyrant and ordered to get out of his sight.

  “Now look what you’ve done,” she dabbed at the tears that were threatening to make her mascara run. “Thanks to you, I’m going to walk in there looking look like a raccoon!”

  “But a very beautiful raccoon,” Travis quipped, dodging the playful punch she lobbed at his shoulder.