King Solomon's Journey (The Dominguez Adventures) (38 page)

            Smiling, he asked. “How’s that?”

            “He has intertwined American with Latino into a third state. His creations are monatomic.”

            “He's a genius, I’m sure of that. It’s the first time I’ve seen you eat food you didn’t have control over, without fear of chemicals and hormones. I guess that means you liked the meal.”

            “Antonio, do not make me sound horrible. I loved dinner. Thank you.”

            He smiled and shook his head.

            At the Florida Room, they moved right past the crowd. Antonio gave his name and an escort took them inside. They sat at a table near the transparent piano.

            The place was a perfect replica of 1950’s Cuban club influence, boasting the elegance of an island. A modern hang out for the elite, with the feel of a bygone era of piano bars and classy romance.

            “This is beautiful, Antonio.”

            “It’s nice, but seeing it with you, makes it perfect. Now, choose your flavor. When you are here you have to have a martini.”

            “Antonio… chocolate, of course.”

            “Of course, I should’ve known.”

            The waiter came by to take their drink order.

            Amanda spoke up, “I will have a chocolate martini and bring the gentleman a Courvoisier.”

            Antonio watched her; still surprised she wanted to come here. The piano was important to her, but deep down she just loved to have fun. Sometimes, he felt her real urge to let loose, boiling inside of her.

            He was learning how much she loved art and classic architecture. Her appreciation of the arts ran deep within her soul.

            The waiter placed their drinks on the table. And they watched as the well dressed couples began to dance. It was a neat place, classy. Like a step back in time, no-one was holding a cell phone to their ear or texting at the tables. Many of the women wore vintage dresses with styles straight out of the 50's. Even a few of the men, were dressed in suits that would have made Dean Martin tip a glass in appreciation.

            Antonio watched Amanda to observe how she approached the martini. She experienced things, and this wasn’t any different.

            Beginning with a small sip, she waited for the taste to register. Next, without setting the drink down, she took a huge swallow. He found her behavior entertaining. Hell, his infatuation with her was ridiculous, but he didn’t give a damn.

            “Antonio, you are laughing at me.”

            “A little, I think it’s me that I’m laughing about. I have a crush on you.”

            “That is so sweet, Antonio.” Paused, she smiled at him. “This is tasty, try some.” She handed him the martini.

            “Gee, Amanda. It’s strong.”

            A roaming photographer approached their table.

            “Mister, move closer to your misses. I take picture.” Antonio drew her near for the pose as the photographer shot a couple of photos. He gave Antonio a numbered ticket to purchase the photos later.

            Amanda devoured her martini. She rose and went to the ladies room. The waiter came by while she was gone and Antonio ordered her another drink, he wasn’t ready for another Courvoisier.

            As the current dance ended, he joined in the round of applause. He continued his approval with the announcement of the male singer who now joined the stage with the gorgeous piano and its accomplished player. Amanda returned taking her seat and stroked his hand. He knew what she was going to say next.

            “Dance with me, Antonio. I would love for you to dance with me.” The gesture was a sweet command, and intrigued him.

            He led her to the dance floor where he drew her into his arms. The music was slow, played in the style of yesteryear. The notes of the grand piano were strong and clear, the voice of the singer brought the old classic to life. They swayed to Nat King Cole’s, “Unforgettable.”

            When the song was finished, the entertainers took a well deserved round of applause and left the stage. They returned to their table.

            “Antonio, can we move to the cigar bar before it gets any busier?”

            “Are you serious?” He couldn’t have been more shocked at the suggestion.

            “Absolutely.”

            They found a table in the cigar bar where they sat side-by-side. Antonio liked it much better, since she had trouble hearing him across the table with all the background sounds.

            "Antonio, thank you for tonight. I am here with you, and you are here with me, because we want to be together. That makes this night special."

            Antonio was touched, and he reached for one of the cigars standing displayed on the table.

            He lit the cigar. It did feel like home. The enjoyment of a cigar sparked something inside, something he had long forgotten. Amanda always seemed to manage to evoke such strong emotions, seemingly without the forethought.

            Her encouragement for him to have a cigar puzzled and caused him to wonder.

            “This was a good bargain, Antonio. I think I came out ahead on this deal.”

            “Who taught you how to bargain so well?”

            “The best.” She smiled, holding her gaze.

            “Missing you,” Diana Ross’s tribute to Marvin Gaye began. Antonio knew Amanda liked this song.

            “Dance with me, Antonio. I would love for you to dance with me.”

            Leading her to the center of the dance floor area, she threw her arms around him and kissed his neck.

            “Thank you.”

            He kissed her ear lobe. “I adore your ears.” She felt good next to him.

            “Just my ears?”

            The song ended. Under the disguise of his jacket, her hands reached around Antonio. He looked down at her, as fingers teased him around the belt area. Her attempt to play a seductive game soon ended.

            She discovered something hard with her roaming fingers. Examining it more with her touch, reality made her jump. Their eyes, met. Damn!  He couldn’t believe he was so distracted he forgot the pistol.

            “Antonio, you should have told me. Besides, you are nuts, it should be further back. A slight angle, or one wrong move, and I shoot a part of you off I would really miss. You might really miss it, too.”

            “For God’s sake, Amanda, it has a safety.” He laughed at her.

            “Famous last words, Antonio.”

            “Would you miss that part of me?”

            “Do not try to distract me. How did you get it to Miami? Please, do not tell me you took it on the plane.”

            “Hell no, not on the plane, it was in with the damn yogurt.”

            “I thought you were being nice. You had a pistol packed in with my yogurt?”

            “Yeah clever, wasn't it?” He twirled her around on the dance floor to distract her, but she continued the whisper bitching.       

            “Antonio, did you think I was so precious that I would not be able to handle it?”

            “Precious? No.” Lucky for him that shut her up for a moment.

            “Oh, and there is one more thing, Antonio.”

            “If you must, go ahead, tell me.”

            She put her mouth next to his ear and whispered. “Damn you, next time put the pistol further back.”

            “Why is it so important?” He couldn’t imagine what her answer would be.

            “So you won’t shoot your canoodle off.”

            “You surprise me when you say those dirty words. Canoodle? Do you want another martini, maybe it could help you come up with a better word?”

            “Answer me, Antonio.”

            “Yes, but I think the pistol turns you on.”

            She did not reply. Hugging her tight for a minute, he swung her around as the song ended. He lifted her he his fingers ran across her bare shoulders.

            Amanda loved dancing close with Antonio. When they were able to be a couple without provocation, Utopia emerged.

            Antonio whispered. “I have a riddle for you. Wine is strong, a king is stronger, and women are even stronger.” She felt his breath on her ear.

            “Antonio that is the riddle that Zerubbable had to solve in order to build the second Temple, you have been in my notes.”

            “Amanda, I already knew it. After all, it’s my profession. Anyway, I don’t care where it came from. A guy could gain lots of points using that line. It would probably work better on a woman that didn’t know it. “

            “That’s funny.”

            They sat back down at the table. Amanda sipped her martini. Antonio lit his cigar.

            “Antonio, you need to support the wine and grape industry as much as possible.”

            “I’m sorry, but right now I’m missing the relevance.”

            “Wine flavored cigars.”

            He laughed, “I’ll make it up to you by getting a wine flavored cigar. We can take it with us, and I’ll have it for a later occasion. I apologize for overlooking the correlation between cigars and vineyards.”

“That’s okay, I will forgive you.”

            Antonio glanced down at the firm feel of the cigar in his hand. The smoke curled up and he closed his eyes at another memory. Reflectively he spoke aloud. “Cigars have always been a part of celebration with my family.”

            Amanda's hand covered his, and just smiled. They sat and drank, smoked, laughed and danced until last call jolted them out of their happy bubble. They finished the evening dancing on the balcony,
till the stars came down from the rafters
.

Chapter 43

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”

— Laozi

            Amanda stood in the bathroom, putting her hair up. She claimed that she did not want to look like Rosanna Danna in two hours from the Miami humidity. Antonio took his tux out of the garment bag and put on his pants.

            Something was in his pocket. Damn, Maria must have failed to get his tux cleaned. He pulled a small box out thinking he should be able to remember if jewelry was involved last time he wore the monkey-suit. Geez, he didn’t want Amanda to see. Peeking around the corner, he could see she still was messing with her hair.

            Inside the box lay a medallion. The shape replicated an ancient scroll engraved in Hebrew. Antonio recognized it was Aaron’s Blessing. Amanda had placed it there for him to find. Under the medallion, he found a note folded into a tight square. He sat to read it.

Dear Antonio,

This is a very special day for you. A day in which you will face a myriad of opposing emotions, the victory you have already won, because you are here. You see, coming here is victorious. You have risen above the Ego and conquered truth.

I am in awe of your courage and strength. This is even more beautiful because of your humble self.

I wanted to give you a small token to commemorate this day, not dependent upon the outcome, but for the strength, and courage it exemplifies. I hope the future will find you wearing it as a reminder of the occasion.

Today you portray monumental strength and courage. The Lord God will attach the blessing of Aaron upon you when you put it on.

And the Lord spake unto Moses saying,

“Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying. On this wise ye shall bless the Children of Israel, saying unto them.

The Lord blessed thee and keep the;

The Lord make his face shine upon thee,

And be gracious unto thee:

The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee,

And give thee peace.

And they shall put my name upon the Children of Israel:

And will bless them.

You have my deepest admiration.

Forever,

Amanda

88

            The gift touched Antonio as he sat in the chair, staring out the window. Aside from his family, no one had ever given him a gift that held such true meaning. This occasion didn’t require socially astute people to give gifts, and he had never received a gift outside of that standard.

            Amanda wasn’t just a beautiful person, but a fascinating experience. With her, life was an event that demanded he live through it as a participant. He couldn’t remain a professional observer. She taught him a selfless love. Loving with her was an encounter, a sweetly consuming addiction, new to him.

            Clueless, he had no idea how to thank her. The words he needed didn’t exist. Aaron’s Blessing bestowed from God, it might be the most meaningful gift in existence in her mind.

He understood. She wouldn’t give it to him in vain. She found him worthy. This touched him immensely as it represented more than the love he wanted her to feel for him. It was also his knowledge of her, the meaning. He knew more about her than others. No one else could have or enjoyed this intimacy with her.

            Her belief and faith in God was different, complex, and all her own. He still learned, and tried to understand it himself. Regardless, she made him contemplate things he had never considered.

            He put the note with the box, in a safe place; her presence was captured and emanated from the medallion and chain. Amanda’s essence circled his neck and rested on his heart.

            Loving her so much right now, he was sure he was going to disintegrate. She was his soul mate. He sat by the window and waited for her to come out, not knowing what to say. Waiting for her, he contemplated.

            Amanda glared at her reflection in the mirror, thinking to herself.

            Is this it, the best you can do? Why do you have to go to a place crowded with people who have some extraordinary beauty gene? They have hair like dark chocolate - your favorite, glowing golden-bronze skin with strong striking symmetrical features.

            You cannot change it. Antonio will look as if he is sporting a mother figure around. There is nothing more to do, except hope that the entire clan has bad eyesight.