Chapter 14

Life went on, and my relationship with Kat continued to grow. The moments I shared with her were precious. She seemed really happy. And I was happy too. Very happy.

One evening, we had just closed when Tony came to me and asked me, “I need a big favor: could you bring me some spices I need from Nearville? I’d go and get them myself, but I have to take care of something here. I already called and they are expecting you. It’s only a half hour drive.”

“One-hour drive back and forth just to get some spices that you can probably buy at the local market!” I said with frustration.

He shook his head, pinching his nose, “Red, Red, Red, if you are what you eat, then I only want to eat the good stuff. The species they sell here are not good enough for my dishes. Different brands of spices have different temperaments and ways of interacting with the food.” Tony explained to me.

I shrugged and went out of the restaurant. I knew he was up to something, but couldn’t guess what it was.

Fifty-five minutes later, I was back with the darn species. All the lights of the restaurant were off except for one.

“Hey,” I yelled to the darkness. “I’m back.”

A sole light caught my attention. A checkered cloth covered table was set out with breadsticks and a candle in the neck of a wine bottle.

Kat appeared at my side, or so it seemed. She took my hand in hers and guided me to the table.

Tony came out of the shadows with a plate in his hand.

I helped Kat with her chair and then seated myself.

“This is beautiful,” I said, stating my thoughts. “You really surprised me.”

Tony placed one spaghetti special in the middle of the table. Heavy on the meatballs. I looked at him. “Just one plate?”

Tony threw me an exasperated look, raising his arms to the ceiling.

“Oh, come on, Red. You can’t be that clueless. Spaghetti, meatballs, candles...” He spread his arms indicating the table.

Kat’s cheeks flushed.

“In Lady and the Tramp, that’s what they eat when he takes her out. It’s a very romantic scene. They kiss and everything,” Kat explained for my benefit.

“I know. I’m not that clueless. It’s safe to assume I’m the tramp,” I joked.

“In this case, I think we are both tramps,” Kat said.

I looked at Kat. “If you think I’m sharing my spaghetti strand with Tony, forget it.” Then I winked at Tony and said, “Just as long as you don’t start singing ‘Bella Notte,’ we’ll be fine.”

“Spoil-sport,” he pouted.

I looked back at Kat and joked, “However, I’ll let you have the last meatball ... that’s definitely yours. I love you that much!”

Her eyes went wide.

“Do you still ... love me, Red?” her voice became a whisper in the last two words. “Do you really love me?” Kat repeated, hesitatingly, as if she could hardly believe what she was hearing.

“I love you like I have never loved anyone, Kat,” I replied sincerely. “I had always loved you. You and I have a history together. Our souls are linked. I will love you forever if you let me.”

I looked her straight in the eyes. Kat looked right back at me. “I’m deeply flawed. I still think I’m damaged goods, but I love you with all my heart and all my damaged soul,” she whispered.

“Not damaged. Your dad certainly was. Your mother was. You aren’t. They made you feel that way because you grew up surrounded by messed up people. You’re strong, you’re courageous, you’re caring, you’re kind, you’re generous, you’re attractive, you’re loving.”

She had tears running down her cheeks.

“You saved me, Red. I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I’m the luckiest girl in the world to have you in my life.” She leaned forward to kiss me. I kissed her back lovingly.

“The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.” Tony said when we broke the kiss. “Spaghetti is getting cold.”

I looked up at him. “Thank you, Tony. For everything.”

He took a short bow. “You’re welcome, my friend. I suddenly remember I have something else to do someplace else. Don’t wait up for me. I won’t return till tomorrow. Ciao, i miei cari. I’ll leave it up to you to figure what’s for dessert.” He winked at us and left the restaurant.

We devoured the deliciously steaming pasta and enjoyed a bottle of good chianti.

Once the plates were cleared, and the bottle of wine was empty, we walked hand in hand heading upstairs. We entered my room.

In the next instant, my arms were around her, my mouth claiming hers. Kat clutched at my shoulders to remain upright.

She tasted of wine, sweet and strong. She moaned into my mouth with pleasure as my tongue lashed her own.

I abruptly broke the kiss, my mouth trailing down her neck.

I whispered, “I want you, but I will stop if you want me to.”

She snorted. “Do you think I went through all this trouble with Tony to say ‘no’?”

She kissed my lips with hunger, “I want you too, silly.”

She took off her top and her bra to reveal her magnificent breasts. I moved to claim the hard nipples that were revealed. I sucked at them, twirling my tongue around the tips.