47 Destinies (Book One)

Chapter Ten

Brent was out of the office the rest of the week, so it was pretty uneventful for Cora.  She received one email from Brent on Thursday which read,

Corina, 

Since we will be wine tasting, I hired a driver for the day, as I don’t want to risk your safety by driving after a day in the Napa Valley. I will send a car to your residence.  Please provide me with an address so I can notify the driving company.  Thanks again for your assistance with this holiday project!

Brent

Cora was impressed with Brent’s sensitivity toward her reputation and well-being.  It was commendable that he looked out for his employees and thought about the image of his company.  Cora quickly replied to Brent with her apartment address.

She practically counted the hours until she would be with Brent on Friday in Napa.  Friday finally arrived, however, Cora woke up with mixed feelings about the day ahead.  Although she couldn’t wait to spend the day alone with Brent, she felt a little guilty about it.  It was likely the last time she would be alone with him.  The reality of this fact rocked her hard.  She had grown attached to his presence in her life.  He had a way of making her come alive; he challenged her unlike anyone she had ever met.

Cora paid special attention to getting ready for the day.  She picked out some beige slacks, a classy long sleeve top and brown strappy sandals with a small heel.  She debated if she should wear gold or silver jewelry.  She finally decided on gold, as it accented her bronze skin and black hair.  Her large gold hoops added a little sexiness to her outfit; she couldn’t resist.  Before she ran out the door, she sprayed some perfume on her wrist. She then checked her look in the mirror, gave herself a quick thumbs-up and put a smile on her face.  If this was the last time she had alone with the man, she wanted him to remember her.

The driver picked her up at 9am, which left plenty of time to arrive at the Mondavi Winery and be on time to meet up with Brent.  It was her first time visiting the Napa Valley region.  Even though she lived in the Bay Area for years, she hadn’t taken advantage of the opportunities to wine taste.  In order to impress Brent, she did a little research on the winery’s website the night before so she could get a lay of the land. 

Cora arrived promptly at 9:45am.  She took a few minutes to reapply her makeup and check her phone for messages.  After collecting herself, she walked inside the tasting room.  The room was empty, so Cora took a seat by the window.

It was a very beautiful sunny California day, and while it was early December, it felt like a spring day in the Napa Valley. The harvest was over and the vines were full of yellow and brown leaves preparing themselves for winter.  The rows and rows of vines spread across the fields and up into the rolling hills.  The sun beamed through the withering leaves and splattered various patterns on the ground. 

“How about this weather? Are you enjoying yourself, Corina? This is as good as it gets!” Brent said as he placed his hand on her shoulder. 

The warmth of his touch quelled all of the morning’s previous anxieties.  She wasn’t going to allow anything to interfere with their last few hours together, especially her own thoughts.  Cora reached around and touched Brent’s hand.

“Yes, I am already enjoying myself and thank you for asking me to assist you today,” Cora said as she stood to face him. 

 “I usually do this holiday task by myself, but I thought a feminine touch would be nice this year.”

“I am feminine,” Cora said.  She had no idea what she meant by the comment, but she said it with confidence.

Brent slowly looked her up and down and then replied, “I am glad you recognize that fact.”  He guided her over to the tasting bar.