“Here we are. Would you hold these for a moment, please?”, he said, handing her the bottle and glasses he'd been holding.
“I don't understand. Where are we going? There's nothing here but a wall of Ivy.” She heard him chuckle as if he had remembered a prank he played on someone a long time ago.
“I told you I would take you to a special place but to get there, I need to retrieve the key.” He looked at her teasingly and said, “Watch this.” Parting the Ivy on the left corner of the wall, he unveiled what seemed to be a beautiful antique door and used a lovely key to open it. Turning to her he said, “I'll hold that again, if you please.” and with a nod of his head he invited her in. “After you, my lady.”
Slowly pushing the door open, she took a few steps inside and gasped. It was a rose garden, with more variety and colors than she had ever seen put together! The air was fragrant with their scent, which somehow did not clash. Elegantly carved stone paths disappeared in several directions and she heard the unmistakable sound of water.
His voice broke the spell. “Do you like it?”
She turned to him and smiled. “How can I not? It's enchanting!”
He seemed to exhale with relief and regaled her with a smile that reached his eyes. “Good. People who are about to share a rare bottle of wine should at least find the proper setting, don't you think?”
Blushing slightly because he made her feel woozy, she said, “Of course. It's the least we can do.”
“I like you Amy...Let's go sit down. You are going to love this wine.”
Mitchell chose the path to the right and they both walked quietly until they reached a glass pagoda. Inside, there was a bistro style table for two. He pulled the chair for her, then sat down. Pouring each of them a glass, he savored the smell of the treasure in his hands, watching her do the same. He looked at her and proposed a toast: “To fine wine and beautiful women.” The glasses clinked and they both wondered if this night would be one to remember. If the taste of the wine was any indication, it most certainly would turn out to be that way.
