Turn Over

“I’m sorry to hear that sir. Please call us again. We would love to have you dine with us.”

“I’ll do that.” I nodded at the man. He was clearly distraught we were leaving.

Sydney’s hand was soft against my palm. We turned the corner and took the brick steps that led to the terrace below. I walked slowly, making sure she had her footing. I opened the iron gate, leading to the boardwalk. Lights floated above us, tied between trees and awnings. One of the gondola drivers was singing in the distance. I wondered if it was the same one we had this afternoon.

“I don’t think they were very happy we left.” She giggled.

“No, probably not. But I think they’ll manage without us.”

We stopped in front of one of the cantinas. I looked at the sign and then at Sydney.

“What about this place?” I asked.

A woman greeted us on the patio. “Table for two?”

Sydney nodded. “Yes.”

We sat close to the sidewalk. The tables were strewn in no particular pattern. It looked as if they moved throughout the day, and at the end of the night the staff would put them back together.

The woman returned with menus. “Can I get drinks for you?”

“A pitcher of margaritas,” I instructed.

“Isn’t that how we got in trouble last night?” Sydney giggled.

“Exactly what I was thinking.”

I saw her blush. I knew exactly how it sounded and it had the effect I wanted. It wasn’t often I met someone who had the same sexual appetite I had. But I might have met my match. She liked to play. She liked to argue. But God, what she did in bed blew my mind. As soon as we were done, I was ready to take her again.

“Thinking about something serious?” she asked.

“Sorry.” I focused on her. “So, tell me, Miss Paige, why did you want to be a journalist?”

“That’s kind of a heavy question.”

“Is it?”

She began to fray the edge of her napkin. Little shredded pieces drifted through the slats in the iron table. I thought I might have touched on something.

“Have you told me all the real reasons why you decided to get into development and acquisitions?” Her head tilted to the side.

“You had your chance to ask questions.”

“I did. But did I really get all the answers?”

“Your boss was happy with the story wasn’t she?”

“That’s not the same thing.” Her hazel eyes gleamed.

I sat back as the pitcher and glasses arrived. “Are you two ready to order?” the server asked.

“Not quite.” I smiled, wanting to be alone with Sydney.

“Ok, I’ll give you a few more minutes.” She hurried into the restaurant. There were a few tables she was tending inside, but we were the only ones sitting on the patio.

I grabbed the handle and poured the lime mixture into the glasses. “Try this. I bet these will be the best margaritas on the Riverwalk.”

“How do you do that?”