Novella Diaries ~ The Winemaker's Dinner

The Missing Moment in Napa

Ribbon In The Sky

I knew he was there. How could I not. The man I love. The man that stole my heart and now holds it for safe keeping. I couldn’t ask for anything more and our love grows daily. Waking up with him in Napa is just one of many moments that I cherish. Life has dealt me an amazing hand and I plan to go all in. But a girl needs her fun too. I feel Ivan over me as I lay in bed. He places soft kisses up my side and takes extra care on my neck.

“Wake up Baby Girl.”

I lay still. This moment, right now, is all I want it to be and more. Being here with Ivan is worth all the hassle, the busy schedules and the miles. Who knew that “mile” would become the new four letter word that caused me so much pain? I will not think of that now. What I will think of is this Adonis of a man at my side. I love to play with him and he knows I am pretending to sleep but he plays along.

“Well if sleep is what you want then maybe I need to work a little harder to make it worth your wild to open those gorgeous eyes. Perhaps I will start here.” His lips pass my ear and down the back of my neck trailing down my back. “You know me. I can keep this up all day if need be but I have an eventful day planned and for that I need you up.” He makes his way back up my back and now I can feel the soft flutter of his lashes on my check. I can’t help but smile and that earns me a chuckle. He knows how to play me just right and I wouldn’t have it any other way but I'm feeling feisty and want to play.

“Well I was unaware that I was spending my weekend with Miami’s top cruise director? What are today’s deck activities and will I have time for a bathroom break?” Before I know it I am flat on my back and my legs open to welcome him. Ivan has placed himself in-between my thighs and presses his weight into me. “I will be directing more then your deck actives today so get up!” He playfully roles me over so I am on top and then lays a soft smack on my butt. I let out a sigh. Ivan releases me and in one fluid movement he is on his feet. I sat up and looked into his eye. God I love this man.

“So what’s the plan?”

Ivan looks at me with a Cheshire cat grin. “For now breakfast and then you will just have to wait and see. You know how much I enjoy surprising you Baby Girl and this weekend is full of them.”

When he flashes me that million dollar smile I melt, jump off the bed and stand at his side. “Ok I am up! Where or how do you want me?” It was a loaded question but I am feeling sassy.

“Baby I will take you anyway I can get you but right now I need you dressed and ready to go. Wear something comfy. No heels. I was thinking jeans and a t-shirt will work just fine. While you are getting ready I will prepare breakfast and after we will head out.”

I cross my arm over my chest and stick out my bottom lip to pout. “Really you’re not going to tell me anything? A clue, hint, or maybe a map because I am game for an adventure but you have to give me something to work with here!” Again with that smile and those eyes! I could get lost for days in them. He shakes his head and laughs. A deep full laugh and I know he is enjoying playing with me. I think that is why he loves to surprise me. Even though he knows exactly how the day will play out I know he is just as excited as me. Ivan melts my heart and it’s moments like this that prove to me love is alive and grows strong. Every minute with him is like the first time I saw him. I am addicted to this man and really who can blame me. I am falling deeper in love every day. I must have drifted off because Ivan is now standing in front of me with his hands on my shoulder.

“You still with me?”

“Oh I’m sorry I was just thinking.”

“Thinking? About what?”

“How about you share and then I will?”

“Show and tell…well ok I can play along. Let’s just say the skies the limit today.”

“What kind of answer is that? I am going to take a shower.”

“Umm show and tell? What’s going on in that pretty mind of yours?”

I yell as I walk out of the room and into the bathroom. “What? Umm Sorry I can’t hear you! Did you say something?” With that I shut the door and relax as the hot water runs over me. My thoughts wonder once more and before I know my hot water is now cool and that is my cue to exit. We have a full day ahead of us or so I am told. Who am I kidding with Ivan at the helm I expect nothing less than incredible.

After a filling breakfast Ivan and I head out. He is still tight lipped and I am going with the flow. Groovy baby! I am ready for anything and good thing because surprise one is right outside.

“You got a bike?”

“Groovy right? Since we are in wine country I thought that we could take a tour of the area via bike. Really the best way to enjoy and take in every sight Napa has to offer. For lunch we are going to stop by one of the local winery’s to grab a bite and do some wine tasting.” As he throws his leg over the bike he hands me a helmet. “Safety first Baby Girl.” I take the helmet and tighten the strap.

“You’re awfully proud of yourself.”

“Who me? No baby I just protect what’s mine and you baby are my number one priority. Now place that fine ass of yours on the back of this bike and hold on tight.” With that we were off. It felt so free to be with Ivan like this, just the two of us and the open road. I pulled in tight against Ivan’s back and wrapped my arm low around his waist. It felt like I was home. We fit each other like a glove. I could have stayed like this forever. Being with Ivan was surreal as if time stops and the world belongs to just us. As we take each curve I hold tighter and I can feel Ivan’s deep laugh. This is what makes him happy living each and every moment to the fullest. As if wrapping a ribbon around each one to hold so close that we are the only two who can appreciate each and every one of them.

We pull up to a small building sitting in front of miles and miles of land and grapes as far as the eye can see. Getting off the bike Ivan helps me with my helmet kissing my hand before he covers it with his own. We walk to the back of the building. My eyes are wide with wonder and Ivan whispers into my ear. “What do you think?”

The back of the building was transformed into our own mini Italian vineyard. A small round café style table built for two sat among the rolling miles of grapes. The table was covered by a canopy with flowing muslin cloth that blew in the wind. Rich and colorful foods occupied a long banquet table that looked too appealing to eat. The table for two was set to perfection right down to the chilled bottle of wine in the center. Soft music played in the back ground and to me this was perfect. I turned to Ivan and with wide eyes said thank you.

“Ivan this is perfect. So peaceful and romantic but where are the other people?”

“The Winery is ours for the day. We have all we need right here.” He grabs my hand and pulls me in tight. I can feel his heart beating against my chest. I am lost and with that his lips are on mine and the world fall away. He’s right we have all we need. We have us and for me that’s enough. His kiss changes from soft and warm to hot and needy. I welcome the change and my hands flow from his waist to the back of his neck and my hands find a home in his long full hair. A deep moan from his throat lets me know that my hand placement is pleasing. Ivan works his tongue like a well-played symphony. Pulling away he bites on my bottom lip and lays one last sweet kiss on them.

“Are you ready for lunch?” I nod my head because in all honesty I am still a little weak from the kiss. This man never ceases to amaze me. Every move he makes is thought out and well calculated. Ivan knows just what I need and continuously works to make sure I am in a constant state of bliss. We fill our plates and walk to take out seats. Of course Ivan pulls out my chair and I place my lips on his in appreciation.

Lunch is wonderful. We chat about our work and just about everything else. I talk about the show and the issues I am having and he tells me about all his upcoming events. We are just about talked out and unable to eat even one more bite. Ivan stands up and pulls me up with him.

“You ready to make some wine?”

I look at him with a raised eyebrow wondering just what he is thinking. He continues “we are going to stomp some grapes! Get the full experience.” His smile takes up his full face and I surrender to his playful spirit. Off to the side pass a couple of grape vine rows I see an open top barrel big enough for 10 people and full of grapes. We are greeted by one of the winery’s employees and given detail instructions.

I turn to Ivan and say “ok let me get this right…we jump in and just start stomping?” Ivan nods his head and with that he sweeps me up in his arms and I am almost knee deep in grapes.

“Ok Ethel you ready?” He turns his head to me and lets out a laugh.

“Don’t you think I am the ‘Lucy’ of this duo? I am the one with all the ideas and I cart you around for the fun of it!” That’s it. I grab a hand full of grapes and smash them in his face. I can’t stop laughing. This has turned into a full on war. Grapes are flying and I find that I am on my back in the middle of the barrel. Ivan has taken no prisoners in this war and I am the first causalty. If I had a white flag I would wave it high and proud!

“Ok! Uncle!” I cry and Ivan has now fallen to his side and we are both laughing. Who knew that grape stomping would be so much fun…Lucy and Ethel that’s who! I sit up and slap his shoulder and push off of him to stand up. Ivan follows and wraps me in a huge bear style hug. We fit like puzzle pieces and I melt. After a few minutes pass we step out, clean up and always prepared Ivan has a change of clothes for both of us. Walking with intertwined fingers through the vineyard I think how lucky I am to have found this man. Looking down at our formed hands I am allowing Ivan to lead the way. I am so lost in this man I pay no attention to where we are. Just then I hear what sounds like a charge of air. I look up and my jaw drops.

“What do you think Baby Girl?” I shake my head. We have walked into an open spot in the vineyard and I see the most colorful hot air balloon. It is huge and breathe taking. God I love him! I tear up a little and turn to him and while kissing his cheek I say a quiet thank you.

“Ivan this is wonderful! You’re wonderful! This day is wonderful! I don’t know what to say? Thank you for all of this.” I squeeze him tight not wanting to let go.

“No need for words. I want to do these things for you for us. Every moment with you is a gift wrapped tight with beautiful ribbon. All the colors look like ribbons flowing in the sky. Just like our love they are ever flowing through the sky.” I look towards the balloons and sure enough it looks like a sea of ribbons flowing gracefully in the air. “You are my world and I love you. You are my ribbon in the sky.” Now full tears drop off my checks and his hands rises to cup my face while his thumbs wipe each tear away. I thank the God that my boss was sick and I walked into that Winemaker’s Dinner. With one look my life changed and I never want to go back. My life is Ivan and that makes me smile.

Ivan takes my hand and we walk over to the balloon. While Ivan chats with the operator I am amazed by all the colors. They really do look like ribbons dancing in the sky. Ivan turns his attention back to me. “Ready?” I nod my head and Ivan helps me into the basket. As we start to take off I feel Ivan’s hands wrap around my waist and pull me in close. Ivan is kissing my neck and once again I am lost. We talk about the beauty of Napa and how we need to visit more often. Soft music plays in the back ground and Stevie sings of more than lucky chances and a sky for love. I turn my head to see Ivan’s face. “Did you pick this song?” All Ivan does is wink and presses a kiss to my nose. That’s my Ivan always thinking. He has to be the most thoughtful person I have ever met. The rest of the ride we stand back to front with Ivan’s warm hands around my waist. The day was perfect.

We land safely and bid good bye to the balloon operator and start the walk back to the main building of the winery. No words are exchanged. There was no need. We could talk for hours or sit in silence. We were together and after dealing with jobs, TV shows, events and the miles of a long distance relationship the silence was welcomed. Ivan clutched my hand and I looked up at him. He smiled and then slipped his arm around my waist to pull me in close as we walk back.

After the ride back to the house I hop off the bike and pull Ivan with me. I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him in for a long kiss. “Thank you for today! I loved every minute! Now what could I do to repay you?” As I say this I put on my best pouty face and bite my lower lip as I bat my long eyelashes. Ivan lets out a laugh.

“Well now let’s see what we can come up with.” He pulls me in tight and I feel his excitement. I make my move. I pull away and grasp his hand and pull him behind me. We walk into the house in silence. I continue into the bedroom and turn to face him. I smile looking up at him and run my hands over his back pulling him near. I am lost again in the moment and I am drinking in every ounce of him. He walks me slowly till the back of my knees hit the bed. I raise my arm and my shirt falls to the floor. Soon his follows and his arms wrap around me to unhook my bra. Ivan slowly pushes me down onto the bed. Looking up at him I think to myself once again that I am one lucky girl. Ivan pulls down my jeans and they find their new home on the floor with the others.

Starting at my toes Ivan deliciously works his way up my body savoring every kiss and nip along the way. As he works slowly my hands find his hair and play with his long locks as he makes his way up. Ivan’s looking into my eyes now, my hands still in his hair. With one look into each other’s eyes Ivan drops to my neck and continues the delicious journey. My back arches off the bed and I know in that moment that the day was amazing but the night will be a totally different story.