Karen

Second Chances – Chapter 47 January 25, 2010

After carefully pulling her hair into a twist and re-applied her makeup, Beth chose to wear a dark blue strapless dress and the necklace that Rob had given her for Christmas. Matching sling back pumps that completed her outfit perfectly.

Looking in the mirror, Beth realized that she barely recognized the woman looking back at her although she liked what she saw. Before her was a slim and fit woman with expertly dyed hair and designer clothes that had been professionally chosen for her. So many people make their livelihood on her and she had no problem getting used to that. She had come a long way from the grieving widow and mother who was focused only on her children and scribbled in a notebook some of the time.

While Beth was changing out her purse, there was a knock at the door. Taking a deep breath, she answered the door.

“Elizabeth, you look stunning,” Rob said when he saw her framed in the doorway. Beth thought he looked like he had stepped out of the pages of GQ with his gray slacks, dark blue golf shirt and dark sports jacket. From behind his back he brought forward three white roses and handed them to her.

“Thank you Rob, you look handsome as ever,” she said, as she smelled the blossoms.

“Are you ready, beautiful?”

“Believe it or not, I am.”

“I hope you have your car keys.”

“Let me get them. Where are we going?” she asked.

“If you don’t mind letting me drive your car, I’d like to keep it a surprise.”

“Okay, just take it easy on the engine until it gets broken in.”

Rob closed the door behind her and the two departed for her car.

A few minutes after leaving the hotel, the brand new BMW roared up to the main door of a near by vineyard.

“Where are we?” Beth asked as they walked up to the door.

“I just so happen to know the new owner. Welcome to Ondovi Vineyard.”

“It is beautiful. Is the owner here, I’d love to meet him.”

Rob smiled and said, “This way.” He laid his hand to rest lightly on the small of her back and guided her inside the massive farmhouse.

Inside, they were greeted by casually dressed employee who had been waiting for them. “Mr. Cobb, it is nice that you are back.”

“Thank you Peter, this is Ms. Edwards,” Rob told the man.

“My pleasure to meet you. If there is anything you should need during your stay, please let me know. Welcome to Ondovi. If you would follow me, I will show you to the table that has been prepared for your visit.”

Rob guided Beth through the grand farm house to the slate and stone patio where a small table had been set up for them. Rob helped her into her seat. Although he always was as suave as he was in his movies and on TV, Beth thought she sensed something was off with him. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

Peter poured them their wine after Rob had sampled it and left the two alone.

“This is beautiful. Is this a commercial vineyard?” she asked to break the silence.

“Small but commercial, yes. The new owner bought it as an investment.”

“So there are plans for expansion?”

“I believe so. We can tour the grounds after dinner if you like.”

“That sounds nice, thank you.” She took a sip of the white wine in front of her. “This is wonderful.”

“Only the best.”

“Rob, this is so nice and relaxing. Thank you.”

“You didn’t find the Caymans relaxing?” he asked.

“There was too much to do there, even when I wasn’t working. Too much swimming, shopping and other things to do. Here, it feels like you can just relax.”

“I know what you mean. That’s why I bought it.”

“What?” she asked completely shocked.

“You are looking at the newest owner of the Ondovi winery.”

“That’s wonderful, Rob.”

“I was planning on retiring here.”

“Not anytime soon, I hope.”

“No, not until my popularity dies down which I hope is not for a long time, but it will be nice to escape here.”

“Do you know anything about running a winery?” she asked.

“Not really, but it’s fully staffed.”

“I hope I can come for a visit.”

“Anytime you want. My doors are always open to you and your family.”

“Thanks, that means a lot to me,” Beth told her friend, touching his hand and looked into his eyes. They had always been kind and gentle when he gazed upon her. She could loose herself in him. But she had no idea how he really felt for her and hoped this was not just a temporary by product of working together and sharing several love scenes with each other.

Chapter 48 (Check Back Wends)