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395 tucked away for this type of occasion or for when he went wine shopping. How many times had he purchased a new wine and wished he had bought a few cases as he watched the price double or triple, as the wine started to win awards.“ It is really pretty simple. Vines produce grapes every year. Too little rain or too much rain produces inferior grapes. Knowing the margin where that number falls, allows you to pick better wine,” Eddie elaborated.“ So what are the best years?”“ I find everyone’ s taste is different. There are award winning wines that don’ t suit my pallet. It’ s like art, some I like, some I dislike and some I just don’ t get.”“ That’ s exactly how I feel about art. I have friends who claim to be artists and when I see their work, I ask myself why don’ t I understand what it is they want me to see,” Mandy said, as their salads arrived.
Waiting for her to begin, he continued the conversation he was starting to enjoy.“ It’ s like the difference between a great photograph of Serena Williams hitting the perfect serve and painted macaroni glued to a piece of silk,” Eddie said. Mandy laughed. She understood perfectly.“ Yes. You can feel the intensity in the photo,” she said.“ You can feel the silk also, but most artists hate it when you touch their macaroni,” Eddie said, striking a chord inside the young woman across the table. She was having a hard time eating and laughing. He promised to be quiet and allow her to enjoy the salad.
The main course arrived. Mesquite grilled swordfish topped with a white wine sauce, loaded with shrimp, crab and bay scallops. The first bite was heavenly. Eddie loved the expression on Mandy’ s face. The skewer of grilled vegetables that accompanied the fish were seasoned to perfection. The conversation got around to what Eddie did for a living. He pulled out the card case and offered her a card.“ Is this a law firm?” she asked.“ Commercial real estate. Apartment complexes, shopping centers and high rise office buildings,” he said, and refilled her almost empty wine glass.
Brian appeared to take the empty plates and ask if desert was in order.“ Give us one minute,” Eddie said. Brian took the plates and cleared a few crumbs from the white tablecloth.“ I don’ t think I could eat a whole desert,” Mandy said.“ I would have to agree. We could order one with two forks. I am sure it will be as good as the seafood and may I say, thank you for sharing with me, this excellent establishment.”“ The raspberry cheesecake sounded good. I’ d share,” Mandy smiled. The desert choice complimented the last of the wine perfectly. Brian returned with the check. Eddie placed two hundred dollar bills in the leather binder and stood.“ Ready to go?” he asked, offering her his arm. She placed her hand on his elbow and they left.
The vehicle was parked and the doors were opened. Night had settled. Eddie helped Mandy in, closed the door, tipped the valet and climbed behind the wheel. They drove across the well lit parking lot.“ Where is home?” Eddie asked. The silence seemed to press in on him. He finally looked at her. She seemed to be studying him.“ I’ m thinking,” she said.“ You don’ t remember where you live?” He joked.“ I had a wonderful time,” she paused.“ But?”“ You are married,” she stated, as her eyes moved to gaze at his hands on the steering wheel.