Page 19 of Caruso

“I–”

“Drink it.”

I’m almost hoping she refuses my order, but shescrews up her face and takes a larger gulp, her eyes watering as she forces it down, causing me to chuckle.

“That’s disgusting.”

“You’ll get used to it.”

“Do I have to.” She shivers with revulsion, and I nod.

“Yes, you do.”

“Why?”

“Because you will not fear anything ever again. Not food, not wine, not situations and not your past. Everything you are presented with will be a hurdle to overcome, a challenge if you like, and nothing will beat you, I promise you that.”

She says nothing and raises the glass to her lips, this time taking a more leisurely sip. Taking her time, savoring the taste, and as she sets the glass down, she shivers. “I haven’t changed my mind. Do people seriously spend their money on this shit?”

“That bottle cost one thousand dollars.”

Her mouth drops, and I nod toward the bar in the corner of the room.

“Over there I have a bottle of whiskey, one of three that cost ten thousand dollars each. You will continue your education with that.”

Her mouth falls further. “Ten thousand? You’re kidding me.”

“I’m not.”

She shakes her head. “I’m not impressed.”

If anything, she looks angry, and I smile.

“I didn’t ask you whether you were impressed. Icouldn’t care less what you thought; that wasn’t the objective.”

“What was the objective?”

The door opens, and the chef enters as I say, “To educate you in my world.”

As the chef removes the main course, we say nothing, but I stare intently into her eyes because my mind is set. I have a new project, and Taylor will become my perfect woman in every way, and I wasn’t kidding, her education begins today.

As soon as the chef leaves, she stares at the trio of desserts with a side of ice cream.

“You want to educate me. Why?”

“Because I can.”

“What if I say no?”

“Is that a possibility?”

She stares down at the food, and I sense her internal struggle. Taylor is used to fending for herself. Fighting to get by without any help from others. I have placed her in an unfamiliar situation, and she is struggling with that.

“What does it involve?”

I point to her plate.

“Eat the food, Taylor.”