Page 70 of Perfume Girl

I leaned against the wall and watched her pack. She’d asked me to wait downstairs but I didn’t want to take my eyes off her.

Raquel brought out a large suitcase. Soon, I was carrying it down the stairs for her and then rolling it through the front of the store. I loaded it into the back of my Mercedes while she locked up the store. When she hurried over to me, I could see a flurry of emotions crossing her face. Raquel exuded strength, but there was an underlying current of confliction running through her and it was this sentiment that stirred my sympathy.

We arrived at the marina within minutes.

I threw the keys to the valet and Raquel and I headed along the boardwalk toward the restaurant. Halfway there, Raquel suddenly fell behind. I paused and followed her gaze down to her shoe, which was stuck between the wooden slats. When she pulled her foot up the heel was hanging off.

She snapped it the rest of the way off and her gaze rose to meet mine. “Bit of an incident, but nothing I can’t handle.”

I threw a polite smile at a passing couple who glanced our way. Raquel was trying to snap off her other heel.

“Were they expensive?” I asked.

“Kind off.” She gave the other shoe’s heel a tug. “I’ll have to even them out. Can you snap this one off, too, please?” She handed it to me.

I went to break off the heel. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. I packed another pair in the suitcase. I’m too hungry to go back. Break it off.”

I applied enough pressure to snap off the heel and then handed the shoe back to her, slipping the broken heel into my jacket pocket.

“How is it?” I watched her walk, admiring her no fuss attitude.

“Like it never happened.” She grinned up at me.

“Back down to fun-size.” I nudged her arm. “Just how I like you.”

“I aim to please.”

“I’ll remember that.” I winked at her.

Her blush was endearing. “Look…” She raised her foot for me to see “I’ve invented a new style,” she said, giggling. “If all else fails I’ll go into the shoe business.”

“Quite the scientist, Ms. Wren.” I wrapped my arm around her.

I wanted her relaxed with a large glass of wine in her so I could explore who this woman really was. No one could keep up such a good girl façade for long with booze inside them. The truth would slip through the cracks.

Oceana on the Water had honored our reservation despite us being late. I expressed my gratitude for their courtesy considering the place was extra busy for a Sunday night. We followed the concierge through the restaurant and I reached back for Raquel’s hand. She wrapped her fingers around mine and it felt right, although it was hard to define why.

We stopped off at our respective restrooms to wash our hands after the shoe escapade, and were quickly reunited and led to the outside seating area. The warm breeze shook off the chill from the air-conditioning as we strolled toward the best table they had to offer. I slid out Raquel’s chair for her and then took the seat opposite.

The delicious scents of garlic and flowing wine stirred my appetite and I asked our waitress to bring us bread while we waited for our meal. I ordered steak and Raquel chose salmon.

“What a wonderful view.” Raquel pushed to her feet and leaned on the balustrade, staring out at the ocean.

The sun was setting on the horizon, its bold reds, oranges and golden yellows reflecting off the water. The scene never failed to inspire me.

Raquel looked like a windswept miracle, her hair flowing about her delicate features, seemingly unaware of her sensuality as her chiffon hem lifted in the breeze, just enough to flaunt her thighs.

“It’s so beautiful.” She looked back at me, her face lit up with joy. “I’m so grateful, Astor.” She took her seat and reached across the table for my hand, holding it in hers. “Thank you for this.”

“This is the easiest thing I’ve done all year.”

Her gaze broke away from mine, as though she felt overwhelmed for a second, and I saw she looked conflicted.

“Everything okay?”

Raquel stared out at the nightscape and I heard her let out a wistful sigh. “You’re being very kind.”