Love in the City, an erotic romance novel (39 page)

Three weeks after Anabelle had enthusiastically accepted the offer of a future position within the soon-to-be newly formed BellStar division of Tsar Enterprises, Giorgio arranged a celebratory evening at Painter’s Cove on Saturday night. Along with Sarah and Barry, who was taking the night off to just enjoy himself, Giorgio brought Nikolas along.

Painter’s Cove was three quarters full at this point and felt warm with colorful lights strewn about, giving a soft glow over the murals. Nikolas commented how it was a welcoming place, not pretentious, just comfortable and artsy.

The five of them sat down at the best table in the house, with a good view of the stage, which Barry had taken the liberty of reserving. Anabelle snuggled into Giorgio, his arm wrapped around her shoulder. His thick, dark hair had his usual tousled look. He was dressed in casual black jeans, a dark grey jacket and light blue button down shirt that set off his eyes nicely. His shirt collar was open a tasteful three buttons, showing just a hint of dark chest hair.

Anabelle wore a fitted light green Calvin Klein taffeta sheath cocktail dress, with a more daring V-neck than she usually wore, with nude pumps, her diamond heart pendant and Versace watch. Her dress complemented her hair and flattered her figure. She wanted to dress up for this special occasion, so she had taken some of her Kinetic bonus money to buy the new dress and shoes, as well as to get a mani-pedi and blowout at her local salon. She was glowing and felt on top of the world.

Candles were lit on their table and they had wine with dinner, toasting to BellStar’s future with Anabelle on board.
Anabelle looked forward to giving her notice to Raquel in the not-too-distant future, and suggested they bring Jennifer on as well in an administrative role that would also be opening up within BellStar. She knew what a fantastic worker and genuine person Jennifer was. They all thought it was a great idea. Their conversation was happy and lively, talking about the future, as the establishment filled to capacity.

Anabelle noticed that Nikolas was seeming a little lighter in spirit as the weeks had gone by. Giorgio had been very supportive of his brother, helping him through this difficult time and told her
earlier that Nikolas was slowly bouncing back from everything. She was glad for that.

After a leisurely dinner and dessert, the ladies went to freshen up.
When they got back, Barry announced to the table, “We’ve got a special act tonight.” He looked at Sarah, who gave a sly grin and looked away.

Anabelle raised her eyebrows. “Oh really, who?” She looked at the stage, which had a mic stand, stool, keyboard and bench set up.

“You’ll see,” was all he would say.

She looked to Giorgio w
ho just shrugged his shoulders.

Nikolas smiled and said, “Cool, sounds interesting.”

Just then a waitress came by to ask if they wanted anything else before the entertainment started.

Giorgio suggested they share a couple of bottles of their best champagne.

Everyone liked that idea.

The conversation turned to Sarah’s latest work projects.

“So, how’s your story going?” Anabelle asked Sarah.

“Good, just a few more details to go and I’ll be submitting it to my editor next week.”

“I hope he promotes you to full-time staff reporter,” Anabelle said. “You deserve it. You’ve been working there for two years now and have always delivered the goods. It’s time you were recognized.”

Barry nodded. “She’s a great catch in every way,” he said as he kissed her temple.

Sarah smiled proudly. “Thanks guys, it’s nice to have people in your life who believe in you.”

“It’s everything,” Giorgio said. He looked at Anabelle. “Without it, we’re all lost.”

“I found you,” she said, smiling. He leaned in to give her a warm kiss. His lips were soft, inviting, warm.

“Ahem,” Sarah said, clearing her throat. “Room?”

Nikolas laughed. “These two never stop.”

Anabelle and Giorgio smiled at one another, and he kis
sed her again. He gave her a knowing smile. “Later, beautiful girl,” he said playfully. His lips were parted.

Anabelle wanted to keep kissing them, but she was aware of their tablemates staring at them. “Later,
sexy,” she said, placing a hand half way up on his muscular thigh. She squeezed it gently.

He dropped his gaze to where her hand was suggestively placed and took a deep breath. “So,” he said, realizing he needed to change the subject before he lost all focus. “It’s getting warm in here, where are those drinks?”

As if on cue, the waitress came by with their champagne and five champagne flutes. She set them down and proceeded to fill the glasses, ladies first.

After she
left, Giorgio lifted his glass. “To good friends and new beginnings.”

“Here, here,” they all answered back
and clinked their glasses for the toast. They all took a sip of the fine bubbly.

Giorgio leaned over to look at Anabelle. His eyes were full of passion. “And to finding one’s soul
mate,” he whispered, then kissed her again, a little longer this time.

Her heart was aflutter. “My soul
mate,” she whispered back.

He held her close.

A spotlight shone on the small round stage.

“That’s my cue,” Barry said, as he got up to head to the stage.

Anabelle looked over at Sarah. “Do you know who it is?”

Sarah just shrugged her shoulders and kept looking at the stage as Barry took the mic.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Painter’s Cove has an extra special guest tonight. This is the most popular act we’ve ever had the privilege of hosting.” He was beaming from the stage like a proud papa. “Before I announce who it is, I wanted to thank another special guest in the house tonight, Giorgio Tsarkopolis, who made tonight’s entertainment possible.

Anabelle was stunned. “What?” She looked at Giorgio, but he just winked at her.

Barry continued, “In the tradition of Top Secret shows, I present to you, recording artist, Shanna Ray!”

The audience erupted in loud cheers and clapping, thrilled at the top caliber talent they were being treated to.

Anabelle’s eyes went wide. “What? No way! I love her!” She looked to Giorgio, who was beaming at her. Then he held her hand, squeezing it, and pointed to the stage.

Shanna walked out, followed by
her two bandmates. Barry gave Shanna a big hug, then shook the hands of the two men, one who carried an acoustic guitar, and the other who took a seat at the keyboard. Shanna sat down on the stool in front of the mic. Her waist-length thick black hair was braided to one side, falling in front of her shoulder. She wore a light purple paisley blouse and jeans with black boots. She had long dangling earrings and only a hint of makeup. She was the epitome of indie rocker chic.

Barry left the stage and rejoined his friends.

Anabelle wanted to ask what was going on, but the audience was cheering loudly for the popular singer. There were lots of comments abounding regarding the surprise act. They didn’t usually get bonafide recording artists of her caliber at this low-key place.

Shanna smiled and waved, accepting the warm reception from the audience. She leaned forward and spoke into the mic, “Hello people of Painter’s Co
ve! What a lovely place this is!”

They cheered even louder for the young indie artist who had recently been burning up the charts.

“It was an honor to be invited to play here,” she said. “My band and I love finding gems like this. It brings back fond memories of our early days on the road.”

Barry beamed.

“And thank you to Giorgio Tsarkopolis for bringing us here.” She clapped her hands, looking at Giorgio.

Giorgio nodded as Nikolas, Sarah and Barry all clapped along with the band and the audience. Nikolas whistled. Giorgio smiled and gave Anabelle’s hand a
nother squeeze.

“How? Why?” she asked, astounded at what was happening. No one else at their table seemed surprised by the turn of events.

“I gather that’s Anabelle?” Shanna spoke into the mic.

Giorgio nodded.

Anabelle gasped. “What? She knows my name?”

Shanna smiled, nodding at her.
“This is for you, Anabelle, from Giorgio.” She tapped her foot and the music started.

Annabelle’s jaw dropped in total shock. She recognized the tune right away. She looked to Giorgio. “This is my favorite song!”

He smiled. “I know. Sarah was kind enough to provide me with some valuable intel.”

Sarah winked at her.

The guitarist and keyboardist started playing the familiar melody. It was instantly recognizable to the audience, who again cheered.

Shanna closed her eyes, and swayed to the music. She started singing her song:
Dreams Carried Me Through.
Her distinctive, rich voice was clear and soulful.

“Days of longing

Hopes that were dashed

I thought the rain would never stop

Never stop

I felt so lost

I tried to find my way, but the road was dark

As though the light could never reach me

I thought the rain would never stop

I had dreams

They seemed so far away

Ever out of reach, ever slipping further away

I thought the rain would never stop

I walked on
alone

No one saw me, no one understood the pain I felt

I thought the rain would never stop

Never stop

I cried alone, wrapped by the cold night

Dreams carried me through

‘til I found you…

Then I knew

Dreams do come true…
”

Anabelle’s eyes began tearing up as she listened. She loved this song. She couldn’t believe this was happening, what Giorgio had done for her. He saw her reaction and held her close, kissing her cheek.

Nikolas was swaying to the music.

Sarah and Barry smiled at them and held hands. Sarah knew how much that song meant to Anabelle. She had talked about it often, how it spoke to her.

The audience was rapt, listening to Shanna’s
unique and beautiful voice singing the well-known song. Couples embraced.

Anabelle leaned into Giorgio. “I don’t know how
I could ever thank you for this,” she whispered. “This is the most amazing, incredible night of my life. I’ll never forget it.” She wiped a tear away.

“I love you, Anabelle Parker, with all my heart,” he said. “I can’t imagine my life without
you.”

“Me too,” she said
, looking up at him as another tear spilled down her cheek. “I love you so much.” Her lips trembled.

He kissed her, his lips tentative at first, then passionate.

The song ended and the band bowed over the loud applause and cheers.

The fivesome at the table clapped along excitedly.

“Man, she’s fantastic!” Nikolas exclaimed, with a big smile on his face.

They all nodded.

Shanna spoke into the mic, “Now, I think that Giorgio would like to come up and say a few words?” She smiled and winked.

Giorgio stood up.

“What are you doing?” Anabelle asked.

“Something that I need to do,” he said, then kissed her hand.

She looked at Nikolas who just smiled at her, then she turned to watch as Giorgio took the stage, her heart beating fast. She didn’t know what to make of this.

Sarah and Barry sat silently watching, snuggling in close.

“Thanks, Shanna, wonderful song,” he said, giving her a hug. She smiled, then stepped to the side of the stage.

He looked out over the audience. “Hey everybody, I know you don’t know me, but this is a very special night.” He directed his gaze at Anabelle.

Her hazel eyes went wide and her heart started to thump madly in her chest.

“You see, that song has special significance to my lady, Anabelle Parker.”

She pressed her hands against her chest, over her heart.

“And to me, as well. It speaks of dreams coming true. One of mine came true when I met that beautiful lady there.” He pointed at Anabelle.

Her hands flew to her mouth. She blushed bright red.

“Anabelle, would you join me on stage for a moment?” he asked, reaching out his hand to her.

She gasped. “What?”

Sarah leaned over and gave her a nudge. “Go.”

Anabelle was stunned.

Nikolas and Barry both nodded
in agreement.

“Up you
go,” Sarah said, giving her a friendly push out of her chair.