A Different Kind of Forever(14)

“How sweet.”

“There was an actress. We dated for about a year. Then I stopped touring and we lived together for six months. All that togetherness was a big mistake.” He sipped more wine. “And then there was a week ago Tuesday.”

Diane looked puzzled, then broke into a smile. “Oh?”

“Yes. I’d ask you to spend the rest of your life with me, but I have to go to Philadelphia tomorrow.”

“Well, I’m crushed, of course, but I understand. Especially since I would never go to Philadelphia.”

Michael smiled and shrugged. “That’s what I figured.” The salad plates were gone, and were replaced by bowls of steaming risotto.

“Oh, this is fantastic,” Diane exclaimed. “So, do you have a show in Philly?”

“Yes, Sunday and Monday. We’ve got promos and interviews tomorrow. Seth likes to be there when they set up the equipment, even though our road manager has been doing it perfectly for years.”

“Denise doesn’t do that stuff anymore?”

“No. David oversees everything now. Denise is our lawyer. She takes care of contracts, investments - all that stuff.”

“Good for her. This risotto is amazing. So the famous Marco and your father are brothers?”

“Yes. My father is the oldest of five brothers. They’re all great men, all great success stories.” Michael gestured with his fork. “Look, another drink,” he said wickedly.

Diane pushed it firmly away. “No. I refuse to embarrass myself further.”

“Does this mean no dancing? Oh, well. Now you tell me.”

She looked puzzled. “Tell you what?”

“Well, let’s start with how many times you’ve been in love.”

Marco approached the table. “How is everything so far?” he asked.

“Oh, Mr. Carlucci, everything has been delicious. Really.” Diane smiled happily.

Marco leaned in. “Would you like to try the veal?” he asked her. She nodded. He patted her hand. “It’s perfect tonight. Just wait.”

Diane sighed after he left. “I’m going to have to walk at least fifteen miles when we’re done. I just know it.”

“Okay. So, we’ll walk. But now, how many times have you been in love?”

So she told him. And as she told him, and as they ate, she found herself leaning toward him more, watching him closely. Once or twice her hand accidentally touched his, and she felt a warm rush in her cheeks. She was smiling at the end of the evening, her hand propping her cheek, thinking she had probably said too much. The effects of the vodka had worn off, but she was still feeling light and absurdly happy.

They left around eleven, having thanked Marco, and they walked in the cool, spring evening, past darkened shop windows. They were shoulder to shoulder, not touching, still talking. She stopped in front of her car, and she leaned her back against the door, breathing deeply.

“I had a terrific night, Michael. Everything was just wonderful. Thank you.”

Michael stood, hands in his pockets. “Me too. Listen, I won’t be back until Tuesday, no, probably Wednesday, and things are going to be crazy. But I want to see you again.”

Diane nodded. “I’ll see you Friday night. We’ll come backstage.” She took a deep breath. She wanted to touch him. “I’ve got to go. It’s late.” She leaned over and quickly kissed his cheek, then turned, reaching to open the car door.

Michael put his hand on her shoulder and turned her back around, pulling her toward him. He kissed her, and his arms went around her, and when he let her go she was out of breath, blood drumming in her ears, her face flushed.

“I’m going now,” she whispered. His face was very close and his lips brushed her cheeks, the corner of her mouth.

“Okay,” he whispered back

She had been gripping the smooth fabric of his jacket, and she let go suddenly, smoothing out the wrinkles with her hands. She could feel him, still close, his hands against her back, hot against the cool silk of her blouse.

“Good night.” Her voice was hoarse. She was looking into his eyes and she brought her hands up and into his hair, soft and thick, and they kissed again. She leaned forward, her whole length against him, feeling the slim strength of his body, and when she finally pulled away she had to take a deep breath, her eyes closed, as she pulled the world back into sharp focus.

“I have to go,” she said softly.