Page 6 of Ruin

“I doubt it,” I murmured, watching her intently. “Something wonderful might still come from your visit. Have you seen the beach yet?” I lifted my glass, savoring the smooth richness of the wine as it filled my mouth.

“No,” she replied, her voice tinged with regret. “I don’t think I’ll have time.”

“That is unfortunate.” My voice was almost a whisper. “You really should. There is something about it that may surprise you.”

The waitress glided back to our table as she set down the day’s special: a heaping plate of gnocchi, elegantly bathed in a rich butter and sage sauce, adorned with a delicate sprinkle of parmigiana, and topped with a pair of sage leaves. The shallow plate looked like a masterpiece, as its buttery fragrance wafted through the air surrounding our tables.

Claire’s eyes locked onto the plate in front of me, widening with a mix of longing and admiration. “That looks amazing,” she said, her voice laced with genuine hunger as she glanced at my plate.

With a subtle wave of her hand, she caught the waitress’s attention. “Excuse me,” she said, her tone polite yet tinged with anticipation. “May I order the same, please?”

The waitress nodded and departed swiftly, leaving us momentarily in a quiet, expectant silence.

I inhaled deeply, savoring the burgeoning tension between us. “It seems a bit absurd to be sitting at two separate tables while having a conversation,” I remarked, my voice smooth and inviting. “Would you care to join me?”

Claire’s eyebrows arched in surprise as pink blush flooded her cheeks. “Oh…” She hesitated for a moment before her smile broadened as she moved to the seat directly in front of me, leaving her empty wine glass behind.

As she settled into the chair, the proximity between us became almost palpable. I could feel the urge within me intensified, every instinct screaming to bridge the distance between us. Her nearness was both addicting and excruciating, a delicious torment that I struggled to contain.

Claire, you may not realize this, but the only thing saving you is that we are in a room full of people—witnesses to whatever depravity would occur if my restraint were to break this very second.

I gestured subtly to a passing waiter, who quickly understood and returned with a fresh merlot for each of us. As the rich, ruby-red liquid poured from the decanter, I could sense Claire’s curiosity and underlying nervousness. Her gaze flitted between the waiter and me, and I allowed myself to momentarily look away, giving her the space to scrutinize me. I hoped that her curiosity would deepen, drawing her further into the enigmatic charm I exuded.

Moments later, the waitress reappeared with Claire’s plate, identical to my own. I could not suppress a satisfied smile as I regarded the full spread.

“There…” I said, my smile widening to reveal the delicate lines around my eyes and mouth, “a proper dinner with proper company.”

Claire’s cheeks flushed again, and I could see the warmth spreading through her. As we began to eat, the conversation naturally flowed to the textures and flavors of the gnocchi. We then debated whether it paired well with the merlot or if a white wine would be more suitable. The initial lighthearted discussion soon gave way to more personal revelations, with Claire opening up about her work and life.

“So,” I asked, taking a thoughtful bite of my food, “how did you come into your vocation?” I already knew the answer, but I needed to get her talking once more.

Tell me who you are, Claire Bailey.

Claire’s words flowed as she recounted her journey with a hint of both pride and vulnerability. “Well, while I was going to NYU, I worked at a bar downtown. Eastern Wines, my company, was our distributor. My current boss, Brian, was our rep.”

She picked up her glass of merlot and took a deep drink before continuing, her fingers caressing the glass as she spoke. “One day, some guy I was serving said that I was great with wines and recommended I get into the business. Brian took me under his wing while I was at the bar, and then when COVID hit and the bar closed, he offered me a job.”

I studied her as she spoke, the soft glow of the candlelight dancing in her eyes. “And you’ve always lived in New York?” I asked, my tone casual but with an undercurrent of genuine curiosity.

Claire nodded, her gaze dropping momentarily. “Yes, well, Long Island. I’m originally from Long Island,” she clarified, a hint of apprehension in her voice, as if she were unsure whether I was familiar with the geography of the Greater New York area.

There was a touch of embarrassment in her demeanor as she continued, “What about you? What’s your story?”

I chuckled softly, my smile widening with a hint of charm. “Well, I am from here.”

Claire’s eyes narrowed in playful confusion. “Wait, you have an accent that I’m positive isn’t Italian.” She laughed, the sound carrying a light, melodic contrast in the sultry ambiance between us.

“Indeed,” I confirmed, allowing a knowing grin to spread across my face. “You’re quite perceptive.”

I took a sip of my merlot and leaned back in the stiff chair before continuing, “I went to boarding school in London, then Oxford. I traveled a bit, but my focus was always on the family business. I am an only child, so it was my duty to take over…” I paused deliberately, savoring the tension before adding, “Not too long ago.”

Claire’s eyes widened, her curiosity piqued as she spoke. “Wow, that sounds simpler than my story…but far more intriguing.” She leaned in slightly, resting her chin on her hand as she continued, “Tell me about the family business. Do you work with this winery?”

I cleared my throat, gently signaling for the passing waiter to clear the plates and refresh our glasses. It was a perfect moment to divert her attention, to keep the air of mystery alive. The waiter swiftly filled our glasses for the fourth time, the rich merlot adding to the already heady atmosphere. While I was still unshakably sober, Claire was feeling it, that much was obvious.

Do not worry, Claire. I will get you tucked into bed safely. You may not be alone, but you will be safe.

“Wow!” Claire exclaimed, her voice tinged with amusement. “I can’t imagine what shape I’d be in if it weren’t for the gnocchi. I already feel quite nice.” She chuckled, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of warmth and relaxation.