"There are many beautiful women to choose from here. I'm sure you will find someone."
She chuckled at how easily the young woman had discerned her sexuality, and how uninhibited she seemed to be. "Yes, there are many beautiful women here, but I am interested in only one. Maybe you know her?" She opened the notebook she'd pulled from her bag and handed a picture of Alex to her.
Zaira looked at the picture and nearly gasped at the sight of a much happier woman than the one she knew. She handed the picture back to her and said, "It's hard to say. She looks like so many of the tourists we see here every day. What is so special about this one?"
Nikki ran the pad of her thumb over Alex's face before putting the picture away. "I love her."
Zaira walked around the counter and locked the front door. "So then why is she here instead of in America with you?"
Nikki drained the last of her wine, and set the glass gently on the counter. "Because I was stupid, and now I'm halfway around the world trying to find her so I can apologize."
"It is always best when apologizing to a woman to tell her how stupid you are, and to fall to your knees begging to be forgiven."
The corner of Nikki's mouth lifted slightly. "I will remember that if I ever find her." Her shoulders sagged and emotion filled her voice as she said, "I'm starting to wonder if I ever will."
Zaira poured a little more wine into the glass, and pushed it towards Nikki. "Never give up, Dr. Pierce. Giving up is what got you into this mess in the first place." She watched as Nikki's eyes widened. "Si, signorina. I know exactly who you are. Miss Alex is a friend of my family. I can take you to her, but suggest you work on your apology first. You were not very convincing."
Nikki's hand shook as she reached for the glass. "Is she okay?"
Zaira opened the cash register and began to count the day's earnings. "She is in good health. Anything more than that you will need to ask her." She looked up at Nikki. "Just so we are clear, I am helping you to see her and apologize, but that is all. My loyalties will always lie with Alex." She watched as Nikki nodded her understanding. "Good." She placed the money in a bag, and headed into the back room. She returned empty handed a few minutes later. "I'm sure you have thought about this many times, but do you know what you wish to say to her?"
Nikki looked up into Zaira's eyes as she nodded her head. "I do. Will you take me to her?"
Zaira stopped the utility cart in front of the large villa. "Please follow me," she said as she climbed out and headed up the steps. Nikki scrambled to pull her bag from the back. She opened the front door and stepped inside. She motioned for Nikki to leave her bag by the door, and led her through the house to the kitchen. She set the nearly full bottle of wine on the counter and said, "Alex, you'll never believe what I found today."
Alex stood with her back to the room as she prepared dinner. She smiled to herself at the note of excitement in her friend's voice. "What did you find today, piccola?"
Zaira walked over and leaned against the counter beside Alex. "I found the most beautiful woman. She walked right in to the tasting room, and I knew in my heart it was right."
"Is that why you are late for dinner?"
She bowed her head. "I'm sorry, Alex, but I had to make sure she was worthy." She looked into Alex's troubled eyes and said, "Of you."
Alex began to shake her head as her brow furrowed. "Please tell me you didn't, Zaira."
A tear welled in her eye. "Please don't be mad at me, Alex. I only want you to be happy, and I think she can help." She raised her hand and pointed towards Nikki as Alex sighed.
She cringed inside at the thought of a stranger in her home, someone expecting her to be interested in them. "We will talk later, piccola," she said as she set the knife down and slowly turned to greet her guest. She gasped when she saw Nikki standing less than ten feet away, nervously waiting. She felt her knees begin to shake, and clutched at the counter to keep from falling.
Nikki took a step forward and stopped when she saw Alex shake her head. "There are so many things I need to say to you," she said as her eyes drank in the sight before her. She dropped to her knees and hung her head as she began to apologize. "I'm so very sorry I hurt you. I was stupid to walk away instead of talking to you about what I was feeling." She felt the tears begin to slide down her cheeks and prayed that she could find the words to express her sorrow and love. "If you find it in your heart to give me another chance, I promise I will never make that mistake again. I love you, Alex. My life has been meaningless without you." She closed her eyes as the fear of rejection washed over her. "Forgive me, Tesoro, please."
Alex listened to Nikki as she apologized, begging to be forgiven, and watched as the tears rolled down her face. She suddenly found herself standing in front of the kneeling woman, and reaching out to run her hand through the soft curls she'd missed so much. As Nikki looked up at her, she knew Nikki had suffered as much as she had, and dropped to her knees. "I owe you an apology as well, mia cara." She reached out and placed a hand on her cheek, stopping her shaking head. "Yes, I do. I'm sorry I let my fears and mistrust
