The Rhinehart

Chapter 15


Ian had texted Darren earlier that morning to see if he was free to caddy for him and the boys that afternoon. Darren was booked all day but did have a break around 1:30pm and was now joining Ian on the outdoor terrace to grab a bite before he and the lads met up for their golf Game.
“So, how did the gang enjoy the evening?” Ian asked as he took a draw on his Guinness.
“It was awesome, man! And I know the girls were especially impressed,” said Darren.
“Well, I must say that your crew really seemed to have all the right moves. Speaking of which, I have to say that Connie is definitely a lovely lass. We’re going to dinner tonight. I tell you, she’s a different kind of lady,” said Ian. “And you’re fairly sure that she has no special guy in the wings? I mean it’s not likely that I’ll be crossing any lines…”
Darren was enjoying this conversation and confession of interest from Ian. Not that he liked to see any pal of his squirm, but when a guy is really interested in the right kind of girl, it can really mess with his head. Darren decided to let a little of what Nomi said leak in order to ease a bit of Ian’s concern over Connie.
“Seriously dude, a reliable source assures me you have nothing to worry about,” said Darren.
“Really?” asked Ian.
“Really!” answered Darren “Although, I’m sure there was some mention of you being a bit on the scruffy side.” Darren narrowly dodged the French fry that Ian rifled at him across the table. They were both in great moods as they settled into finishing off their lunches.

Ian played the front nine holes with the lads then begged off on the back nine to give him time to tidy up for his dinner with Connie. As the driver pulled up in front of her door he blushed a little at the thought of how much extra time he had given himself to get ready for his evening with Connie. He went through three changes of shirts before he finally decided on the cream shirt with fine dark green pinstripes over a dark green t- shirt. He paired his shirts with relaxed fit, stone washed jeans.
Ian juggled a bottle of Connie’s favorite wine and a tall pastry box as he pushed the button on her front door intercom.
“Come on up, I’m on the top floor,” invited Connie as she buzzed him in.
Ian took the stairs two at a time to meet Connie at the top. As she held open the door to usher him in, Ian presented her with the wine and pastry box.
“Wine for me lady and a treat for later,” he said. “I brought us some Tipsy Laird, if I’m lucky enough to be invited back,” he said as he handed over the goods with a sheepish yet hopeful look.
“I’m sure if you behave yourself, that could be arranged,” Connie said as she drew him over to the kitchen island. As she deposited the dessert into the fridge, she caught Ian taking in the apartment, with his eyes finally resting on the dinning room table. Connie had set two dinner places and laid out a beautiful table with a lovely bouquet of flowers gracing the end of the table. Tall taper candles were in the center and they cast a soft glow around the room. She had pulled the curtains shut and the whole scene spoke of intimacy.
“I hope you don’t mind, but I thought that you might enjoy dinning in,” she said.
“Absolutely! And may I say you look fantastic tonight,” said Ian. Connie had on form-fitting jeans and a loosely belted tunic shirt in a sheer floral pattern over a burgundy tank. She couldn’t help but smile at his honest appraisal and he scanned her from head to toe, locking eyes with her as he gave her an appreciative smile.
“Well thank you, kind sir,” Connie replied back, which had them both enjoying a bit of a laugh at the exchanged formalities. “Is the driver still down stairs?” she asked.
“Right, he surely is. Excuse me,” said Ian as he pulled out his cellphone to inform his driver that his services would not be needed for some time. “It’s absolutely marvellous what you’ve been able to achieve with the building, lass,” he said. Connie had told him about buying the three units and the renovation that ensued while they were chatting at his party.
“I’m glad you like it. It definitely was a diamond in the rough. May I get you a drink? Guinness I presume?” Connie asked as she made her way to the fridge.
“I’m fine with wine if that’s what you’ll be having,” he answered, following her back into the kitchen. Connie had made a light salad, followed by fried perogies, cabbage rolls, and grilled kielbasa.
“My God, Connie, now don’t tell me that you made all of this yourself,” said Ian, as he sopped up a generous amount of sour cream, onions and fried bacon bits as he forked in another mouthful of porgies.
“All but the kielbasa. That is genuine Mundare sausage. I know this may be a bit on the heavy side for this time of year, but I always have a good supply at the ready in the freezer. And trust me, you really don’t want to check out my freezer,” said Connie.
“My God, but they’re good,” said Ian as he forked in another mouthful. Finally he put down his knife and fork, took another gulp of wine and palming his hands at Connie he announced, “Besides the four or five cabbage rolls, I swear I must have packed away a good dozen of your perogies. Oh, am I stuffed,” he said, leaning back in his chair.
“Well, thank you. Can’t beat my Baba Nora’s recipe. And don’t be too proud of yourself on your dozen porgies. I have an uncle who claims to have eaten four dozen in one sitting. Of course, he had one hell of a stomach ache afterwards.”
“And your Grandma Nora, is she still with us?” Ian asked.
“No, no, she passed about two years ago,” said Connie a little shakily.
“I’m sorry Connie. I can see you must miss her. I know I’m very close to me own Gram. She’s close to eighty now. I actually rented the room at the Rhinehart for her to come for a wee bit of a holiday. But she’s been feeling a bit off as of late. She came with my sister a few years back and was quite taken with the hotel. I thought she would get a kick out of the Grande Dame suite,” said Ian.
“Oh Ian, how sweet. Is she going to be okay?” asked Connie.
“Aye lass, her arthritis can get the best of her some days. My sister is a nurse and she’s been taking care of her the past few years. Between the two of us she’s pretty well taken care of. And my granddad, well, he passed back in 2004. But she be sharp as they come, that she be,” he said.
Connie poured them another glass of wine since she was feeling a little too excited to retreat to the living room just yet. She stood over Ian, beaming, and asked if he’d be into a tour of her apartment. After checking out a few more of the rooms in her spacious two bedroom flat, they made their way down the private staircase that led to the second floor storage rooms and down to the main sales floor. Opening the door, she flicked the switch and was surprised at the silence that ensued as Ian made his way in. He grabbed her hand and just started walking. He took his time reviewing each area, noting the décor, and the way the clothes were not only merchandised by style, but also by colour. Great detail and thought had been given to faceless mannequins, liberally displaying separates and subsequent coordinates along side to further expand on the various themes.
Ian eyed the rich woods of the fitting rooms and ran his hand along the back of one of the wing back chairs that graced the fitting room lounge area.
“My God, Connie!” he said, stopping there to do a 360 degree spin. “It’s absolutely grand. I really don’t know what I was expecting, but…”
That was as far as Ian got. Connie’s eyes were so alive that it took his breath away. With his free hand he grabbed her close and moved his hand to wind his fingers in her rich, silky hair. He gently kissed the area next to her closed eyes. As her hand moved to the back of his thigh to pull him hard against her, he gently moved his lips across her eye lids and found himself hungrily seeking out her ready lips.
The kiss was long, slow and deep. When they finally broke apart and pulled back, Ian found Connie giving him what could only be described as a provocative smile. She leaned back in and resting her hands on his chest, she gazed up at him through the cover of her long, dark lashes.
“I think we should think about dessert soon, lass,” Ian said. He was out of breath, and definitely aware that he was very close to pushing forward to indulge his barely reigned in urges. Still holding hands, they made their way back up to Connie’s apartment. They poured more wine, retired to the living room sofa, and made pretense of regaining their composure.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you, Ian. I hope I’m presuming correctly, but…there’s no lass in waiting somewhere you’ve yet to mention, is there?” Connie asked, cautiously.
“Nay, Connie,” answered Ian. “There hasn’t been anyone special for a long time now. Back in my early twenties there was a lass back in Cullen, and of course the band was still rather small-time, mostly playing the local Pubs. I guess at the time I thought she be the one. It was strange watching the shift in her the more our popularity rose. She became more about our fame and the band than about her and I,” he said as he trailed off to take a long sip on his wine. “She would often come on tour with the band, but never really found a comfort level with who she thought she had to become. She grew to resent it, and being back at home was even worse for her. Aye…she couldn’t really get a grip on the fact that she didn’t have to reinvent herself. But she just got caught up in it all. She lives in Edinburgh now. I haven’t seen her in years.”
“And where do you call home when you’re not on tour?” asked Connie.
“Aye, I think you’d be keen on it, Connie,” answered Ian. From there he described the house that had recently been completed on a back corner of his grandparent’s farm overlooking the stables and a burn.
“A burn?” asked Connie.
“Aye, smaller than a river. One of your creeks, I believe you call them. ‘Dorback Burn’ she be. What a glorious view over the stream to the moors beyond,” said Ian. The conversation carried them along for several hours more. While a fair bit of light questions and answers were tossed back and forth, they were both cautious not to delve too deep, keeping everything light and friendly. Finally, Ian checked his watch and was amazed that it was nearing 1:00am.
“Auch, lass, I’m sorry it be getting so late,” he said, getting up from the couch. “I can’t tell you what a treat a home-cooked meal can be.” He took his dessert goblet and wine glass over to the kitchen. Setting them on the counter, he turned to face Connie. Taking a step closer, he reduced the gap to mere inches. Putting his arms around her waist he pulled her close into him. Connie could feel the excitement mounting as they meshed. She responded in like by putting her arms around his waist and slightly arching back. She gave him a questioning look.
Ian gently responded by brushing his lips across hers and then backed off slightly, and after smiling tenderly at her, went in for more intense, probing kisses. Throughout this exploration, Ian responded to Connie’s caresses as she moved her hands along the contours of his back and shoulders. Finally breaking their kiss to catch their ragged breaths, Ian boyishly began to speak.
“I’m at a total loss. I really can’t bear to think about leaving. Really, Connie. I think you’ve got to help me out here,” he said. Connie leaned in for yet another long, sensuous kiss.
“Let’s talk about it in the morning,” she said.
“In the morning?”
“All I can think about is waking up, laying in your arms,” answered Connie.
“Nay, lass. I’m sorry but I can’t do that. There would be consequences if I were to stay...” Ian said with obvious passion in his eyes.
“But it’s the consequences I’m counting on,” said Connie.