“One glass of Sauvignon coming up.” Rayna’s telling smile confirmed that she knew.
At the dinner table we're eating and talking. Dryly she asks, “So, how long will it be before you travel like this again?”
“In a couple of weeks. We're traveling to South Africa…investing in a company that provides plumbing and water supply to impoverished villages.”
“Oh…nice.”
I see she isn't all that keen on the idea of me going away so I decided it was time for me to change the subject.
“This is pretty good, Ms. Brimm. How many men have you baited with this recipe?” I teased.
She squinted her eyes and smirked. “I'll answer that question as soon as you tell me how often do you beguile women by leaving them for nearly a week in order to have them so eager and deliberate to please you?” Her tone was seductive.
Word? I let out a chuckle as I take her in trying to contain myself. I cleaned my plate. I guess I was on “E”.
She looked at my empty plate, “Belly full? That's how I need you.” We both laughed. “I have a surprise for you.”
“And I, you. Me first. Let's go.” I grabbed my glass and her hand as I lead her out into the living room, guiding her to the couch. “Have a seat here. I'll be right back.”
I went into my office and grabbed the shopping bags that I bought back. When I returned to the living area, I found her sitting relaxed and sipping on her wine. As soon as her eyes met the bags she gasped.
“What is all of this?” she whispered.
“You were thought of while I was away.” Again, I found myself a little uneasy because she always has trouble accepting things from me.
“Are you going to open them?” I tried helping her with protocol.
With a stoic expression, she paused for a second before placing her drink on the center table and slowly approached the Hermes bag first, much to my dismay. I didn’t want her to become overwhelmed right away. Inside was a Birkin Bleu De Prusse Togo bag, a scarf, and dog leash. In the next bag was a Fendi clutch with matching stilettos. She never closed her mouth and my anxiety peaked. She went into the third bag to find a black, 554 classic, quilted Chanel bag and an embroidered Chanel blazer. There were more shoes. Some by Alexander McQueen, Christian Louboutin, and Jean-Michael Cazabat—six in all. I watched cautiously as she opened each bag.
She sat back up on the sofa and looked up at me with a forced smile. I could take that.
“Mr. Jacobs, this is all...extraordinary, I'm sure you know. And...” she exhaled, “...and I appreciate it.” She said before bursting out in laughter. I had to follow her.
“That seem quite contrived, Ms. Brimm.” I tried containing my laughter.
“You know this is all new to me...the gifts...having someone think of me in my absence. But I'm taking it all in.” She hit me with a smile. This one was authentic...confident even.
“Well, you're very welcome. And I hope your graciousness extends itself to what I'm about to say,” I give my disclaimer as she gazed at me pensively.
“I took the liberty of selecting a few pieces of...apparel for you. I couldn't bring them all back so I'm having them shipped to your place. They should arrive early next week.” Her expression changed and I could tell she was struggling with something internally. “What is it?” I sighed with my brows narrowed.
Suddenly, a nervous smile stretches across her heavenly face.
“You’ve just reminded me that I have a surprise for you. Though I'm feeling a little outdone with all of this.” She gestures to all of the empty bags, their contents, and discarded tissue paper.
Okay.
“Okay. Don't keep me in suspense.” I sigh.
She goes into the back and reappears momentarily carrying a rather large board of some sort, covered in decorated wrapping paper with an embellished red ribbon tied into a bow around it. She seemed to struggle with it.