Dr. Zelinsky didn’t just offer good advice to her therapy clients, she walked the walk. When she felt her patience level and usually upbeat attitude dipping she booked a weekend at her favorite spa.
Tranquil Vines was a little spot tucked behind a family vineyard in the Santa Cruz mountains. She’d have privacy yet enjoy the company of others with family-style meals on the patio. She could choose to partake in yoga sessions or meditate alone. And she always looked forward to sipping new varietals in the winery.
“Dr. Zee! It’s been a minute. How are you?” The winery and spa owner worked all aspects of the business, today pouring in the tasting room.
“David, lovely to see you. Business is good, I haven’t mastered the headstand pose yet and I’m still single. How about you?”
“Sales are up and our events are selling out. Stick around for the Celebrity Crush later; it’s a hoot.”
“That probably means busloads of Millennials. I don’t need to be “Okay Boomered” over a glass of Tempranillo,” Dr. Zee groaned.
“But you might meet Mr. Right,” David laughed.
“Thanks. I’ll pass. I’m here for some quiet time.”
**********
An Adirondack chair in the spring sunshine with a romance novel was pure bliss. When a shadow fell over her book she glanced up to see a man nearby.
“Pardon. Do you mind if I take the other chair?” he asked.
“Of course not. What a beautiful day! I’m Miriam.”
“Pleasure. I’m Elias. Skipping the big event, too?”
“I’m not much for crowds. But I do love the wine.”
“Same. Enjoying the book?”
“Delightful. I mainly read clinical literature for my job and this author’s novels are my favorite guilty pleasure. Her plots are centered around vineyards. What’re you reading?” Miriam nodded at his book.
“A guide to Spain’s wine region. I’m a writer and it’s a working weekend to learn about Tempranillo grapes.”
They chatted amiably about wine and when the dinner bell called them to the patio, they chose seats across the table to continue the conversation. Afterwards, they took their glasses of port to the firepit.
“Miriam, I’ve had such a lovely time with you. I’m generally not so forward, but I have an indescribable urge to kiss you. Would you indulge me?” Elias asked.
Miriam answered by leaning in and closing her eyes. His lips were firm yet gentle and she melted into his arms as he deepened the kiss. She was breathless when they separated moments later.
**********
Dr. Zelinsky counseled her clients to take chances with love and to trust gut feelings. Yet she was more conservative when it came to her own heart. Upon awakening in Elias’ room, she felt a moment of panic. Living a scene out of her romance novel after too much wine?
Then his hand caressed her hair and his lips erased any doubt. They’d definitely miss breakfast. After all, it was important not to just talk the talk. She was taking her own advice.
**********
Written for the To Live & Write in Alameda February 2020 “Flash Lit” Challenge #5. We had three days to write a piece of fiction, non-fiction or poetry of 500 words or less to the theme “Celebrity Crush” and post the link in our group.
Vivo O Sonho 