Page 27 of The Mirage Guild

ISABELLA

With my fingers smudged with hints of chalk from sketching out seating arrangements and the earthy smell of fresh flowers enveloping me, I carefully adjusted the placement of the last wineglass on the port-tasting table. The evening was finally upon us, and the fluttering in my stomach was unmistakable. I was eager, anxious, and everything in between for two significant reasons.

This event marked my first foray into planning and hosting a high-profile occasion in what felt like forever. Not only did I desperately want it to unfold seamlessly for the club’s sake, but I also had a personal stake in its success for Max. I yearned for it to draw in more interest toward the club’s wine offerings, showcasing the depth and passion he brought to the table.

More than that, I had set myself a goal: if tonight resulted in at least ten new member sign-ups, it would solidify my place in taking the reins of event organization at the club. Such an outcome would not only be a testament to the evening’s success but also a thrilling leap forward in my career, one that felt both daunting and incredibly exhilarating.

Then, there was Max. Those deep, thoughtful looks caught me off guard every time he glanced my way and filled me with a warmth I wasn’t expecting to feel in such a professional setting. It wasn’t just his looks that made my stomach flutter. It was the fleeting touches, the way his fingers would occasionally brush against my lower back as he passed by, igniting a cascade of tingles that raced along my nerves. These small, innocuous interactions stirred a tumult of emotions within me, blending anticipation with a kind of nervous excitement I couldn’t quite pin down.

Every casual touch and shared glance seemed to blur the lines between professional collaboration and something much more personal—something I wasn’t sure I was ready to explore, yet found myself drawn to nonetheless. It was as if, amidst the stress and bustle of event preparations, we were dancing around the edges of a deeper connection, leaving me to wonder about the possibilities that lay beyond the professional façade we maintained.

We definitely hadn’t ignored that we’d slept together, but we hadn’t exactly had enough time to figure out the details of it either. So, for now, it was our little secret, flashbacks of it shared through heated glances from across the room as we worked.

It had turned a switch on in Max, though, one that I was obsessed with figuring out more. Ever since our time in the cellar, Max had become hell-bent on making sure I was taking care of myself. He’d refill my water during shifts, silently setting a fresh glass on the bar top for me. He brought my snacks and ordered food while I worked away on the third floor setting up for the event. By the time the day of the event came, I barely had time to stop to pee, so I was extra grateful for his odd attention.

As I chugged a fresh glass of water I watched as Natalia meticulously draped the last of the table linens, her practiced eye ensuring perfection. Having my best friend Natalia by my side was a godsend. She had been just as busy the last two weeks so having her here today felt extra special.

Despite taking on her family’s business, Nat was happy to help out, and it put a smile on my face. Years of attending fancy parties had sharpened Nat’s designer eye for detail, which could be seen in her work that day. We worked in a fluid tandem, utilizing the muscle memory we’d built from decades of friendship.

Every inch of the room was a masterpiece—a verdant secret garden, hidden away from the bustling city outside. Velvety moss, cascading purple orchids, and twinkling string lights illuminated each tasting zone with an enchanted glow.

The Pinot Noir’s pink peonies mingled with ivy, while Champagne’s cream roses invited each guest to explore further. A dash of cinnamon sticks surrounded by vibrant orange ranunculus beckoned for the Syrah lovers. An elegant setting of deep red roses paired with eucalyptus marked the Cabernet Sauvignon corner—fit for royalty.

Floor lanterns lit a path through this paradise of taste, and I hoped our guests would be swept up in the flavor and beauty of it all. I was proud of what I’d helped create. It had scratched an itch and lit a fire in me that I didn’t know I’d had.

“Isabella,” Max’s voice interrupted my thoughts. I turned, seeing him standing at the entrance of the atrium. His normally confident demeanor was replaced by nervousness, his fingers playing with the cuffs of his tailored suit. He stepped closer, and his eyes widened in awe as they surveyed the transformed space. “This is . . . breathtaking.”

“Thank you,” I said softly, feeling my heart swell with pride. “Let me walk you through it so you know the flow.”

Guiding him, I began at the port station, explaining the choice of orchids and moss, how it played with the richness of the wine, and the sweet depth of the accompanying chocolates. We moved seamlessly from one zone to the next, with me detailing the thought behind every element.

“You really outdid yourself, Isabella. The layers, the attention to detail,” Max mused, pausing at the Champagne table to admire the cream roses. “Every station perfectly complements the wine it hosts.”

I laughed lightly, brushing a stray curl behind my ear. “That was the idea. And you better be ready to wow everyone with your impeccable wine knowledge.”

Max smirked, his playful side returning. “Challenge accepted. Though I think my sommelier skills have met their match with your event planning.”

Our eyes locked for a moment, the world around them blurring. My heart raced, but I broke the gaze, my cheeks coloring. “Well, you better be ready. We’re a team tonight.”

Max stepped closer, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Always, when I’m with you.” He brushed a thumb over my cheek, sending shivers down my spine. “Thank you, Isabella. This means more than you can imagine.”

“Well, you know,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady, “always here to save the day.”

My chuckles echoed in the atrium as guests filtered in, marking the beginning of a magical night. I took a deep breath, smoothed the fabric of my black dress, and watched as the event began.

As the night progressed, Max slipped seamlessly into his role, guiding guests through the intricacies of each wine. I observed from a distance, admiring the way he swirled the wine in its glass, allowing it to breathe, before explaining its distinct aroma and taste profile.

Max’s enthusiasm for wine transformed the tasting into an intimate gathering of old friends. His knowledge about the vineyards, the soil, and the vintage years made the pairings come alive, enhancing the experience with each sip. Guests were visibly moved, murmuring their approval, particularly enamored with the Syrah and caramel chocolate pairing.

As the room buzzed with energy, the chemistry between Max and me became a silent conversation. His casual touches and proud glances sent waves of excitement through me, which Natalia noticed and couldn’t help but tease, “There’s more than wine and chocolate chemistry here, Iz.”

Trying to maintain focus on the event proved challenging as the night unfurled into a blend of animated discussions and laughter. Max’s skillful presentations, like describing the Champagne’s interaction with white chocolate truffles, captivated everyone. His ability to engage and educate created a magical atmosphere, underscored by the soft glow of string lights and the melody of clinking glasses.

The event showcased our combined efforts and positioned Max as a sought-after sommelier for private tastings. Watching him, his passion so evident, filled me with a deep sense of pride and connection to the work we were doing together.

Natalia’s words, acknowledging the unique vibe of the place, echoed my sentiments. It was indeed a night to remember, a testament to the harmony between meticulous planning and genuine passion.

“There’s so much potential here,” Nat said, coming up to stand next to me. “You know, with the new departments I’ll be overseeing, I’ve been thinking about the concept of self-love and indulgence. What if we introduced an aspect of this kind of luxury, this kind of exploration into the family business? There’s nothing quite like self-care, right?”

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