Page 58 of Things We Do for Love and Science
“You’re simply brilliant.”
She bowed her head in mock-acknowledgment. “The situation was so uncomfortable, I blushed like a gentle maiden when he asked why we got married at the registry office in the first place.”
“And? What did you reply?”
“I told him we couldn’twaitto be husband and wife, and he bought it.” She clapped her hands and looked at Gabriel triumphantly. “But let’s not get complacent, you really need to come up with a convincing divorce story.”
He turned away and remained silent, probably mulling over how to end their predicament. But that was up to him now. She had played her part. Her attention was absorbed by a flurry of activity in the apse.
A group of musicians emerged from the vestry, and a hush fell over the audience in anticipation. The musicians settled, took up their instruments, and after some initial tuning, unleashed a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of sound. Monteverdi, early baroque, what bliss.
Delia closed her eyes and let the music wash over her. Gone were all thoughts of disappointment, of the pressure to perform. She was there with Gabriel, bathed in exquisite soundwaves. Song after song, the musicians shared their artistry with them.
After several instrumental pieces, a male and female singer stepped to the front. Their voices, the music, the gestures, pulled her into the passion of Monteverdi’s words, even though she didn’t understand their meaning.
She put her lips to Gabriel’s ear and whispered, “I love this. Doesn’t it make you wish you’d be able to speak Italian?”
He inclined his head toward her. “I speak Italian,” he mumbled under his breath.
“Oh, eff off.” She regarded him with both eyebrows raised.
A woman behind them hissed, and Delia giggled softly.
“Suchcharm.” He shook with suppressed laughter.
She nudged him with her elbow. “So, translate for me, then.”
His face took on a look of intense concentration, and he began, his voice soft in her ear, “Haughty and ruthless...the winged god Cupid...forces us to love with missiles...of pain. And so filled with passion by his—ah—treacherous act...the vision of your loveliness...drives me...insane.”
Their gazes locked while the singer repeated the last line. Time slowed, and her lungs struggled for air. Her heart pumped blood through arteries, causing her lips to pulse with longing.
“Wow.” She crossed her hands over her sternum. “Consider me impressed.”
Chapter Seventeen
Gabriel turned overand regarded the sleeping Delia next to him. His body glowed with a heavy, golden warmth. He could get used to waking up beside her. After last night’s concert, she’d invited him to stay over. A wonderful evening had segued into an incredible night. He stretched slowly, savoring the memory.
