Chapter 5: Molasses

“We only have two more variety of grape left to see.” Lucas said as he swerved the Rover into a wider dirt road between the plantation. They have seen the six varieties so far and as Lucas mentioned, they have 12 varieties in their vineyard. Isra learned that wines are not always made from a single grape variety. Sometimes it takes three to four different types. The flavor comes from adding tannins or removing them. The smokey, woody notes are derived from the oak barrels and wood chips are also added to aid the ageing process. Yesterday they were only able to check on half of the varieties their farm is growing. Surprisingly, even though Lucas admitted that he was not a born businessman but his knowledge about their family’s business was immense. He knew every secret of its trade. He went on and on talking about the production process and the history of wine- making in their province like an encyclopedia. Isra was impressed.

 They drove miles of patches of land until they reached a gated parcel of land following the pebbled banks of a rivulet. Lucas then turned to a smaller connecting road going uphill through the bushes into another smaller gated property. He opened the iron-wrought gate from his phone and parked his car beside a tree near a house

“Come, let me show you something.” Lucas jumped out of the vehicle and waited for Isra on the other side.

The view was breathtaking. Beyond the river in between, hills were covered in a colorful foliage with the river. She turned around to see flowering lilac Jacarandra trees stood nearby a bungalow, and a juniper towering on the other side. There was a patio surrounded by glass walls sitting close to the edge of the cliff with chiffon curtains strapped on the sides of the columns. Lucas unlocked the door of house and beckoned her inside.

 Inside, there was sofa, a bedroom door and ample-sized kitchen with large fridge placed between two cabinets. She paced the room as Lucas opened the windows to let air in. The combination of the rustic red adobe bricks, cream concrete and slate walls matching the cream- colored cushions and beige carpet made the interior felt homey. A modern gas fireplace sat under a stone-lined frame below a wooden book shelf. The furniture and fixtures were sleek and modern; the brass metal and stone countertop, minimalist cabinets and lightings suspending from the ceiling. 

“It’s nice. Rustic glam. Who lives here?” She uttered as she examined one of the three paintings on the wall.

“This is my retreat.” He said behind her, so close that she could already feel his warm breath brushing through her temples.

“Is this yours? You’re an artist, I reckon.” Isra said as she tried to focus on one of the abstract painting. Splatters of black, blue grey and indigo paint layered in almost like a lion-man figure with lines of metallic grey overlaying it. Of course, she saw that painting on the internet once. Oh my, so the profile of the "artist" Lucas Madiera belonged to him?

“Was.” He smirked. “I haven’t painted for a long time. Five years to be exact. I’m not even confident I know how to do it anymore.

“Ah, nah. Art is in your heart, not in your hands.” Isra commented as she glanced at another painting she can barely discern. At first glance, she only saw a layer of hypnotizing spirals of black ink. But the closer she looked, the clearer it depicted a human with eyes and mouth with a portion left empty.

“Is this a human with no heart? What does it mean?” She mumbled.

 “Confusion. Hollowness. The black lines….” He said with a deep sigh. “it’s like living but not breathing at all.

She could feel him edging closer as his body heat seem to scorch the skin on her back. His perfume intoxicating her mind to stop thinking properly anymore. She gulped as she tried to fight the pull of his body magnet. Cant! This is your fault, Lori, she thought, as stepped away from him. But he moved with her and even closer until she could almost feel the muscles of his chest pressed against her back as he tried to reach the other painting. Her brain stopped functioning and all she felt was his heat and the touch of his breath on her skin.

She didn't know how awkward she looked as she stood frozen, not despite her body started to catch fir

“Umm, would you want to try grape molasses?” he uttered from behind her sending chills to her spine.

 “Sure.” She said enthusiastically as she tried to distance herself avoiding to look into his eyes. She shouldn’t allow that closeness between them. No. This is not happening.

Lucas went to take out a pan rustico, a couple of jars, and a bottle of chilled Manzanilla wine. He poured  them a glass before sliding the rustic bread into the oven to warm up. Pablo usually clean this house and fill the fridge a day before Lucas arrived from Madrid everytime.

He looks so peaceful and adorable.  Compellingly masculine yet innocent.

Oh, what’s going on with my head. I think I’m messed up. I think I am attracted to him.

 “Can I ask you something?” he asked as he handed her the glass of wine.

 “Shoot.

 “Why are you still single? Have you had love relationships?

Isra looked at him thoughtfully as she toyed with the glass of wine in her hand. Lucas’ question took her by surprise. "I don't know." She had relationship in the past. Tom and Eammon. They loved her. Only she can’t give it back. And she decided to remain single because of that.

“Long story.” She didn’t want to talk about it. A sudden feeling of remorse swept through her. Why did he have to bring it up? Why would it concern him if she was still single? Everyone around her seemed to question for that.

 Lucas could see the anxiety in her expression. The oven pinged and he took the bread out, so he quickly got out of the topic. “Are you a sweet tooth?

“Every once in a while. I try to eat healthy. My age doesn’t give me that liberty anymore.

“It’s nice when its warm. Please.” Lucas beckoned her to a stool at the counter as he sliced the bread into. “Why how old are you?” he asked.

“Thank you.” Isra said as she slid into one of the stools before Lucas settled across her, “I’ve turned forty. Just last month.

“No way!” his eyes widened as he scanned her face. “I thought, you are younger than me! Ahhh, no way!

Isra chuckled trying to ignore Lucas’ gaze “That’s exaggeration,”

 Lucas took a piece of the bread and coated it with tahini and molasses. “Really, I thought you are 27 or something.

 “Here, you take this one.” He raised his hand to her mouth.

Isra shook her head but Lucas insisted. She held his wrist while carefully taking the bread with her teeth but the liquid started dripping so she snatched it quickly but her lips touched his fingers. She blushed when he brought his finger to his mouth to lick the mess.

“How is it, good?” he asked, brown eyes flickering like wild flames, igniting something she thought she never had.

 “It is.” She mumbled. She just wanted to run away and call Lori to postpone the filming until she arrives. She cannot do this anymore. How would she resist Lucas? Her body seemed to like his touch; her soul at peace. Part of her was excited about him, and part of her was perplexed and scared. She had to ignore him once and for all. She pretended to scan some more paintings hanging on the walls to avoid his eyes. She needed some distraction. Because if she gives in, she would surely fall. She didn’t want to be in a relationship again. She will only hurt him. Like she did with Eammon.

 The molasses was overwhelmingly sweet but it balances well with the dry and bitter taste of the tahini which surprisingly leaves a heavenly aftertaste in her mouth. Like the touch of Lucas on her lips. She felt home. She felt she belonged here somewhere. But her thoughts drifted back to the dark-haired lady in the mansion. Her reaction when Lucas introduced her earlier was indignant. But she wasn't sure of the woman was angry at Lucas or her? 

****

Lucas climbed the stairs through to his room when he saw Paloma coming out from the living room below it.

“Aren’t you going to have dinner? Where’s your new girl” she asked with a bitter tone.

Her round sloped shoulders and were bare from the floral-print tube cocktail dress she was wearing. Lucas stopped and gazed down at her. His childhood friend changed a lot in five years. She used to be so skinny and dark- skinned. But now she gained some meaty curves and her once curly hair, now shiny straight. And she looked beautiful with her make-up on.

 “Ohh.” He chuckled. “I drove along with Isra to the city and we ended up having dinner together.” He smiled at her and her face flushed with jealousy. “You didn’t say you are coming. How could you disappear for five years, just like that? We were sick worried about you.

She laughed, “Oh really? I could tell how much you missed me from the cold introduction you made earlier.

Lucas shook his head in protest, “No. I was just… surprised… And you didn’t seem too happy to see us either.

“Well, you could have done better.

 Paloma walked up to him and inched herself at the foot of the stairs to lean on the railing. “I’m sorry, I heard about the divorce. You must be devastated.” Her lips thinned into an apologetic smile.

“Do you want to talk?” she asked as she inched closer, taking each flight until she was only a step away from him.

 Lucas blinked as her eyes scanned his face. Her hand reached for his and laced it with hers. Lucas shrugged and smirked, “Not now, Pal. I’m exhausted.

She climbed one more step to stand beside him, “Oh. Then maybe you could use a massage.” She whispered as she rubbed and pressed her palms on his back.

Lucas caught her wrist “I don't like I people touching me, Pal. No, I don’t want a massage.

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