33: I'm Completely Blown Away

As the plane started the descent, Cora sat blissfully, holding Zola's hand and looking through the window. Both women were still overwhelmed by Zola's pursuit.

"?" Zola drew her gaze. "I want to step into my world a little more tonight. I want to show you something very special. Will you let me?"

Cora half grinned and half sighed. "More special than what you just showed me?"

"No, what we just shared was, well, I'll be dreaming about this plane ride too. I want to show you something different, special in it's own way, but not in the same atmosphere."

Cora's voice filled with compassion and understanding. "Zo, I know that everything you do, you do with compassion in your heart. I love you and everything about you."

"," Zola leaned in and just barely brushed her lips across Cora's, " You're the best." ----

As soon as the women stepped off the plane in a satellite hangar, a driver showed them to a car. Cora noticed that there was no luggage. It surprised her but she said nothing. She was certain Marge was orchestrating the night perfectly. Zola and Cora sat watching the city pass. Cora's heart raced, thinking that soon this would be 'her city' too.

"Cora, are you hungry? I planned for an earlier dinner but we can wait if you'd like."

"No! I'm starving." Cora grinned. "Someone distracted me on the plane and we didn't eat."

"Perfect."

The car slowed and Cora gazed out the window at a historic building in Soho that had been beautifully renovated. She turned to Zola, raising an eyebrow.

"We're having a quiet dinner at ." Cora's eyes widened as she processed the information.

"Zo? Home?"

"This is my place, in New York." Zola watched Cora's face carefully. "It's one of several properties our family owns. This one is 'mine.' Okay?"

"Um, yes. It just stays empty?"

"Yes, Cora, for the most part. On occasion, a visiting family friend, designer or colleague in New York might use the space." Zola smiled. "But it's my , so that happens rarely." The driver opened the door and Zola led Cora up to the penthouse loft.

Cora gasped as she moved through the loft space. The high ceilings made the space seem cavernous. The floor plan was open in the main living area and flowed deeper into the kitchen space. The apartment was a corner unit with a small bedroom suite on the main level and the master was in the loft in the corner windows dominating two walls. Large floor-to-ceiling windows let in ample light and the view of the city space was incredible. The architecture was a perfect balance of rich wood, brick, detail and modern updates.

The smells coming from the kitchen space were incredible. Cora walked to the kitchen and found a young woman in a chef's jacket moving with precision and focus. Cora smiled softly, nodded, and continued to move and explore. Zola followed, letting Cora take everything in.

"Good evening, Ms. Basilio, my name is Jordan. I'm here to serve your meal tonight. I think I have met all of your dietary needs." The girl's eyes tracked Cora for a moment and she grinned, watching her move through the space.

Zola could see amusement in the cook's eyes and when Jordan's eyes returned to her's, they shared a brief moment of joy and silent communication.

"Ms. Basilio, if you would like, I will leave the food prepared in family-style placement at the table so you can enjoy the meal at your leisure. Of course, I would be happy to stay to plate and serve."

Zola smiled in thanks. "No, thank you, Jordan." The woman nodded and finished quickly, retreating quietly from the loft.

"Wow, Zola, it's beautiful. It's . I can't believe you don't come up here more often."

", it is special. My mother and I picked this space together. But, I've been enjoying my time in Austin." Zola winked and Cora's mouth broke open involuntarily.

Cora took some time to stand by the large windows, immersing herself in the moment, looking into the skyline. She felt Zola step up beside her. Zola watched Cora take in the view and the space, waiting patiently. An intense wave of deja vu swept over her.

Cora turned to Zola, her eyes sparkled. "Zola, it's ... ."

Zola chuckled. "Come on, Cora, let's eat."

----

As Zola and Cora ate, Zola described her family's holdings in a little more detail. Cora's senses and mind spun. She felt herself being pulled in different directions. The food was like nothing she'd ever experienced. There were at least two dozen different 'small bites,' a kind of modified tapas that allowed for a wide range of tastes and textures in the meal.

Cora was distracted by Zola's perfect lips and hair and the emotion that shined in her eyes. The nuance of Zola's voice as she described the family, her mother, the business, and summers in New York was both fascinating and soothing. Cora assumed she must have slipped into a semi-stunned state because Zola paused and her brow furrowed with concern.

", if any of this makes you uncomfortable, I would happily step away. I don't need any of," Zola looked around at nothing and at everything, 'this.'" Her eyes held Cora's. "I need ."

"I know, Zo, I'm sorry, I'm just processing. Nothing about you makes me feel uncomfortable." Cora grinned and winked. "I love you too."

Zola sighed deeply. Everything about Cora made her head spin. "Are you ready for the musical? Have you ever been to one before?"

"Yes and no. Never." Zola grinned. "Tonight, we're going to the Majestic Theater to see Phantom of the Opera, a classic. You go ahead and shower first. Everything we need is in my room. I just want to check and make sure we have tickets ready."

Cora stood and kissed Zola on the cheek before she left to find the master bedroom and bath. "I love you."

----

Cora walked up to Zola's bedroom and gasped. The character of the building shined through in the crown moldings, hardwood floors, exposed brick, and the fixtures. The windows were massive and seemed like the city was spilling into the room.

On its own, it was a beautiful space, thematically a juxtaposition of rich historic Soho and modern minimalism. But the room was also filled with beautiful clothes and shoes. Two separate clothing racks each held 3-5 cocktail dress options with light Pashminas and shoes.

Cora whispered in awe. "Wow, Marge." Cora moved into the bathroom. She saw a walk-in shower with a 5' knee wall, a separate clawfoot tub, and two large sinks & vanities separated by a low counter top covered with toiletries, makeup, lotions, and perfumes.

----

Once Cora left, Zola moved from the kitchen to a side table near the sofa. She pulled out a square jewelry box the size of a small book and opened it, making sure it was exactly how she wanted. She stared at it for a moment in deep contemplation and then returned it to the drawer.

Zola heard the water running in the bathroom. While Cora was showering, she selected her dress and shoes for the evening and laid them across the bed so Cora would know what she had chosen. Zola sat on the edge of her bed and removed her shoes, waiting patiently for Cora.

Cora stepped out just a few minutes later wrapped loosely in a towel. "," Zola sighed and her eyes dilated slightly,"don't you dare come near me or we will not make it to the show."

Cora laughed. "Okay, Baby. I can wait and I don't want to miss my first ever Broadway musical. But you better move away from the bed."

Zola stood, grinning. "Thank you, my turn. I'll be out in a few minutes. I'm going silver tonight." Zola nodded back toward the bed. "You'll find everything you need on the racks and in the dresser." Zola walked by Cora to get to the bathroom. She spoke familiar words softly as she moved. "Cora, I'm going to be wet and thinking about you."

Cora flushed intensely and considered for a moment following Zola.

----

Cora chose a classic black cocktail dress with a striking red Pashmina. The two dressed and prepared for the night. They moved, dancing around each other in a dangerous game of "touch me not."

Riding in the car to the theater, Cora and Zola sat as far away from each other as possible, smiling and daring each other to break the unspoken truce.

Once they slowed, approaching the Majestic, Cora focused on immersing herself in the experience. As they got closer to the theater, Cora saw the massive vertical sign and the iconic picture of the Phantom mask outside the doors. There was a bit of a line but Zola and Cora were dropped right at the door and escorted directly in. Zola explained as they walked through the rich, red and gold, ornate space.

"The Majestic is a well-known theater on Broadway. New York is lucky to have such an important part of the city continue to thrive. Phantom is an older established show so it won't be sold out tonight but it may be close. It will be well attended because it's Saturday. The best show expereiences are always ones that are shared with many."

Zola and Cora followed the attendant to an elevator and exited on the mezzanine level. Zola continued to explain as they moved.

"There are box seats in most theaters but they often have obstructed views. They are more of a place to be seen, not to see. We'll be sitting in the 1st row, center of the mezzanine level."

As soon as they were seated, Cora understood why Zola had chosen the seats. were elevated and directly center stage. She could see everything and her heart started to race as the lights dimmed. She tried to see and hear and feel everything that was happening in the cavernous space. The stage lights came up and she was drawn in. She didn't speak another word until intermission.

As the lights came up, Cora turned to Zola whispering intensely. "Zola, it's sensational!" Cora shined with awe and excitement. "I love it!"

Zola chuckled. "You're adorable, ! And that's good to know. Maybe we can do this again sometime."

Cora leaned over and kissed Zola fully on the lips, sucking gently on her bottom lip as she broke the kiss. "Thank you, Zo. I'm completely blown away ... ."

"I love you too, Cora." Zola sighed and let their foreheads touch gently.

"Come on, Sogno, we have about 20 minutes. Bathroom break and drink?"

Cora nodded, still beaming with joy.