Page 44 of Petals & Promises

Our box was dead center, allowing us to see the full span of the stage. Beautiful brass opera binoculars were resting on the plush velvet seats for us to use if needed. I spotted what looked like a champagne bottle in an ice bucket and dismissed it since I couldn’t drink. At least Vili could enjoy it as we watched the show. Waffles found a place out of the way and settled down, sighing as if he was as tired as I’d been earlier.

A warm body pressed up against mine as I looked over the railing. Vili’s sweet marshmallow scent had me dreaming of s’mores and licking the melty, gooey goodness off his body. He placed his hands over mine, letting his fingers slide into place between mine like puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly.

“Finally, a moment alone with my kitten,” Vili murmured, kissing my neck. “You look radiant tonight, Mrs. Thatcher.”

Tilting my head back, I looked into his caramel-colored eyes to see the love I felt for him reflected there. “Thank you, Mr. Thatcher, you look pretty dashing yourself. I like this moss-green color on you. It brings out all your best features.”

He chuckled. “You should thank Zelly… she picked it. Said I had to match your level, although I don’t understand what that means.”

“It means you need to look as pretty as me so you don’t look like the odd man out,” I explained.

“Ah, but I don’t think I can be as pretty as you, kitten,” Vili teased, stepping back. “But I can try to make pretty things that match your beauty.”

Twisting to face him, I gasped when I saw the necklace he’d revealed. It lay on black velvet, making the gold coloring stand out. The chain was made of delicate links, and one end had the outline of a puffy cloud in blue gems. Threaded through the cloud was the other side of the necklace that ended with a rainbow colored with gems that matched the real thing.

“Vili…” I breathed in awe.

“This is the first of my collection titled Clouds and Daydreams,” he shared. “They are all inspired by you.”

Unable to speak, I stood there as he placed the necklace around my neck and held up the mirror tucked inside the jewelry box. It was the perfect length so you could see both charms no matter what I was wearing.

“It’s absolutely perfect, Vili,” I said, pulling him into a kiss. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too, kitten.”

Taking my hand, he gathered up the opera glasses, and we settled into our seats. I was impressed that the chair’s wooden arm could be lifted, creating one large space for us to cuddle. With Vili’s arm wrapped around my waist, the lights dimmed, and the conductor came out. The audience applauded as he took his bow before facing his orchestra. The theater was massive, and being where we were, I didn’t feel the need for the glasses.

Soon, I was swept up in the beautiful melodies of the score as a little boy ate too much whipped cream and had to go to the doctor. Unable to help the boy naturally, the doctor provided medication to ease his suffering. Only this led to vivid nightmares full of every sweet imaginable coming to life. The music swept you along, immersing you in this colorful, decadent world of confection.

The stage was full of stunning dancers dressed in costumes of cupcakes, ice cream covered in chocolate with a cherry on top, candy cane snakes, and fluffy adorable animals with overexaggerated features. Nothing was to be taken seriously—this performance was all about indulging in the fanciful, and I was enamored. When the intermission was called and the theater lights came on, I couldn’t believe it was halfway over already.

“Come, kitten, let’s get something to drink,” Vili urged as he untangled himself and stood offering his hand. “I forgot to say no champagne.”

“If you want to have some, I won’t be bothered. It’s not like I don’t like the stuff… I just can’t drink it,” I pointed out.

“I don’t care for it, too dry,” he admitted. “They have hot chocolate, not as good as mine, but lots of whipped cream.”

“Sold,” I answered, looping my arm through his as we left the box.

There was a bar down the hall meant only for those sitting in the box seats, so we got our drinks and a yummy-looking cookie without any trouble. I could only imagine the lines downstairs for the general audience. To me, it wouldn’t be worth it—I would hate to miss a second of this performance simply to get a drink or snack.

“I’m going to the ladies’ room, just to be safe,” I whispered, handing Vili my cup.

He nodded and kissed my cheek. “I’ll meet you at our box, number six.”

Smiling and flashing him a thumbs-up, I hurried to the restroom. It was as opulent as the rest of the place. There was even a lady in the room who had everything you needed to refresh yourself before returning to your seat. Once I’d taken care of business, I returned to our box, double-checking to make sure I’d picked the right one. Pulling back the curtain, I noticed the space was different. An easel was set up with a pad of sketching paper and bright-colored chalk to sketch with.

“Oh, sorry, wrong spot,” I mumbled, ducking out of the box, only to be stopped as someone grabbed my wrist.

“Kitten,” Vili called, pulling me back. “You are where you should be.”

Confused, I looked at the art supplies and how the chairs had been pushed all the way back to give more space. There was also a small table with our drinks, cookies, and chocolate-covered strawberries.

“I… I don’t understand,” I whispered.

Vili chuckled and, with a hand on my waist, guided me to the easel. “If you are like me, seeing creativity brings out ideas that make your fingers itch. So now you can dream your own dream and let the magic dance on the page.”

Hands on my hips, he stood behind me pressing slow, lingering kisses along my bare shoulders. Attached to the easel was a soft glow that gave me just enough light to work by as the theater lights dimmed once more. My fingers traced over the chalk until I landed on the first color I wanted to use. Once more, the music swelled as the second act commenced with Princess Praline coming to rescue the boy from the evil doctor who trapped the boy in the hospital. During their harrowing escape, the doctor and nurses became drunk, stumbling about the stage, thwarted by the alcohol that had come to life doing their part to help the boy.