Chapter 44 Close Call

• Dessert was served by the screened patio. From the moment one stepped through the ornate double doors, the mosaic of hand-laid marble tiles with their intricate patterns that wove together stories of artisans and distant lands caught my eye.
• Unlike the rest of the house, the nature tableau canvases that hung on the wall gave off a different feeling. The space was more personal.
• I leaned on an exquisite throw pillow, sinking into the luxurious softness. Dessert was a crescendo of sweetness, small portions of Panna Cotta, Baklava and Strawberry Shortcake. I took the liberty to take Paul’s Strawberry Shortcake, mindlessly tucking it away.