Author's Note: Sorry for the long burn between chapters, but there is a lot to unpack here with John and Kat. It's true that, without these two, there is no Traffic Girl. I hope you find this chapter as representative of the journey they've taken and how far they've come, looking toward a future that's adventurous and full of fun. These two are very close to me, and I hope you feel this does them justice.
* * *
After the rollicking good time with Jess in Cabo, I needed a full week to recover. At least the next trip wouldn't be quite so crazy and out of control. Or so I thought. Kat and I were heading up to Napa for a long weekend. She had dreamed for years of going to one restaurant in particular, and I had secured a reservation there for a Saturday night. We would fly up on Thursday morning, giving us most of a day of tasting, then a relaxing day of tasting Friday, with the main event dinner that night. We'd wrap up with some more tastings on Saturday, then fly back Sunday at some point.
"You realize this is a dream come true for me, right?" Kat said as we went wheels up from the Burbank airport.
"I do," I said, my smile shining at her.
"You keep making my dreams come true, John," she said.
It was a bright, clear day, and Kat kept her sunglasses on even inside the cabin of our Gulfstream G-700. She wore snug white pants, a flower-patterned silk top that flowed like liquid, and a pair of Prada espadrilles. Her hair was as silky and flowy as her blouse, and she radiated happiness. I did my best to keep up with her by dressing Napa preppie. I had on khaki pants and a plaid button-down with the sleeves rolled up, along with Ferragamo loafers and no socks. It wasn't my usual look, which amused Kat greatly.
"I'm always going to make your dreams come true, darling," I said.
We sat across from each other. I had popped and poured what I thought was the best Napa Chardonnay, and we savored it. It was a big wine but retained impeccable balance, so it was enjoyable. And it was probably the perfect bottle to kick off our weekend in the cradle of American wine.
"I like it," Kat said. "Oakey, but still well done."
"Yes!" I agreed. "The balance holds it all together."
"This is going to be fun," she said, biting her bottom lip.
"Feeling naughty?" I asked.
"I am," she said. "It's too bad that this flight is so short."
Just then, we heard the ding in the cabin indicating we had reached cruising altitude. The pilot let us know that we would only have about twenty minutes before we began our descent.
"A little teasing isn't so bad," I said.
"It isn't so bad," she said, eyes twinkling.
Kat leaned forward, her silk blouse billowing open as she did and revealing she didn't wear a bra. The bar piercings in her nipples -- a diamond stud on each side -- clearly visible. My gaze was riveted on them.
"I'm so glad you got them pierced again," I said.
"I think they feel good enough for you to play with," she said. "They're still sensitive, but they always have been."
"I know," I said, locking my eyes on hers.
Kat shuddered. "The way you said that," she said, "it made my pussy tingle." She took a sip from her wine glass and closed her eyes as she swallowed. "I can't even describe to you the connection I feel with you. It's cosmic."
"The Fates," I said. "You know that when we first met? I thought maybe it was fate. But when we sat next to each other at that wine dinner, I was convinced of it. I've always believed that. The Fates decreed that you and I will be together."
"Well, that, and you have such a powerful sense of chivalry," she said and flashed her TV smile.
"God, I love you," I said, leaning forward to kiss her. It was a mostly chaste peck on the lips, with just a quick flick of tongue.
"I may have a surprise or two for you this weekend," Kat said.
"Wait, what?" I said with mock shock. "Surprises on trips are my thing."
"I know, daddy," she said. "But your Kitty Kat couldn't help herself."
"Don't tell me," I said. "I can't wait to find out what they are."
We finished the bottle of legal-themed Chardonnay, which really was excellent. Since we were only fifteen minutes from landing, we didn't open anything else. We stared out the windows and took in the landscape. Napa always seemed like a paradox to me, especially in July. It was largely brown and crispy, appearing as dry as a tinderbox. But then you saw the vineyards. They were lush, green, and vibrant, a series of oases dotting the landscape. It was seductive to see, especially when you knew the precious liquid that came out of those vineyards. We never drank a ton of Napa wine at home. Our tastes trended toward Champagne and Burgundy and Pinot Noir from the U.S. But visiting any wine region and indulging in the local juice was always exhilarating.
"It's enchanting," Kat said, as the plane descended, and the land came into clearer view.
"I can't believe I haven't brought you here before," I said.
"It's more special this way," she said. "This is the perfect time."
We touched down at Napa County Airport just after 10 a.m. A town car met us. I had reserved a driver for the full weekend, and I didn't want a limo. Some wineries wouldn't let you arrive in a limo. They were tight on space, and there was also a bit of stigma with it in wine country. It was like you were some Silicon Valley weekender who wasn't serious. And Kat and I were very serious about our wine. I liked blending in. I liked giving off the vibe of being part of the crowd.
Twenty minutes later, we pulled up to the Bardessono Hotel in Yountville. I hadn't stayed there before, but Petey had told me it was his favorite. So I booked it, and as soon as we walked into our villa, the Quartole, I was sold. It was a big, open space with a twenty-foot ceiling and filled with windows that let light pour in. We had a big dining table, sectional sofa, and a fireplace. The bed was sumptuously comfortable. The bathroom had a large tub and a shower with a knee-height ledge at the rear. There was a large terrace in the back, with what they called a "cocktail" pool, lounge chairs, another fireplace, and an outdoor shower. An eight-foot-tall wood privacy fence ringed the entire exterior. It was intensely private and the peak of luxury. It was perfect.
Kat's reaction to the villa was all I needed. She walked through and drank in the space with her mouth gaping open in total delight.
"John!" she screeched when she saw I had arranged to have the wine chiller to be stocked with Champagne for us.