Excerpt of Hearts in the Vortex by Amber Polo

“On Equinox Eve,

Darkness threatens Light;

Summon Moon Power

Upon Red Rock Rise.

Love Triumphs Time!”

That night, as instructed, Rebecca waited on the bench
closest to the creek, curious to meet the man with the
great voice and beautiful handwriting. Unfortunately,
that particular bench was the only one beyond the reach
of the hotel security lighting. She felt strange sitting
in the dark in her black business suit…

Above the burble of water over river stones, Rebecca
heard noises from the hotel kitchen. She turned and in
the dim light watched a man approach. She sat straighter
and was about to stand to greet him when she recognized
the wine steward carrying a tray.

“Miss Dumaurier. A gentleman requested this for you,” he
said with a formal bow.

“What gentleman?”

He said, ‘If the lady asks, tell her an admirer.'” The
waiter placed a delicate crystal wine glass and linen
napkin on the small wooden table next to the bench,
announcing, “Champagne, 1988 Krug Clos du Mesnil. Our
finest,” then turned and retreated up the path.

Rebecca lifted the wafer-thin tulip glass to her nose and
inhaled the distinctive smell of the legendary wine,
allowing its bubbles to tickle her nose, and sipped. This
was a business meeting, yet she couldn’t deny herself a
taste of the most expensive champagne ever imported.
“Excellent,” she whispered.

“I am so happy that you like it,” said a deep, very male,
voice behind her.