I hold back and by the time I come out of the ladies room, she is sitting amongst her friends across the room, laughing.

My server comes over and hands me a small pink envelope.

"The lady in the white dress," she says, nodding in her direction.

I open it, slip the cash into my purse, and open the folded note.

Antonio's / Saturday / 8:30

I catch her eye and dip a quick nod.

I can still taste the rich, mature essence of her on my lips, as I walk to the bar for a glass of moscato.