Beaches and Cream by Kojo Black

and wonderful private wine tasting. I had never tasted anything so magnificent. The cool, crisp rosés were, quite simply, like flowers poured from a bottle. While the rich, deep reds were like the nectar of fruits I never knew existed, and the champagne was utter decadence—sparkling sunlight in a glass. Anton’s father was duly proud of his creations and seemed unwilling to let us go without just another sip of something (or, as he called it, “one more kiss from his sweethearts”).
    In time, Anton’s father suggested that Anton show us the vineyard where all of this deliciousness began. After so much Dionysian hospitality, I was more than a little tipsy and I’d be glad for the walk and the air. Anton’s father busied himself preparing a lovingly selected case for us as we three made our way to the stairs—Anton and Tia first, and me a few steps behind.
    â€œOh…Mand?” I heard Anton’s father call. I stopped halfway down the stairs. But Tia and Anton continued their descent into the cool dark. I turned and went back up.
    â€œMand,” Anton’s father approached me conspiratorially, an impish smile bringing the boy out of his weathered face. “Anton hates when I do this. He says I want to give everything away. But here….” He produced a bottle of rose-coloured champagne and thrust it into my hands.
    â€œNo, please….you’ve given us so much already…..”
    â€œNo, no,” he clicked his tongue. “Take it. This is the best we have. Something very special. You and Tia and Veronica must drink it with my blessing. A most beautiful sparkling wine for three of the most beautiful, sparkling ladies. Now go. Go and join Tia and my son in the vineyard.”
    I looked at the precious bottle in my hands. Feeling completely spoiled, but certain I would cause offense if I handed it back. “Thank you so much…. I don’t know what…..”
    He placed his hand over mine and smiled contentedly. “Please. Enjoy.” Still smiling, he turned to complete our selection. “I’ll put these in the car for when you return.”
    â€œThank you!” I called again, before turning to go down into the cellar.
    I descended into the darkness. Dwarfed by the mighty casks bulging like the bellies of sleeping giants, I clutched the treasured bottle to my chest. The air was cool and heavy with the odours of earth, wood, sugar and must. The space was vast. I was lucky there was a door open at the far end. Otherwise I would have become horribly lost.
    The white-hot spot of the doorway grew larger. As I approached, Anton’s silhouette cut a chiseled shape against the light.
    â€œI’ve missed you,” I heard him chuckle.
    I paused.
    Tia joined him in the light, and Anton pulled her to him. Her shadow looked small and delicate as she moulded to him. He bowed his head to hers and they kissed. I stopped in my tracks, mostly out of surprise but also deeply reluctant to distract them. His shyness had left him and his movements were strong and sure with Tia in his arms.
    â€œWhere’s Mand?” I heard Tia ask breathlessly when at last they parted. She peered into the darkness. I shrank into the shadows, feeling I’d already seen too much, but not wanting them to stop on my account.
    â€œProbably having gifts lavished upon her by my father,” Anton replied. “C’mon, she’ll catch up with us in the vineyard.” He took her hand and led her out into the sun.
    I waited for a moment, and then stole after them. The vines spiraled away over the hills in a cochlear formation. I chose the row I thought they’d taken and followed tentatively, hoping to find a more neutral moment to rejoin them. In time, I heard their voices. They sounded relaxed and conversational. So I quickened my step to join them before I interrupted something more intimate.
    But we were not in the same row. Separated by dense