Luna Tango by Alli Sinclair Page A

in my orchestra?’
    â€˜He’s not ready yet and he has to stay here and manage my affairs,’ Eduardo said evenly.
    â€˜I am ready.’ Roberto narrowed his eyes at his mentor. ‘You want me to perform in front of audiences in Argentina, yet you won’t let me play for one man? Especially the man who could employ me to play your music for his movies?’ Roberto stood, glowering at Eduardo. ‘You want everything for yourself and damn everybody else.’ His eyes briefly travelled to Louisa, who gripped the chair.
    â€˜Roberto!’ she said. He had no idea how easily he could set off Eduardo and how complicated and messy things could get.
    â€˜No, I’ve had enough.’ Roberto threw up his hands. ‘I’ve bowed and scraped and done as you’ve asked, Eduardo. More than you’ve required, in fact. I’ve bent over backwards and practised fifteen hours a day for two years and put up with you telling me I’m not ready. Then you change your mind overnight and expect me to embrace this while you make plans to gallivant with Louisa in the United States? I’m done. Done with it all.’ Anger flashed in his eyes as he glanced at her before he stormed out and slammed the door. Her body flinched on the outside but on the inside her soul cried.
    â€˜Yes, he is done,’ said Eduardo, pouring whiskey into his crystal glass.
    â€˜You’re letting him go?’ Louisa asked, suppressing the desire to bolt after her lover.
    Eduardo took a long swig and grunted. ‘Ungrateful swine.’
    The trio fell into an uncomfortable silence as Eduardo drank, Wyler drummed his fingers on the pile of Time magazines, and Louisa stared with teary eyes at the gilded portrait of herself hanging above the white marble mantelpiece. The artist’s deft brushstrokes had painted an image that didn’t represent the true Louisa. In the painting, the woman was genteel, sophisticated and removed, but in reality, Louisa was heartbroken, confused and devastated.
    * * *
    The luncheon dragged on with more talk of politics, Hollywood and leaving Argentina. Her throat hurt from concealing emotions, and she studied the intricate swirls engraved in the fine crystal champagne glass. She took another sip and dizziness overcame her.
    â€˜Please excuse me. I need fresh air,’ she said and left the table. The men stood for her to leave and she urged herself to walk slowly.
    Louisa travelled through the darkened hallways, trying not to brush against the china vases sitting on the solid wood stands. She could never understand why people would put precious objects in main thoroughfares—it was an accident waiting to happen. She slipped out the French doors, down the marble steps and over to the gazebo hidden behind vines in the rear of the garden. Taking a seat on the striped cushions, she breathed in the jasmine and let her muscles relax. She closed her eyes and leant against the trellis, enjoying the light breeze dancing across her skin.
    â€˜I thought I would find you here, mi lunita .’
    Her eyes shot open and her heart raced. Roberto stood at the gazebo’s open doorway, a cheeky grin matching the spark in his eyes.
    â€˜Thank goodness!’ She sat up but was overcome with wooziness and slumped against the trellis again.
    â€˜Too much champagne at lunch, lunita ?’
    â€˜Maybe.’ She patted the seat beside her, confident they wouldn’t be seen from the house. ‘Why do you call me little moon?’
    His private smile stirred desire in her once more. ‘It is because …’ He gestured to where the half-moon birthmark was on her lower back.
    She frowned but secretly enjoyed his knowledge of such an intimate place. ‘I was going to find you after Wyler left.’
    â€˜He’s likely to stay for dinner and breakfast.’ Roberto slipped his hand in hers, their fingers entwining. He stroked his thumb against her skin and love