Painting a la Bordeaux

I rub my sweaty palms against the side of my pants as I open the clear glass door. Soft music and chatter surround me, increasing my anxiety up a notch. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I came in, but it was not this. How long has it been since I’ve been on a date? “You’ll die alone at this point.” I shake my head as my friend’s taunts ring through my ears. “Just leave it to us. We will set it all up and I promise you’ll have a good time.” Right, because standing here awkwardly is a good time. A couple comes in and give me a side eye as they walk past and grab an apron, she nudges him playfully and points to an empty space by the window. I should probably do the same, no point in just standing around. I catch a young lady’s stare as I pick a table close by and sit down. I’m suddenly very aware that I am the only person by themselves in the studio and I pray I don’t sound like a dumb ass as she approaches me. “Hi there, I’m Alyson and I’ll be your instructor slash host today! Are you here for our couple’s class?” she gives a quick glance around the room. “Um yeah” I clear my throat at her blank stare, trying to pretend I paused on purpose. “I’m waiting for my date still. She’s just running a little late.” Jesus Crist speak English man! She gives me a small sympathetic smile. “That’s cool class won’t start for another 30 minutes. Do you want to look at our wine chart while you wait?” I nod grateful for a distraction and watch her walk back to her podium before returning with 2 wooden charts. “Everything you need for the class is set up in front of you. As for the wines I highly recommend the zinfandel, my favorite, but we have a variety of choices. Since you’re new here I’ll run the chart over real quick. We have three wine categories: Moscato’s, Reds, and Whites. Each wine has a description beside it, and we can guide you to a wine that fits your personality if you need it. I’ll give you some time to look it over and let me know when you’ve found the one.” She gives me a small pat and a wink before walking away to greet a couple at a different table. I notice the zinfandel she mentioned: Full bodied, spicy, and bold! As expected of an art instructor, but definitely not for me.

I take my time to look at the beautifully crafted list, carefully taking in all my options. The wooden plank feels so light in my hands and I can’t help to trace the letters Painting a la Bordeaux carved at the top. A swirl of beautifully colored calligraphy and dainty painted wine glasses pop out at me making it slightly hard to focus on one. But of course, like a magnet, my eyes zero in on the dark silky labeled Cabernet. Memories hit me like a fast-moving train and pangs in my chest with the force of 7 years, now evaporated into smoke. All I can see is full lips covered in dark red lipstick. My eyes run through the description, and I can taste the familiar richness and oak. For a moment I imagine drinking her in, her warmth in those memories wrapping me like a blanket and I pick up my phone desperate to hear her voice. I open my message app and I’m snapped back to reality. “Don’t make this harder on yourself. I’m happy with someone new and you need to move on already.” The warmth of that memory left me with a dry and acidic after-taste, it filed my mouth like bile leaving nothing but a bitter taste on my tongue. Don’t do it.

Even though it’s been two years since I’ve seen her, I can’t help but to wonder if she’d like this place. Two large crisp canvases sit on top of a large easel for two. On both sides there is a small desk with an array of paints, brushes, water, and a small coaster. Soft music echoes through the softly lit room and a giant eccentric looking chandelier hangs in the middle of the studio. The fact that I find it perfect indicates that she would hate it. The sound of a deep laughter catches my attention, breaking me away from my thoughts. A guy smiles widely at his partner as she pretends to paint his nose and takes a sip of her wine. Loneliness echoes through my chest and I lower my head, trying to focus on the wine list instead. “Penny for your thoughts?” I look up to see a petite young blonde smiling at me. “Just deciding what to drink.” She holds up a glass of white wine. “Can’t live without my Char.” I smile fondly as I look down to read the Chardonnay description. Youthful and refreshing. Totally vanilla. “I haven’t had a glass of chardonnay in years.” She stops mid sip. “No way! My husband and I drink nearly a bottle a day! Oh! There he is, would you like to join us?” I shake my head but give her a thankful smile. “I’m waiting on my date but thank you for the invitation.” She shrugs nonchalantly before walking over to her canvas. What am I doing here? I wonder if my date will even show up. Even if she does, the dull ache in my chest tells me I might not be ready to move on after all. My eyes go back to the beautifully written cabernet, I wonder if I’ll ever get over that taste.

I look at the clock, 15 minutes before class starts, there’s no point in me being here. I take my apron off and turn to walk away when I bump into a small slender figure. “Sorry! Are you Leno? I’m Val, I’m so sorry I’m late. Were you already leaving?” I nervously shake my head. “No, no worries I was just going to look for a bathroom.” I pull a chair out and hand her the wine chart. “Thank you you’re so sweet. Oh my god this is so beautiful!” She stops and looks ruefully up at me. “To be honest I’m a little nervous, I’ve never done a painting class before and my art skills are probably not the best.” I can’t help but chuckle. The worry I felt turns into ease. “I’m on the same boat don’t worry. Plus, it’s meant to be relaxing right?” She shoots me a playful glare. “Really? Because I did my homework and my sources tell me you were an excellent artist.” I guess I look a little taken aback because she laughs, her voice like windchimes. “Don’t tell me you didn’t even do a little research, or got a quick sneak at a picture?” I shake my head “I’m sorry I’m at a disadvantage. Also, I haven’t picked up a paintbrush in 9 years. I wasn’t even sure what to expect, but I don’t mind the surprise” she’s about to say something when Alyson comes back over. “Hey guys class is starting in 10. Have you decided what to drink yet?” Val gasps and looks over the chart quickly “I’ll stick with the merlot tonight.” I tilt my head to read the description. Smooth and rich like chocolate, perfect to let yourself go; might be just what you need tonight! “And you sir?” I contemplate for a moment, briefly glancing back at the cabernet, before looking up at Val’s calm smile. “Yeah I’ll try the Merlot.”