“Words can’t describe . . . the broiled Langostino may be small, but they’re still lobster. Lobster tail and drawn butter is second only to King Crab legs and claws for me,” I said. “King Crab is my favorite food on earth. I’m not talking about the cheap buffet variety, so skinny, they’re not worth fooling with. I buy from a wholesale seafood house. I know the guy. I get a fifty-pound box and keep it in the freezer. The legs range an inch or two in diameter and there are always plenty of large claws.”

“Fifty pounds! That must last a year!”

“Three months, if I’m lucky. Big legs go quick.”

“I love Crab as well, but I couldn’t go through fifty pounds. It makes me happy feasting on Langostino and these delicate shrimp. Hmm . . . so crisp on the outside, so tender on the inside.”

“You missed out not getting to the Merida side while you were in the Yucatan. Shrimperias dot the coast, open day and night. They sell shrimp cocktails in different sized glasses. Cheap by American standards. I really was beside myself. You might say, I eat my way to Merida when I’m driving.” Tiffany laughed. I beamed, delighted the provincial recipes we were enjoying were as grand an experience for her as for me.

I don’t know if they floated over or it was the Tequila, but I became aware that the Mariachi group had arrived. They began singing El Pastor. The tenor was exceptionally talented, as promised, and the song had never sounded more hauntingly beautiful. Tiffany watched my eyes closely.

“You’re very passionate, Eric, not just about truth, but also beauty.”

“I love this song, the sustained tone of the tenor rips my heart out, sets my emotions adrift. I requested it for us to share.” I replied.

It was as though it had been written for the moment. She seemed overwhelmed to see tears crawling down my face.

“Wow, Eric.” She spontaneously drew the tips of her fingers lightly across the back of my hand.

“I’m sorry. This song has a powerful effect upon me. Something about it touches my soul.”

“I’ll never forget this evening.” She said. I sensed she felt love for me and wanted me to know how pleased she was to be enjoying this mysterious night together.