The Crush by Susan X. Meagher

Author:Susan X. Meagher [Meagher, Susan X.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, Fiction, lesbian, Vineyard, Wilderness, Businesswoman, Adult, Humor
ISBN: 9780983275886
Amazon: 0983275882
Publisher: Brisk Press
Published: 2013-05-24T21:00:00+00:00

***

They walked to the winery, with Nic providing a running commentary on what they’d been doing, what was up next, and generally babbling like an idiot. But she couldn’t stop. Filling the silence with chatter was the only tactic she could think of to regain some sense of control.

As soon as she opened the door and flicked on the lights, her father said, “It looks like a different place.”

And it did. Chiara might have been messy with her own things, but she was rigorously tidy at work. They still used the big room for shipping, but now pallets were stacked neatly, all well marked. They sat in front of the massive doors on the side of the building by shipping date and destination, leaving a big, empty space near the front. It wasn’t a huge change, but it showed they were…or rather, Chiara was, in charge.

Nic now knew where the good stuff was, and she grabbed a bottle that had been resting for a year. Chiara assured her that this wine didn’t need or even benefit from aging, but the last wine her uncle had made had really grown on her. She was sure Chiara’s would be even better, but it had just been bottled and would benefit from at least allowing the bottle shock to settle.

After grabbing a corkscrew, they went outside to sit by the pool. Nic opened the wine, sniffed the cork then poured, handing glasses to her mom and dad. Aldo said, “You’ve become very handy with that corkscrew. Lots of practice?”

“Every night. I’ve had more wine in the last five months than I’ve had—cumulatively—since I started drinking at fif…twenty one,” she added, sparing a grin for her mother.

Aldo held up his glass and proposed a toast. “We’re here for two reasons. To thank God for all of the gifts he’s given us, and to make it crystal clear how much we love you.” He touched his glass to Nic’s, then to Christine’s. Nic almost lost it when she saw him start to tear up. “I’m making my New Year’s resolution early. No more fighting.” He took a sip and placed his glass firmly on the table.

“I’m so glad you’re here.” Nic was still teary. She rose in her seat to be able to offer each of them a kiss. “I was so down yesterday that Chiara busted her butt finding a way to make that wonderful…weird meal.” She chuckled. “If I’d let her just use turkey to make something delicious it would have been great, but I wanted it American style.” She laughed again. “I think I’ll come home for Thanksgiving next year. This was tragic.”

Aldo took her hand. “It’s a tragedy that you didn’t feel you could come this year.”

She was sick of crying, so she tried to toss off the comment. “Well, that would have been weird. I’d be in Chicago and you’d be here…”

“That’s not what I mean. I’ve been horrible to you, and I’m here to apologize. This stupid winery is worth nothing compared to you.

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