Peony Pointe Box Set by Elsie James

Author:Elsie James
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2020-07-03T04:00:00+00:00

The energy in the room continues to build. A multi-course menu is served by waiters in all black. Drinks flow as the band covers the classics. Hunter is busy, completely in his element. He shakes hands and works the room like a seasoned pro. But he never loses sight of me. I feel his heavy gaze on me all night.

Ainsley takes the stage, thanking everyone in attendance. Mr. Romano is honored with a slide show highlighting all of the charity work he completed throughout his successful career. Hunter was undoubtedly raised by a good man.

I take my seat near the back of the room and listen intently. Business partners and employees alike take turns recognizing the upstanding character of Mr. Romano. He sits, humbly nodding in appreciation.

My stomach turns as Hunter takes the microphone. Standing on a stage in front of 2,000 of the most privileged people in California’s wine country and not a nerve on his face. He was made for this.

“Many of you know my father,” he begins. “Otherwise security will be seeing you out now.”

The room erupts with laughter. Hunter is a natural.

“A wine empire was built within the walls of this ballroom…” He continues his toast. He compliments his dad and talks about all of the accolades he has earned over the years. Hunter is gorgeous and charming as ever. Every girl in the room just fell in love with him, I’m sure of it.

Fifteen minutes pass as he rounds out his speech. “Dad, I am honored to be your son, to be a part of what you have built. As a father, you have been patient with me. For so many years, all I wanted to do was sit around and play the guitar every day. And look at me now.” Hunter gestures to his tux. Another roar of laughter sweeps the crowd. “I am proud to be carrying on the family business, so thank you for making me put down the guitar.” Hunter concludes his speech by hugging his dad as the audience stands in ovation.

Hunter stands on the stage between his two sisters, Ainsley and Amelia. The next generation of the wine dynasty is perfectly poised and ready to take the reins. And I am thankful for the reminder. Of course I’m not mad at Hunter for his speech. This world is his reality.

For a moment, I had let my guard down. I caught myself thinking that all his musical talent bound tightly by the requirements of the family he was born into is such a waste. That the world will never know his genius. But this image of him brings me back to reality. Hunter belongs here; these are his people. The time he spent devoted to his music was just a detour on his path to this stage.

Hunter is so much like my dad, each having grown up with enormous wealth, privilege, and expectation. The woman who ends up with Hunter will be a woman like my mom, destined for a life on Snob Hill.

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