I nod. “Thank you again for accommodating us on such short notice. I’ll be sure to tag the vineyard in my posts.”
“Me too,” Hunter says. “Every share helps, right?”
“Of course,” Mr. D’Oro says graciously.
The winemaker walks us through the process of grape-treading as Hunter struggles to roll up the legs of his jeans, which look like they might be painted on. Fortunately, I had the foresight to wear shorts, but I have to be honest, I’m not sure how I feel about all those squishy, sticky grapes going between my toes.
The vineyard has already set up a large wooden vat and filled it with clusters of grapes, though they aren’t typically harvested until August.
“This is what I call a flex,” Hunter whispers as we take our positions behind the vat.
“Now remember, I’ll count it down and use this remote,” I say, holding up the tiny gadget, “to start filming. I’ll go through my intro, and then I’ll introduce you. We’ll chat a little, and then we’ll climb into the vat and do the whole stomping thing.”
“Got it.” He grins. “After all, I’ve got the easy job. Just smile and stomp.”
I laugh in spite of myself and turn back to the camera.
Nervous energy coils low in my belly—I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to going live—and I inhale through my nose, slowly pushing the air out through my mouth. Even the air here is fresher, crisp and light, with undertones of fermenting grapes.
I repeat the breathing exercise twice, and then it’s go time.
Smiling wide, I press record.
“Hey So Savvy Travelers! Thanks for tuning in today. I’m so excited to be here with y’all in real time sharing a special announcement, a special event, and—you guessed it—a special guest!”
I turn to Hunter and gesture like a game show host revealing a shiny new washer and dryer set.
“I’d like to introduce you guys to my new friend, Hunter.”
He waves and flashes that adorable smile, his teeth a brilliant contrast to the auburn beard.
“Hunter and I met at the Napa Farmer’s Market yesterday, and we just hit it off, so I knew I had to invite him to join me for today’s grape-stomping adventure. After all, no one likes to drink alone, amiright? And once we show you guys how your favorite wines were made in ye olden days, we’re going to pop a cork and enjoy Casa D’Oro’s signature cabernet.”
Messages are flying fast and furious across my screen, but I’m too far away to read them.
“That’s not all. From now on, I’ll be featuring one sexy local from each location I visit.” I pause and low-key point at Hunter, who grins and pretends not to notice. “If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I just completed an incredible Route 66 road trip, and now I’m ready to start a new adventure.”
Hunter grins and plants his hands on his hips. “I like the sound of that.”
I shoot him a flirty smile—for the fans—and return my attention to the camera.
“I’ll be staying stateside, but this time, there’s no plan. I’ll be going wherever the wind blows me, so you never know where I’ll pop up next. Who knows?” I give the audience a sly smile. “It might even be your hometown.”
Hunter’s brows flick up, and he nudges me. “Are you sure you don’t need a permanent travel companion, because if you do, I’d be down.”
It’s a good thing my smile is fixed in place like cheap veneer, because even the suggestion of taking on a new full-time partner is like pouring salt on an open freaking wound.
A reminder that Miles is gone and I’m well and truly on my own now.
Stay strong, Lucy.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I tease, resting a hand on his biceps. “But let’s see how you do with the grapes first, shall we?”
Hunter clasps his chest like I’ve wounded him, and another flurry of comments pop up on the screen. I can’t read them, but there’s a lot of red. That has to be a good sign, right?
Red could be hearts, lips, or…a lot of cursing emojis.
Focus.
