Exhaling, I unplug the electric kettle and pour hot water into my mug. Obtaining the wine deal was a part of my job, and I’m proud of that accomplishment, at least.
I wish this indecisiveness inside me would end. Deep down, I want to tell them the truth. I can’t believe I let Mother’s words of caution about ruining the relationship intimidate me.
“Basil?” Mae repeats.
I snap back to reality and return my gaze to the screen. They’re back. Quilliam too. “I’m sorry. My mind has been occupied lately.”
“So, uh, any meaningful developments?” Lynn’s eyes shift side to side. “With a certain someone?”
Mae scolds Lynn with a glare. I scramble to understand what she’s talking about, but then I sense who that “certain someone” is.
No more lying.
I straighten my back. “Actually, there’s something I need to tell both of you. Caroline and I aren’t…” Pause. “We’re not…” I’m struggling to get the words out. Admitting it out loud means my relationship with Caroline is really over. “We’re not—”
“Married?” Lynn peers over at Mae, then back to me. “We know.”
The heat drains from my face. My mouth opens and closes, but no words come out. “You do?”
“We’re old, not dumb, dear,” Mae says matter-of-factly.
“How is this possible?” I blurt the words before I have a chance to stop them. “Did she tell you?” Hell, maybe everyone knows Caroline’s a private investigator but me?
“No,” Lynn responds. “I social-media stalked you the night we saw you and Caroline together in the resort restaurant and put two and two together. You were acting pretty strange for a newlywed couple. I figured you might have taken issue with Quilliam, but then I thought maybe there’s more to this than meets the eye.”
With the chaotic wedding, updating online profile pictures was the last thing on my mind. I blink twice in disbelief. Nevermind the damn hedgehog right now. “You’ve known the entire time?”
“Pretty certain we have.” Mae winces. “Sorry. We didn’t want to get involved in your personal matters. We assumed you had your reasons.”
Lynn snorts a laugh. “What do I look like? Psychic or something? I assumed you and Caroline had some type of friend-agreement. You know, like in the movies.”
Speechless, I slide both hands over my face. What a mess. “I’m sorry for lying. Are you upset?”
“It was highly unnecessary on your part. We could’ve easily rescheduled. But ultimately, no. We love drama. Especially when it’s not ours,” Mae says with a half grin. “It’s understandable that your agreement ended and you had to ‘break up.’ I will say though, from the start, I thought you two would be a stunning couple.”
You and me both…I shake my head. I feel like a complete fool.
“Mae and I even made a little bet on getting you and Caroline to kiss. She won.”
Lynn’s teasing grin and shoulders bouncing up and down as she chuckles tells me the story behind Caroline’s and my kiss on the beach. Happy Monday.
There’s nothing left for me to say but the truth. I start from the beginning—getting left at the altar. Mother’s blueprint. Caroline. Once I started talking, I spill everything out and then some.
Later, I say, “Sapphire Isle is incredible, and I fell in love while I was there. That wasn’t a part of the plan. Now, I don’t know what to do. I can’t stop thinking about her.” I take a breath through my raw emotions. Certainly the Blakemans see how unprofessional this conversation is. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be saying—”
“Don’t apologize.” Mae softens in a way I’ve never seen before. “We wanted to work with Elixir Wines because of you, not your mother. Failed ploys aside, you’re the one that shares alignment with our vision, and you’re the amazing businesswoman that keeps us invested. You remind me of myself when I was your age.”
“If you ever want to come work with us, just say the word. It’s a done deal. We're near the second phase of expansion and we’re looking for a Chief of Marketing if you’re interested in a career transition. We can discuss relocation packages anytime.”
Work for the Blakemans? I can’t believe how this call started to where we are now.
Warmth radiates through my entire body. I’d love to work for the Blakemans. “That’d be incredible and a great honor, but you don’t have to do that. I—”
“No rush. This is your decision. No one else's.”
Being cherry-picked from my family business seems like a low move to make.
Returning my focus to the Blakemans, I raise my chin. “Can I think about it? I need to figure out what’s best for me.”
