QUINN
Quinn had rarely laughed so much as she had tonight. Her mother, who considered herself a wine connoisseur was teased relentlessly for opening one of the most expensive wines in the world to go with fish tacos. After the initial shock had settled, her mother had been able to laugh about it too, and they’d joked about how slowly they were drinking it to savor the experience as much as they possibly could.
“That was a great last two-hundred-and-fifty-dollar sip,” Rob said with a grin as he finished his glass. Well chosen, Mom.”
Quinn’s mother rolled her eyes and chuckled. “I’ll never hear the end of this, will I?”
“Never. And the food was delicious. Thank you so much, Riley.” Rob picked up the last piece of fish with his fingers and laughed when Mary slapped his hand.
“Rob! The kids will copy you. You know that.”
“Daddy’s eating with his fingers.” Lila laughed loudly, and Mary shook her head and glared at Rob.
“Can we have ice cream in front of the TV?” Tommy asked.
“Yes! Ice cream! Ice cream!” Lila got up from her chair and bounced up and down.
“If your mom and dad are okay with it,” Riley said.
Mary nodded, and Riley filled two bowls with a generous amount of vanilla ice cream.
“Here you go. Do you know how to work the remote?”
“Of course!” Lila giggled. “I’m five.”
“I’m sorry, I forgot what a big girl you were.” Riley turned to Mary and Rob once the kids had left the kitchen. “They’re so sweet.”
“They are, but you might change your mind when they get their sugar rush from the ice cream,” Mary joked. She looked around the table and arched a brow. “Now that the kids are gone and it’s all calm, are we going to discuss the elephant in the room?”
“The elephant? You mean the wine in the basement?” Quinn laughed. “Yes, I imagine we’re all thinking the same. If that bottle was worth four thousand…” She paused and shook her head. “It’s crazy. There are at least three hundred bottles down there.”
“If not more,” her mother said. “Goodness, I had no idea my father was such a wine collector. I knew he appreciated a good bottle, but I hadn’t expectedthat.”
“What are you going to do with it?” Mary asked.
“That’s up to Riley,” Quinn said. “It’s her house and her wine, so—”
“No,” Riley interrupted her. “It’syourwine. He left that for you and your family. I already told you that. You should have it valued. It will undoubtedly do great in an auction.” From the looks on everyone’s faces, it seemed they were surprised to hear her say that.
Quinn’s mother waved a hand. “We can’t accept that. The personal items and photographs are one thing, but as Quinn said—”
“And asIsaid, absolutely not. It’s yours and I don’t want to hear another word about it. Now, as we’re already on the red, would you like another glass? It won’t be as good as the one we’ve just had, but I think you should leave your basement wine alone for now.” Riley opened a bottle of red without waiting for an answer.
“Thank you.” Quinn’s mother smiled as Riley poured her a glass, and Quinn knew she wasn’t just referring to the wine. Her parents didn’t struggle financially anymore, not like they had after they lost their restaurant, but they were far from wealthy, and any extra income would give them some relief. “So, tell me, how did you and Quinn meet?”
“The first time we met was at the pizza restaurant in town, actually. Quinn was there with the kids. And then, a few days later, she kindly helped me bring a ladder back from the hardware store.”
“She was going to take it home in her Mercedes,” Quinn said with a chuckle, remembering how adorably helpless Riley had looked on her high heels. “I couldn’t let her drive like that.” She shrugged. “And we’ve seen a lot of each other since.” When her mother looked from her to Riley and back, Quinn knew exactly what was coming.
“How sweet. And are you single, Riley?”
“Mom, I told you not to get nosey,” Quinn warned her.
“That’s okay, I don’t mind personal questions.” Riley poured a final glass of wine for herself and crossed her legs as she sat back. “Yes, I’m single. I’ve been single since my divorce many, many years ago.”
“You haven’t dated at all?” Mary asked incredulously.
“I dated a little bit here and there, but I haven’t been in a serious relationship at any point. I guess I’ve never met someone who made me feel…” Riley’s eyes darted to Quinn for a split second, and she stopped herself. “I just never met the right person.”
