“Wow...” Brynna tried to imagine the Leroy she remembered as the grandfather of three—it seemed impossible. Maybe they hadn’t really found him, after all. Perhaps this place was run by another family member. “You really do have your hands full.”
“That’s for sure. My grandma’s watching the kids right now. It was my way to keep her occupied while my aunt and Dad plan her surprise birthday party. She’s going to be eighty-five in a couple of weeks.”
“Sounds like there’s a lot going on in your life.” Brynna glanced to the door. “I hate to take up any more of your—”
“Don’t worry about it.” Sophie waved her hand. “In fact, that’s why it’s so important that I talk to you now. Dad really wants to fill this position.” She picked up a pencil, studying Brynna more closely. “So, tell me about your qualifications. About your education and job experience?”
“Actually, I’m a teacher.” Brynna grimaced.
“Oh?” Sophie tipped her head to one side. “A teacher?”
Brynna nodded. “Elementary. Third grade. For quite a while too—in the same school.” She felt like a runaway train. How could she stop this thing? Derailment?
Sophie leaned forward with interest. “But you want to change jobs? Teaching doesn’t appeal to you anymore?”
Brynna actually considered the question. “Yeah ... maybe. Sometimes ... I guess I do.”
“Huh?” Sophie set down her pencil. A confused frown spread across her face.
“I’m sorry. I don’t want to waste your time.” Brynna started to stand.
“No, no, that’s okay. You seem like a nice person. And it’s fine that you’ve been a teacher. In fact, it’s probably good. You’ve obviously finished a college degree if you’ve been teaching. Tell me, though, do you know anything about business management or bookkeeping?”
“I use an online bookkeeping program ... and I suppose teaching a classroom of lively kids requires some management skills.” Brynna smiled sheepishly. “But not what you’d be looking for.” Now she actually did stand. “I’m really sorry, Sophie, I do hope you find someone more suitable for—”
“No, no—please, don’t go yet. My dad will think I blew this interview. And wereallydo need an office manager. I mean ASAP.” Sophie dug through a messy stack of papers. “Dad said your résumé was here on the desk. What was your name again? Or did I forget to ask? Garth keeps teasing me that each pregnancy reduces my brain cells. I’m probably running on empty by now.”
“My name is ... Bree.” Brynna cringed, feeling deceptive. She couldn’t give her real name, and Bree was what her dad used to call her—a name she hadn’t used in ages. “Bree Philips.” She watched nervously as Sophie shuffled through the papers, still searching.
She eventually gave up. “Well, I can’t seem to find it. Garth is probably right about that maternity brain cell thing.”
“No, you seem very intelligent to me. I’m impressed you started running this office at such a young age. Kudos to you.”
Sophie brightened. “Well, thank you very much. See, I knew I liked you.”
“Anyway, you won’t find my résumé because it’s not there.” Brynna remained standing.
Now Sophie stood, but her brow was creased. “That’s okay. You still want to apply for the job, don’t you? To be honest, you might be one of the best applicants we’ve had show up. Dad said all the others were too young or inexperienced. Like they thought working at a vineyard would be a fun summer vacation. But it’s not. It’s a lot of hard work. And sometimes it’s tricky to get good employees way out here. As you can probably tell, we’re not a fancy vineyard. Not like some of our competition.”
“I haven’t seen much of Sorrentino’s, but it seems lovely. I’d think people would be eager to work out here.”
Just then, the office phone rang. “Excuse me for a moment. I need to take this.”
As Sophie talked to someone about an order, entering information onto her computer and compiling a varied list of wines—everything from chardonnay to cabernet—Brynna stared out the window. Mesmerized by the beautiful view, she gazed longingly at the rolling green hill before her. Row upon row of lush grapevines, healthy and carefully tended, so neat and orderly. It was indescribably soothing and peaceful.
A tiny impulse inside of her hinted this might be her perfect opportunity to make a clean getaway. But a much larger part of her felt paralyzed. Maybe it was this gorgeous view, or the soothing feel of cool AC on the back of her neck, or maybe she simply didn’t want to hurt Sophie’s feelings. Whatever the reason, she was unable to move a muscle.
Chapter 14
Just as Sophie’s phone conversation wound down, Brynna returned to her senses, almost as if someone had snapped their fingers and woke her from a hypnotic trance. She glanced around the office and wondered what she was doing there. Why had she left her phone in the SUV? She could’ve used it as an excuse to get out of this mess. And what about Jan and Mike? What would they make of her strange disappearance?
“Thank you so much.” Sophie spoke into the phone with a cheery business voice. “We’ll get your order right out, Mrs. Walker. And best wishes for your daughter’s upcoming wedding.” She hung up the phone and smiled at Brynna. “See how easy that was?”
“Yes, of course. I’m sure it could be interesting to work in a place like this, but I really should be—”
“It’s definitely interesting, but it can also be boring too. And it’s not for everyone.” Sophie looked eagerly at her. “So what about you, Bree? Would you enjoy working at a vineyard?”
Brynna sighed longingly. “Oh, I’m sure I would, but—”
