We watch through the window as Brogan and the woman have a conversation. Brogan glances back at the house a couple of times, nodding, before raising their index finger to the woman and heading back.
“What’s going on?” I ask when Brogan gets inside.
“So, it’s a family reunion and they were supposed to go to a water park today, but it had an emergency closure. They saw us on their way back to the house they rented and wondered if we could accommodate a tour. There are thirty of them.” Brogan makes a “yikes” face. “But she said they’re wine lovers and would love to get something local to commemorate the reunion.”
“We can’t turn down a tour that size,” I say.
“I can go bake some more scones,” Nonna offers. “I still have dough.”
“We can help out,” Deo says while Balt nods in agreement. “We’ll take half the group to make it more manageable.”
I nod. “Okay, that’s great. We have two hours before the next scheduled tour starts. Tell them they can come in, Brogan.”
“On it, Nan.”
We scramble to get things ready as the tour bus people flood our entry area. A year ago, Deo and Balt, with blessings from our family, made the decision to convert the main house into a limited bed and breakfast. We made all the bedrooms into guest rooms and now use the house exclusively for tours and retail.
I put my best smile on and greet the influx of excited guests. Like a well-oiled machine, my family and I take our places and launch into the first part of the tour. We got this, and we just made an unexpected wad of cash.
The next morning,I’m in Madison, heading over to my favorite clothing store. I had to come into the city to grab a few things, and since I’m here, I figured I might as well check out what they have.
I enter the store, waving to Paul, the owner, who’s folding shirts for a table, then head to the back of the store where the shoes are. While browsing, I get the distinct feeling that I’m being watched, and when I turn to check for evidence, my jaw drops.
My eyes must be playing tricks on me. That’s the only thing that makes sense.
“Nantes?”
My heart races. No way. “Vanian?”
A big smile spreads across his face. “Oh my god. It’s really you.”
Before I can process what’s happening, he closes in and pulls me into a bear hug. I am speechless. Vanian Taylor is hugging me. My first crush, my sexual awakening, my first heartbreak.
He steps back with his hands still on my shoulders. “How are you?”
“What are you doing here?” I manage to ask. “In Madison.”
“Came out for a quick visit to my sister.” He chuckles, but even now, all these years later, I hear the artificial, hollow sound to it. He was never good at hiding his emotions for me. “Would you believe it, she totally forgot and went to Disneyland for the week.”
“What?”
“Yeah.” He drags his hand through his hair. When we were younger he wore it short and spiky, but it’s longer now, just in the front, styled and groomed nicely. Still silky, still solid brown. His face is different though, more mature. There’s crinkles around his eyes and the laugh lines don’t completely disappear when his expression is neutral. He’s still absolutely gorgeous.
“Amazing seeing you, Nantes. I figured you could be anywhere in the country by now, saving lives.”
“Um, yeah… about that. I’m not a doctor anymore.”
His brow crinkles and he tilts his head slightly. “Say what?”
“I work for my family business now. The winery.”
Now he looks really confused. “Are you in a hurry?”
“No, why?”
“Can we grab a coffee? Sounds like we have some catching up to do.”
I glance at my watch just to give myself a moment to think. “Yeah, of course.”
