“And you think that’s what I look like?”
“No.” He shakes his head. “I know. So, who’s the lucky person?”
“Technically, we’re not dating. At least, not for real.”
“The plot thickens.”
“I’m supposed to be her boyfriend on her trip with her family.” I tap my glass against the bar top. “I may have bitten off more than I can chew.”
“Wow, you’re having doubts already and it hasn’t even happened yet?”
“Not doubts about pulling it off, but keeping my feelings in check. I do like her. I have since I met her the first time in this bar. But, I’ve never been great at hiding how I feel.”
That’s the whole reason I was part of the stage crew in high school theatre. Schooling my facial expressions has never been easy. If I didn’t come out and say what I was thinking, or feeling, my face would.
“So, you’re really only doing this out of the goodness of your heart. You don’t have ulterior motives?”
“No other reasoning. Despite what she thinks, I care about her happiness as a friend. Nobody should be ordered about the way her family seems to do.”
Eric laughs and hits the top of the bar with his palm. “Good luck, man. She’s going to eat you alive. And if she doesn’t her family will.”
“Are they really that bad?” Maybe this was a bad idea, and I’ve bitten off more than I can handle. It wouldn’t be the first time. But…those usually involved the crew when I was in high school theatre. Thinking I can do more than I actually can isn’t one of my best traits.
Eric doesn’t answer right away, and it does nothing to quell the worry building in my stomach. He’s the person I’ve learned to go to if I want information on anything. He may know more than the little old ladies I’ve seen gossiping when I come in for lunch on occasion. One of the perks of being a bartend, I guess. Everyone spills their guts at some point.
“It’s not that they’re bad.” Finally, he speaks. “They areveryinvolved. Or, at least, try to be. Paula doesn’t make it easy for them.”
“The rest of her siblings do whatever their parents tell them?”
I have an older brother, but he’s much older. By the time I was getting to my annoying stage in life, he was off at college.
He shrugs. “Pretty much. They don’t have a reason not to, and I think they really enjoy being a part of the business.” He points over his shoulder. “We have a contract with them to sell their wine, and it flies off the shelves.”
“Can you pour me a glass when I’m done?”
Who knows if I’ll like it. I’ve never been a fan of wine. The after taste isn’t my jam. Hopefully I’ll be able to enjoy it. If not, things will be awkward on this vacation.
“Sure thing.” Eric gives a quick wave and moves on to another customer.
I guess I was taking too much of his time. But when I glance around, I notice the bar has filled up. It’s a shock he didn’t bail on me sooner. Being too inside my thoughts is never a good thing, clearly. Most people don’t pay so little attention to their surroundings as I do.
This whole thing with Paula is kind of a big deal. At least for her it is. The last thing I want to do is screw it up for her.
I gulp the rest of my drink. After this next glass, I’m done for the night. Hopefully I can call one of the guys to give me a ride home.
Before my glass hits the counter, Eric is sliding a wine glass toward me. “Here you go, I took the liberty of choosing a flavor for you.”
“Thanks.” I nod at him. Him picking out the wine is good thing because I can’t tell the difference between each one.
Studying the glass, I lift it to my lips and take a small sip. As soon as the liquid hits my tongue, I expect to want to spit it out, but I don’t. It’s sweet with a touch of a tang I can’t quite place.
I take a bigger drink in case the first one was a fluke, and I was forcing myself to enjoy it. But it wasn’t. It’s really good. Who would have thought I’d be into wine. Well, this one specifically. I make a mental note to ask Eric which kind it is.
“That better be made by my family.”
I choke on the wine at the sound of her voice. How does she manage to sneak up on me like that? I’ll have to ask her as soon as I know I’ll live through this coughing fit.
CHAPTER FIVE
