A truck that looks like my dad’s is sitting in my driveway when I pull in. Once I put the car into park, I look out the window. Sure enough both my dad and brother are sitting in the front seats. Pierce is the first one to get out, and he opens my door for me.
Why is he being so nice all of a sudden? The only thing I can think of is my promise to think about working with the family. My stomach drops and I know I need to tell them I don’t want to. At least, not the way he wants me to.
“Hey, Sister.” He waits until I turn the car off before helping me out. This is weird behavior from him. What is he playing at?
“What are y’all doing here?” Once I’m out of the car, Dad gets out of the driver’s seat. “I didn’t get a text from you.”
“We need to talk, and I had a feeling you wouldn’t answer a call from me.”
As bad as it is to say it, he’s not wrong. I dodge calls from him like it’s a sport.
“How did you know what time I get home from work?”
“Parker.” I knew the answer before he said it. He’s the only one who keeps track of my work schedule. He’s also the only sibling who will drop in for surprise visits. This is out of character for both Pierce and our dad.
“Let me open the door really quick. I have a feeling this is more than a driveway conversation.”
“It’s definitely more than a driveway conversation.” My brother nods and follows me down the sidewalk. Dad brings up the rear. I swear we probably look like a line of ducklings.
After unlocking the door, I push it open and walk inside. I set my bag by the door and continue to the living room. Whatever they want to talk about is probably something I should sit down for. They rarely come out of their way to pay me a visit. Especially not out of the blue.
“Do y’all want something to drink?” Mom would be proud of me being a somewhat decent hostess.
“No, we’re good,” Dad takes a seat next to me. Pierce sits across from us on the recliner, and gives dad a look as if he was in fact thirsty. Sorry big brother, Pops spoke for you.
“So, what is this about? Did I do something?” I hate how unsure I sound, like I’m a kid in the principal’s office. It’s this moment I realize why Tristan told me I should have handled this when we were all in the samespot. I’ll have to have this conversation multiple times. While I have them here, I might as well tell them I’m not working for the winery.
“No, you didn’t do anything wrong. But, we do have some things to discuss.”
Oh shit. He’s using his dad voice. I don’t like that tone. No matter what he said, it always meant I was in some sort of trouble growing up.
“Well, we might as well get this started.” I lean back until I feel the cushions on my back. Something needs to bring me some comfort since Tristan isn’t here to provide it.
Pierce leans forward and places his elbows on his knees. Okay, so they both mean business. “I need you to be honest with me when I ask you this.”
“Okay?” What the hell is he getting at? He said we need to talk, but this feels very ominous.
“Do you really want to work at the winery?”
That’s not the question I was expecting, and it knocks me off kilter. My first instinct is to sit up and reassure him I do want to work with the family. But I take a second to think it through. Acting before thinking hasn’t gotten me anywhere, and there’s no way I can avoid this conversation. I have a feeling they won’t leave until I give them an answer. Actually, I know they won’t. It’s why they came to my house instead of somewhere public. My escape would have been easy in any other situation. Here…not so much.
“Not in the way you want me to.” I shrink into myself and wait for the chastising I’m about to receive.
“How would you like to be involved?” Pierce asks. He hasn’t changed his sitting position. It’s how he signals he’s listening, but he’s also in business mode.
“I’m not sure yet. But ideally, I think there are ways you can partner with Whoopsie Daisy.”
Dad turns toward me, and I sit up because I don’t want him to be disappointed in me. “Do you love the work you do at the flower shop?”
It’s a question he’s never asked me, and I’m shocked he’s showing interest now.
“Yes. I’m learning a ton of new things. Once I have arrangements down, they plan on me helping with some of the brides and special events. I love the people I work with, and I like creating with my hands.”
He must see the spark of joy in my eyes as I talk about the shop because the smile that overtakes his face is something I haven’t seen in a long time. At least, not when it comes to me in relation with Starlit Fields.
“I know you wanted all of us to take over the winery, but my heart isn’t in it. It never has been.”
Dad pulls me into a hug. “I’m so sorry if I ever made it felt like you didn’t have another choice. I only ever wanted to make sure you knew this company is available to you. Forcing you into something you hate was never my intention.”
