A truck is sitting outside what looks like a brick house. Maybe he lives on the property. I guess I’m about to find out. I put my car in park and tuck my phone into my pocket before stepping out. Deep breath in. I count to three and let it out. It’s now or never.
The door opens before I have a chance to knock. Creepy. Was he watching out the window to see when I’d get here?
“Tristan, I’m glad you could make it. Please, come in.”
His tone is unsettling. He’s not as gruff as he was on the trip. Maybe I should be worried. Dale offered to cancel the meeting and come with me, but I told him it was unnecessary. Now, I’m not so sure.
“Um, thanks.” I step inside and glance around. I’m pretty sure this used to be someone’s house. It looks like it’s been renovated to work as a business. What I assume is the living room has a basic set up, but there’s no TV. A couple of couches face each other and there’s a glass table between them.
The entire space is open aside from a room in the back. The door is closed, and I can only assume it’s the office. Pierce leads me to the couches and motions for me to take a seat. He sits on the couch on the other side of the table.
“I bet you’re wondering why you’re here.” He leans back, completely at ease.
The best thing I can do is mimic his actions. Maybe he won’t be able to tell how nervous I actually am.
“I am.”
“I wanted to apologize for my behavior on vacation. I shouldn’t have acted like that when we had a guest.”
“Well, you shouldn’t act like that at all. It’s kind of an asshole move.”
He laughs. What the fuck? I just insulted him, and he laughs it off.
“It was, and I’m sorry.”
“That apology should go to your sister. You push her and make her feel like shit unless she bends to your will. I may not be close to my brother, but I know that’s not how it should be between siblings.”
He winces. Finally, a tiny fracture in his facade. “You’re right. But since you brought up Paula, do you love her?”
“I don’t see why that’s any of your business.” He really thinks everyone should answer to him.
“Humor me, please.” He leans forward, awaiting my response. I’m not sure why, but I have a feeling my answer this holds importance.
“Yes.” I don’t elaborate. The when and why is something for Paula’s ears alone. Her brother doesn’t get to be a part of that.
“That’s all I needed to know.” He stands, and when I follow suit, he holds his hand out for me to stay. “Can you wait here?”
“Sure.” Weird. That’s what this whole thing is. I feel like I’m in a reality TV show, and the shoe is about to drop. Should I be concerned? Probably, but I’m invested and want to see what all this song and dance leads to.
Sitting and waiting is boring. I’m not sure how much time has passed, but I’m getting antsy. I stand and move to one of the floor to ceiling windows. It’s pitch black outside. There are a few solar lights marking a path that leads around the house. The location of the winery is perfect. On a clear night you can see the stars twinkling. Maybe that’s where they got the name Starlit Fields. It’s fitting.
I feel hands move in front of my eyes. “Keep your eyes closed.”
Paula walks me backwards, and based on the direction she’s taking, we’re heading back to the couch. Once she has me seated, she moves away. “Don’t open them yet.”
“Okay.” My voice is barely above a whisper. I don’t want to do anything to scare her away. To ruin this moment. In almost a week, it’s the first time I’ve heard her voice.
There are sounds coming from directly in front of me. I can’t tell what’s going on. As much as I want to peek, I don’t.
“You can open them.” Paula is sitting on the edge ofthe table. A bouquet of flowers in a vase and the photo I have as a lock screen sticking up in the middle.
“What’s this?”
“An apology.” She holds the vase out to me. “This is the first arrangement I’ve created on my own.”
“They are beautiful.” I set them on the table beside her. “But you don’t need to apologize. If anyone does, it’s me. I overstepped when I should have let you handle it on your own. You know your family better than I do.”
“Shockingly enough, I don’t. Pierce and I had a long talk. We cleared a few things up, and I will be working with the winery.”
