I straighten, every instinct screaming retreat. Instead, I force myself to finally meet Vienna’s eyes.
Fuck, she really is stunning.
“Yes,” I answer flatly.
Vienna’s mouth quirks. “I kind of figured, given your last name.”
My sister pipes up again. “This place was my mom’s idea, and my dad made it happen. Sadly, she passed away a little over twelve years ago, but Rhonan and I have helped keep this place running with our dad in her honor.”
“I’m sorry for your loss,” Vienna says, glancing from Laney back to me.
I clear my throat. “Thank you.”
“Do you want to join us?” Laney asks. “We have room for one more.”
Vienna holds her hand up. “Oh, it’s okay. I wouldn’t want to impose on—”
“You’re not.” Laney cuts her off. “I’m offering. We can make room for Vienna, right everyone?” Her eyes move between our group while she nods forcefully.
“Absolutely.” Henley slides closer to Elodie, leaving room for Vienna to sit next to him—and straight across from me. “Here you go.”
“No, really. I just wanted to grab a bottle or two and head home. My pajamas are calling my name.”
Dilynne raises her glass toward her. “I feel that, girl. At the end of a long day, I can’t wait to take my bra off and put on the grungiest clothes I own.”
Elliot’s eyes drop to Dilynne’s chest, but I’m pretty sure I’m the only one that caught it.
“You know… Dilynne, Elodie, and I have girls’ nights like that all the time. You should join us sometime,” my sister says.
I look over at her, narrowing my eyes. “Laney…” I warn, but she ignores me.
Elodie nods enthusiastically. “Yes! You definitely should. I know what it’s like to be new in a small town. I just moved here last year.”
“Really? Where are you from?” Vienna asks.
“Well, I was in California before I came here, but home is Garnet Valley, Tennessee, which is another small town. Have you heard of it?”
Vienna lets out a small gasp. “I have, actually. I have a friend who grew up there. I visited her hometown with her once. It was such a quaint, rustic little place, and absolutely beautiful.”
“What a small world!” Elodie says.
Vienna blows out a breath. “Yeah, I’m beginning to realize that.”
Dilynne snaps her fingers. “Wait… I saw you at The Charming Bull a couple weeks ago, didn’t I?”
All of my friends’ eyes land on Dilynne, but I’m looking up at Vienna as her eyes widen. “Oh my gosh, yes! You were in the bull riding contest too, right?”
Henley looks at his sister. “Hold on. You did what?”
“You act like that’s surprising,” Dilynne counters. “I came in second, by the way. The woman who won took her top off, and there was no competing with that.”
Vienna laughs. “Yeah, I guess not. I didn’t even know who won because I…” Her words trail off as she glances at me but doesn’t finish her thought.
Luckily, my sister interjects before anyone can insinuate anything. “Well, if you need wine recommendations, Rhonan knows our wines better than anyone.”
Vienna glances back at me. “I appreciate that, but I’m going to just stick with what I know and let you all get back to your evening.” She waves before heading to the bar. “It was nice to see you all again.”
“Vienna!” I call out to her, not liking how this entire conversation went down.
