Prologue
Watching Peter tell off our oldest brother will be the highlight of Valentine’s Day. The only people who have gone toe to toe with him are Piper and Paula. It’s good seeing Peter choose his own happiness over working all the time. If anyone deserves it, it’s him.
He’s making googly eyes at his girlfriend. While that’s sweet and all, we have an event to run. Well, be present for. We’ve set it up in a way that it takes care of itself outside of any problems that may arise.
“Not to kill the vibe, but people are pulling in.” I tap on Peter’s shoulder. “So be all romantic when you get home. I know I will be.”
“With whom?” He glances over at me. “This whole evening is about couples, and you don’t have a date.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. Piper included singles tickets and we have our own little area. I’ll be leaving here with one.”
“You’re way too cocky for your own good.”
I shrug and walk away. The last place I want to be is around everyone who is coupled up. Not that I have anything against having a partner; it’s just not for me. I enjoy my freedom. I can see and be whoever I want. There’re no expectations from someone else, and it works for me. Tonight is about having fun…no strings. Just the way I like it.
The first of the couples comes into the event building. I do my job and greet them as they come in. Piper didn’t mention how many tickets she sold, but there are more people here than I realized. A lot of them I don’t even know. I figured Asheville would show up to support our new services, and they have, but the number of faces that come through the door that I haven’t seen is astounding. Our little winery is growing in popularity. Grandpa would be proud of the direction we’re going.
“So, I have a proposition for you.” I jump at Piper’s voice next to me.
“Jesus, Piper, you shouldn’t sneak up on people like that. I could have had a heart attack.” I grab my chest to emphasize my point.
“Please, you are the picture of health.” She waves away my concern. “Anyway, seeing as how you’re so good with people, I think you should take over events.”
“Isn’t this something that has to be approved by Pierce?”
“I plan on bringing it up in our next meeting.”
“After that showdown earlier, you should probably wait on that. Plus, it’ll give me time to think about it.”
“Fine.” She pouts and turns back toward the room. “I’m gonna check on a few things. Don’t embarrass us tonight.”
“As if I would ever.” It’s nice to know she thinks so little of me.
“Please, you’re a walking talking playboy. Keep it in your pants.” She gives me a stern look and walks off.
She’s not wrong. While I’ll try to be on my best behavior, I still plan on leaving here with a date. Is it so wrong of me to want to have company? Especially on a day that’s all about love.
Now that quite a few people are here, I leave my position at the door. Latecomers can figure it out. Peter and Callie are staring at each other like lovesick teenagers. I’m happy for them, and it’s about damn time, but ugh. I never want to look like that in front of people. No thanks.
My first stop is at our wine table. The best idea Piper ever had was to hire servers. We don’t have to worry about it, and we can mingle with our clientele. This is why she makes these decisions, I don’t know why she wants me to do it. I’m probably the flakiest Summers’ kid.
After getting my glass of wine, I grab a couple of appetizers and lean against the wall, scanning the crowd for someone who might catch my interest. The people who came alone are noticeable. They are standing off to the side with space around them. Nobody is mingling. Well, I say that, but there are a few creepy dudes trying to pick up women who clearly aren’t interested. Maybe I need to get with my sister and figure out a way to keep those people out.
One them notices me staring them down and quickly backs off. I’m not trying to intimidate them, much, but this isn’t the place to act like that. It’s never a good time to be a creep. One of these days, the guys who partake in those behaviors will realize they’ll never get a date.
There’s a woman sitting in the corner of the room. Her eyes are wide as some guy makes his way toward her. She does her best to let her long blonde hair shift in front of her face. Clearly the guy walking to her doesn’t seem to notice the clear stay away from me vibes.
I can tell by the way she’s bouncing her leg up and down; she’s nervous. I’m not sure if it’s because of the attention from this individual or crowds in general. Either way, I need to divert the attention from her.
I stop back by the table to fill my glass and get another glass of our sangria. I’m not sure if that’s what she’s drinking, but the coloring looks the same.
“Here’s the wine you asked for.” I hold it out to her and hope she takes the help.
“Thanks.” She smiles up at me.
The guy has his mouth open as if he’s about to say something, snaps it closed and heads in the other direction. He looks familiar, and I’m pretty sure he went to school with one of my brothers. I’ll have to ask them about it later.
The woman’s body visibly relaxes. “Thank you for that, and the wine.” She lifts up the glass in question. “I’m not exactly here to meet anyone.”
