“It’s a new thing. I think they’re testing it out.” And we are. If it proves to be as successful as Piper thinks it’ll be, we’re going to continue it. I feel bad not telling her I’m an owner, but she’s being honest with her thoughts. She probably wouldn’t be if she knew.
“Maybe I’ll email a suggestion to do events that don’t focus around couples. This is a really nice space.” She glances out the window toward the lawn. “The lights in the trees are a great touch. It feels whimsical.”
“Yeah. It’s growing. The winery used to only sell wine but after blowing up on social media, it’s gotten a lot bigger.”
“It looks like it.” She turns her attention back to me. “So, what do you do for a living?”
“Marketing.” That’s my job title for now. If Piper has her way, I’ll be over event management with input from Paula. “What about you?”
Her eyes widen and she bites her bottom lip. “I’m actually between jobs right now. Trying to figure out what I want to do with my life and avoid upsetting my family.”
Damn. It seems like she feels the same frustrations I do when it comes to making the family happy. Not that they rely on me for that, but I don’t want to be seen as a disappointment.
“Understandable.” I’m not sure what to do to fill the silence. “Do you typically go to things like this? I mean ones that aren’t all about love.”
“Not really. I usually work nonstop and when I’m not working, I’m with my family. We’re very close-knit.” She sighs and takes a drink of her wine. “I’m also socially awkward and scared I’m going to say the wrong thing.”
“Seems like you’re doing a good job to me.”
“Only because you saved me from being hit on by that guy.” She places her hand on my leg and jerks it back the minute she realizes what she’s done. But it doesn’t hide the interest in her eyes. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be.”
“I bet you thrive in these circumstances.” Her eyes travel over my entire body. “You give off the whole center of attention vibe.”
“Who? Me?” She’s actually right, but I like the way she teases me. “Yeah, I enjoy events, but this one feels a little too…close.”
“Yeah, it’s almost like if you don’t have a partner, you’re kind of floating adrift.”
Finally, someone who gets it. “Do you want to get out of here? There’s a bar in town we can go to. Or, I live close by. We can drink and hang out.”
“Are you trying to get in my pants?” She jokes, but also leans closer.
“No, but if you’re trying to get in mine. I’m totally okay with it.”
“Lead the way.” She stands and finishes her wine.
I don’t hesitate and stand next to her. She loops her arm through mine, and we head toward the door.
One
Parker
“As long as everyone is okay with it, Parker is our new events manager.” Pierce claps his hands together and stands up. “That includes programming and overseeing.”
I don’t miss the glare he shoots at me. He’s not happy about me leaving the valentines event early. But that was almost a month ago. I don’t understand why he’s not over it.
Skipping out halfway through was the best decision I made that day. Not only did I get away from all the relationships, but I met Jasmin. Only now I’m kicking myself for not getting her number. I tried, but she wasn’t having it.
“Is this cool with everyone,” I ask. Stepping on toes isn’t something I want to do. But I’m also not going to let Pierce push me around the way he does everyone else. So far there’s only one brother still somewhat under his control. Not that he really cares either way.
“You already know I am since I suggested it.” Piper beams. “I think it’ll be good. I already opened up a form for people to fill out if they want to hold events here.”
Pierce rolls his eyes. He knows he won’t be able to change our sister’s mind about anything she wants to do. He’s learned he needs to go with the flow when it comes to her.
Peter raises his hand like he’s in school. Our eldest brother doesn’t acknowledge him. I guess he’s still pissed at him for putting him in his place. Dude needs to grow up.
“Yes, Peter?” I ask since nobody else is going to do it.
