3. Chapter 3
Giselle
I ’ve been back home for a month and it feels like I never left. My parents were shocked—and I think a bit disappointed—when I decided to leave my ballet career to return, but I’ve never felt so at peace with a decision. It’s so good to be back here and get to see my mom everyday and enjoy however much time we have left with her before her memory gets worse.
I’ll miss dancing everyday, but I didn’t want to have an entire career as just a corps de ballet dancer. I’m not sure what exactly I want to do with my life, but I’m giving myself some time to figure it out. When I was little, I would spend countless hours in my bedroom, pretending it was a ballet studio and I was the teacher. I think I’ve always had a desire to turn that dream into a reality.
For now, I’m just enjoying being home and helping my dad with the vineyard. Ever since I shared with him my idea of opening up my own ballet studio somewhere in Napa Valley, he's been having me manage our tasting room and working on marketing. He says it’ll help me see what it’s like to run a business and deal with people on a daily basis. I’m happy to do it, knowing it’s what he used to rely on my mom to do. And so far, I’m loving it.
Today is quite possibly my favorite day of the year at the vineyard — our grape stomping harvest event. Wine club members and family friends all come to get a behind-the-scenes experience with us. Everyone starts in the morning with a walk through the vines as they gather grapes, followed by brunch, and then an afternoon of grape stomping and wine drinking. There’s a buzz of energy and joy in the air that makes it so much fun.
This year, my dad’s invited several potential new investors to attend, so we’ve been in a bit of a frenzy trying to make sure it’s a success. It hurts my heart to see my dad stressed about money now that my mom’s medical care has put a strain on them financially. He’s put his heart and soul into this business and I don’t want it to struggle, so I came up with the idea to get an investor. My dad was hesitant at first—afraid to give up some control—but I assured him we’d be as picky as possible and we could always say no to any offer that comes through.
We had our CFO put feelers out in the wine business world, and we were shocked at how many people from all over the globe were interested. We carefully combed through their letters of interest and narrowed it down to our top three choices. And today, we would show them what makes our family winery so special and see what they have to offer.
All of our guests arrived an hour ago, but I skipped the grape picking and brunch in order to help set up the grape stomping area with the other employees along with my aunt and cousins.
“I think our work is done here,” my aunt, Myrtha, says as she gazes around at all of our hard work. My dad’s sister has exquisite taste and helps with all of our event planning. She has a magic touch with design, expertly weaving in autumn leaves and white pumpkins with gorgeous floral arrangements throughout the terrace. Combined with the cool late-September weather, it’s the perfect day for everyone to be here.
“You're right, it looks lovely,” I tell her. I love autumn from the depths of my being and could relish in all the coziness. The crisp air and leaves changing color. Getting to wear sweaters and drinking pumpkin spice lattes. What’s not to love?
We’ve set up several barrels for stomping, as well as foot washing stations. Lining the terrace are dozens of little tables and chairs for everyone to relax and enjoy the wine after their hard work. The view from here is incredible, overlooking the endless rows of golden grape vines in the valley below.
It’s strange for my mom to not be here alongside me, but when I had breakfast with her this morning, it was clear today was going to be one of her harder days. Since being back, I’ve spent every morning with her before heading into the office. Some mornings we make breakfast together, others we just sit, drinking coffee and reminiscing. Her long-term memory is strong, but her recollection of the day to day is getting worse. It breaks my heart, but I put on a brave face and my brightest smile when I’m with her, never wanting her to pick up on my utter sadness that this is happening to her.
“I hear them coming up,” my cousin, Massimo, says. He and his sister, Juniper, always come up from Southern California with my aunt to help each year. It’s a true family event.
“Have you met the potential investors yet?” Juniper asks as we all wait off to the side as my dad ushers the guests onto the terrace.
“No, but I’m eager to spy on them over the next couple hours. I’ll need your help trying to suss out who genuinely wants to be partners and who just wants to make money.”
“I’m an excellent judge of character,” my aunt says.
“Perfect. We can all mix and mingle and keep our ears open for anything we should know about these people.”
“We’re on it,” she says with a wink, and Massimo nods as well. “Your dad mentioned that one of them is from some wealthy family from Europe.”
“I know, isn’t it crazy they’d be interested in us?”
“That’s exciting! Point out who’s who as they come in,” Juniper whispers.
“I’ll try, but I don’t want to make it obvious we’re watching them. I’m also not entirely sure what each of them looks like. My dad may have to introduce us.”
We watch as everyone arrives and starts to mingle. Some of the regular members go right in to start stomping, and it doesn’t take long for the laughter to fill the air. This is why I love this event—everyone has so much fun and the joy is contagious. Even the most shy people get suckered into stomp eventually.
I notice two of the three investors right away and send my cousins out to get to know them. But the third, and definitely the most unique one, I can’t figure out who he is. And here I thought the European guy would stick out like a sore thumb.
I look around the terrace at each cluster of people, and that’s when I spot him talking with my aunt. By the looks of her hands flailing about and his bright smile, I’d bet she’s telling one of her wild stories about growing up on this land with my dad. I can’t help but smile as I watch them converse. As if feeling my eyes on him, he looks over and our gazes meet.
I quickly glance away, my cheeks feeling warm from how handsome he is. I look back, and he raises his glass to me, nodding his head in a silent hello. Wow—he’s ridiculously good looking. I expected a squeaky clean type, but he’s more ruggedly handsome with a tightly shaved beard and tousled hair. His clothing is down to earth—a dark green cable-knit sweater and loose-fitting jeans. I thought he’d be in a three-piece suit, which is why it took me so long to figure out who he was.
I realize I’ve been staring back at him for too long when my aunt cranks her neck around and smiles at me. My face heats up and my palms feel sweaty as my aunt turns and starts leading him straight over to me. Oh god, I’m not sure I can remember my own name, let alone have a conversation with him right now. It must be his lumberjack vibe that has me tongue tied. I really need to stop reading so many romance books. Taking a deep breath, I remind myself that this is business and I need to make a good impression.
“Giselle, you must meet my new friend, Loys. Loys, meet my niece, Giselle.”
“Nice to meet you,” I say quickly, holding my hand out to shake his. He confuses me when he grips it wrong, and before I realize what’s happening, he lifts my hand up to his lips and kisses my knuckles.
“The pleasure is all mine,” he says with a twinkle in his chocolate brown eyes.
Oh shit , I’m in so much trouble with this one.