37. Elyse
CHAPTER 37
Elyse
YOU’RE JUST SO WISE
PRESENT
“ A re you lost?”
Gavin’s voice cuts through the silence, making me nearly jump out of my skin.
“Jesus Christ!” I exclaim, pressing a hand to my chest. “I didn’t think anyone would be here this late—or early, I guess.”
The lab is located on the edge of the winery estate, near the bottling facility. It’s where the wine is actually made—more science lab than picturesque winery. And much like my brother, it’s tucked away and isolated from everything else.
Gavin descends the metal staircase, pulling off his gloves and hairnet as he goes. “Lily’s at a sleepover, so I thought I’d get some work done. Spring Release is right around the corner.”
When he reaches the bottom step, he pauses, raising an eyebrow. “But the real question is, why are you here? Especially at this hour?”
He steps off the last stair, his boots scuffing against the concrete floor as he walks toward me. Tossing his gloves onto a nearby table, he leans a hip against it, folding his arms across his chest.
I shrug, not entirely sure why I came here. I just started driving and ended up at the winery, and instead of turning back around, I kept going until the road came to a stop at the lab.
“What’s going on? Are you alone? Why are you alone?” He has a concerned look on his face, the same kind our dad gives us, and for some reason it makes me feel guilty. I know what’s going on isn’t my fault, but I can’t help but feel like all it’s done is cause my family unnecessary stress.
“Patrol is parked outside. And I’m fine, it’s nothing to do with that.” I reassure him.
He nods slowly, silently probing me to continue with what’s really bothering me.
Rather than answer him right away, I busy myself with straightening the papers on a cart next to a rack of new barrels. “Well, you know how Dominic has been staying with me the past few days?”
He blows out an exhale. “Yeah, it’s the only reason any of us can sleep at night, knowing someone’s watching over you. And after last night, I feel indebted to the guy.”
There goes that pang of guilt again, hitting painfully.
“It’s just that it’s been confusing. You know the history. I don’t know…”
I’m close with all my siblings, each in their own way, but I’ve never been very open about sharing details about my love life, especially with my brothers.
“I remember,” he chuckles. “Hard to forget. It was the first time I ever wanted to fight one of my friends.”
“What?” I laugh. “What are you talking about?”
Gavin shrugs. “I mean, he was younger than me and Ethan, but we liked him, liked hanging out with him. Then you two started dating, and we didn’t fucking like that one bit.”
My forehead scrunches. “Why?”
He cocks his head, staring down at me. “Because we’re guys. We knew what all teenage boys want—shit, what all men want. And we knew it was likely going to happen.” He pauses, shaking his head with a laugh. “It’s different when it’s your sister. We liked him, but we love you, and if he hurt you, we knew what we were going to have to do.”
A corner of my heart tugs. Not everyone is close with their siblings—some of my friends barely speak to theirs. Mine might drive me crazy and we don’t always see eye to eye, but I know how lucky I am to have them.
“You guys were wrong,” I mutter. “He never hurt me. I hurt him.”
“So, what’s the problem?”
Playing with the string of my hoodie, I avoid Gavin’s gaze. “I think he wants to try again, and I don’t know if I can. He hasn’t really said it, but it’s not like he’s subtle.”
“I see.” He moves toward one of the barrels on the rack, giving it a tap. “Sometimes you do everything right, perfect balance, right ingredients, but for whatever reason the wine doesn’t age properly in the barrel. Could be for a variety of reasons—temperature, environment, pressure. The list is endless.”
I look at him, confused as hell how we’re now on the subject of wine. Knowing Gavin, it’s best to just let him him process through.
“When that happens,” he continues. “Sometimes we transfer it from one barrel to another, giving it the chance to pick up new characteristics. Other times, we blend two different wines—each with their own strengths—and something entirely new is created. Flavors deepen, complexities emerge, and sometimes, what we end up with is even better than what we started with.”
“You lost me,” I tell him, huffing a laugh.
Gavin does this—nerds out on wine.
“That’s what these are.” He gestures to the barrels. “They’re in the double barrel process.”
It’s then that I realize what he’s doing, and roll my eyes, though I can’t stop the slight tug at my lips. “Are you seriously comparing Dominic to wine right now?”
“I’m comparing you and Dominic to wine,” he corrects, drumming on a barrel. “Think about it. Your relationship was aged in one barrel, and yeah, maybe it wasn’t perfect. Maybe it needed more time, more care. But now you have the chance to start fresh. To let things develop in a new way.”
In any other situation, I’d probably be laughing—making fun of Gavin for going too deep with the wine analogies, doling out unwarranted advice, but since it’s my life we’re talking about, I don’t find it quite as funny.
“And what if the second barrel doesn’t work? Maybe one wine is better off without the other—because the other’s gone rotten.What if the wine ends up ruined?”
Gavin turns to face me fully. “Sometimes that happens. But more often than not, if you choose the right barrel and you’re willing to put in the effort, the result is worth it.”
I’m not sure how he’s managed to turn this conversation into some kind of profound lesson. For someone who hasn’t been in a relationship in years, he sure has a lot to say. Lucky for him, I’m not going to call him out for it. At least not today.
“This is what Ethan was talking about,” I say with a laugh, trying to steer the attention off me. “He told me you went off on some tangent about blending wines when Marisa went back to Seattle.”
Gavin nods with a proud smile. “He still hasn’t thanked me. If I hadn’t given him such wonderful advice, he’d still be crying about letting her go. No one in this family appreciates my lessons.”
“You’re just so wise,” I tease.
A stretch of silence passes between us, his smile settling into something serious again.
“We weren’t meant to walk the earth alone, Elle. I don’t know the full story, that’s between you two, but I know I’ve never seen anyone else make you that happy—love you that much. You wouldn’t let anyone even if they tried. You’re so afraid to tell him whatever it is you’ve been keeping hidden away all these years, but I bet you’ll feel a million times better just speaking your truth.”
“I’m scared,” I say around the growing lump in my throat.
“So be brave.”
I laugh because it’s that or cry. “Such a dad thing to day.” Sighing, I lean against the rack. “It’s not that simple. It’s not as easy as throwing all of our shit in a new barrel. I did a shitty thing. I don’t know how to explain myself. And I don’t think he’ll forgive me once he finds out the truth.”
“You’ll never know if you don’t try.” His voice is softer now. “The best wines come from grapes that have been through a lot. Harsh weather, tough soil—they survive, and they come out stronger for it.”
Before I can respond, a yawn sneaks up on me, reminding me I haven’t slept at all.
“Go home, Elle. Get some rest.” He pulls me in for a one of his signature bear hugs, kissing the top of my head. “And be brave.”
On the drive back to my townhouse, the sun is beginning to rise. I didn’t expect to run into Gavin, but I think talking to him was exactly what I needed. Maybe he’s right. Maybe the second barrel will be better.
Maybe it’s worth finding out.