Chapter 32
Bianca
I need to talk to Uncle Geno again. When I came here, I was going to get him to give us the wine. To get him to stop sabotaging us, if not help us. And to get him to admit I know what I’m doing when it comes to wine.
But…things have changed.
I’ve changed.
It doesn’t matter what Geno thinks. I’d like him to acknowledge my accomplishments, but in the end, they’re my accomplishments and what matters is that I’m proud of myself and I know what I’m capable of. I think what I really wanted was to feel like part of the family. And I have felt that.
I always thought my cousins were the same as Uncle Geno—oblivious to me and my dreams of creating beautiful wines. But after our family dinner that night, I see they’re not. I felt such a sense of family that night—shared memories and laughter, common experiences. Rosa and I have gotten closer, understanding each other better now. I even consider Jake part of the family and I love him for loving my sister. We all have a history together and I feel part of it. Part of the family. Part of the Lamberti saga, but also my own person.
But I need to talk to Uncle Geno.
I know Jansen would come with me and support me, but I want to do this myself. So I don’t tell him I’m going over to Belmonte.
I find Uncle Geno in his office.
“Bianca. What brings you here?”
“I need to talk to you. Do you have a few minutes?” I’m being polite, because I’m going to talk to him no matter what. I close the office door behind me.
He crosses his arms and his ancient chair creaks as he leans back in it “Are you here to beg for the wine again?”
I smile. “No. After thinking about it, I realize that’s not fair to you. You grew the grapes. You harvested them and cared for them while they fermented.”
He narrows his eyes. “Indeed.”
“It will make things harder for us, but that’s okay. We have a plan and we’re working hard. I’ve decided not to go back to Argentina.”
His eyes widen then narrow again. He sits up straight. “Really.”
“Yes. That wasn’t my plan when I came home, but it’s what I want to do now. I want to honor Nonna. I want to work with my sisters. I want to make beautiful wines. I will make beautiful, award-winning wines. Here.”
“I see.”
I can’t read his reaction. He’s not horrified, but he’s not happy either. I don’t know. It doesn’t matter.
“For a long time, it bothered me that my own family wouldn’t give me a chance. It made me so resentful.” Emotion creeps up into my chest and throat, squeezing. I fight to control my voice and keep it steady. “But that resentment is keeping me from being happy with what I’ve achieved. I don’t want to be ruled by the past. I keep thinking I need to do more. Maybe something I do will show everyone what I’m capable of. I thought I had to prove myself to you. But the truth is, I don’t need to prove myself to anyone.”
“You’re being dramatic.” He rolls his eyes.
I shake my head. “You’ve been actively trying to stop us from being a success. I don’t know why. It’s one thing to just overlook us, but to try to stop us—that’s not how you’re supposed to treat family.”
“You’re one to talk about how to treat family!”
I don’t even flinch back from his raised voice. Like Jansen told me, being vulnerable makes me safe because I know on the inside that I’m good enough. If Uncle Geno yells at me, that’s not a reflection on me.
“Family doesn’t split apart our legacy!” he adds sharply. “I’ve done so goddamn much for Belmonte. And this is how you repay me.”
Now I’m taken aback. “First of all, we didn’t do that. Nonna did that. It was her decision, remember?”
“You didn’t have to go along with it. With this crazy idea of running your own winery. You’ll destroy the family legacy.”
“Is that what you’re worried about?” I ask slowly, remembering Vitto saying how rooted in tradition his dad is.
“Of course it is. Our family is generations of quality wine making.”
I nod. “I know. And I’m sorry you think that we can’t continue that. We believe we can. And…I also think you should let Vittorio have more independence. He has talent, too, but I don’t think you allow him to shine.”
His face turns thunderous. “Now you’re lecturing me how to run Belmonte? Che cazzo!”
I blink at his curse— what the fuck!— but then laugh. “I’m not lecturing you.” Hmm. I wonder where I get my oversensitivity. “Just my opinion. Something to think about.” I wave a hand. “It was Nonna’s wish that we would stay a family and support each other. We haven’t been doing that. And I take some responsibility, too. That’s why I’m agreeing that you should keep the wine.” I smile, a genuine, happy smile. “I’m compromising.”
His brows lower over his eyes.
“Winemakers aren’t good at compromising,” I tell him, repeating Vitto’s words. “But I’m learning.” I tilt my head. “It would be great if you did, too. If you would stop interfering with us. We don’t expect you to come and stomp our grapes with us, but we won’t tolerate any more bullshit trying to obstruct us.” I meet his eyes directly, letting him see my resolve. My conviction.
I don’t get a response from him. I mentally shrug.
“Thank you for listening. Rosa and I are planning another family dinner. We’ll let you and Aunt Janet know when it is. Have a great day.”
I walk out. Inside, I have to admit, I’m quivering. But I keep my shoulders back, my chin up, and I stride out the front door.
I pull my sunglasses down onto my nose in the bright sunshine. The air I pull into my lungs holds a crisp autumn chill. I tip my head back to gaze up at the clear blue sky stretching above me, then look around at the vineyards blazing with fall color, scarlet and bronze, pumpkin and gold. The ginkgo trees around the parking lot positively glow yellow against the sky, some of their leaves already carpeting the ground, crackling beneath my feet as I walk to my car.
Moments later, I turn into Caparelli. Nonna’s house—I mean, our house—still needs work. The yard needs grooming. But the pumpkins sitting on the veranda are charming and the vines…they’re magnificent. It’s home.
As I near the house I see Jake and Jansen standing near the house talking. They’re both relaxed and smiling. My heart swells with love and affection and gratitude.
Rosa appears at the front door, throwing it open and flying out. Uh oh. What’s got her undies in a tangle? I park and slide out of the car.
“Bee!” she calls to me.
“What?”
“We have to go! To the sheriff’s office!”
“Oh my God. What now?” I just left Uncle Geno. Surely he isn’t up to more nonsense already!
“It’s Allegra!”
My feet stop dead and I gape at Rosa. “What?”
“She’s here! She’s home. She’s at the sheriff’s office!”
I throw my hands in the air. “You have got to be kidding me. What has she done now?”
“I don’t know,” Rosa frets. “But we have to go pick her up.”
I take a breath and look at the beauty around me once more. This is my legacy. This land, these vines…these women. My sisters. We may not always agree but we’ll always be sisters. And we’ll always be there for each other. Even if it’s bailing one of us out of jail.
“Let’s go.”