Chapter Thirty-six Remi
Chapter Thirty-six
Remi
Ripe purple grapes hung heavily on the vines in the foreground of a vineyard.
An inviting path leading to white houses off in the distance with red tile roofs—the houses were all nestled on a hillside and overlooking a valley.
Remi stood there in awe, eyes tracing every brushstroke.
The mural was complete. The piece would be the focal point of the tasting room.
She moved through the space with focus, doing a final walk-through to make sure everything was in order.
The tasting was just a week away and every detail had to be perfect.
Bottles of wine stood ready, lined neatly along the walnut table.
Crisp white linens covered the high-top tables inside.
The menu had been finalized. The caterers were prepped.
The morning of the event, fresh flowers would be gathered from the garden outside and arranged into simple but elegant centerpieces for each table.
Outside, strands of white lights hung like stars in waiting, ready to shine once the sun went down.
Everything was nearly ready. And it was beautiful.
Remi grabbed a chilled bottle of Pinot Grigio from the cooler and a single wineglass.
She uncorked the bottle and then stepped outside to the garden.
At the wrought-iron table she eased into a chair and poured herself a glass.
She gazed at the vineyard and watched as the sun began to set, beautiful orange streaks painted in the sky.
Her heart warmed at how the scene before her mirrored the mural inside.
She smiled at the thought. She took a sip of the wine and settled into the chair.
Remi spotted Bianca heading down the path. The evening sun cast a glow against her skin. A sundress clung to her figure and a breeze blew gently through her hair.
“So, this is where you’ve been hiding,” she said with a smile once she reached the winery.
“I came over to see the mural and make sure everything was in order for next Saturday night,” Remi said. “Go inside and grab a glass. Join me.”
Bianca nodded as she headed inside.
“Check out that mural while you’re in there,” Remi called.
“Will do.”
Remi was lost in her thoughts. So much had happened over the course of the summer—layers shed, truths faced, hearts changed. And here they were nearing the end. They all had become something more than what they were when they first arrived in Napa. Everyone had evolved in one way or another.
Bianca’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “That mural is freaking fabulous,” she said, stepping back outside. She poured herself a glass of wine. “Do you love it?”
“I absolutely do,” Remi said, smiling. She took a sip of her wine. “It was worth every penny.”
“She captured all of this so perfectly,” Bianca said, sweeping her hand across the view in front of her. “It’s uncanny.”
“I love how everything is coming together. The winery … the first tasting.”
“I’m sure it’s all pretty exciting,” Bianca said. “Wherever you need me on Saturday I’m there. If you need someone to greet guests, pour wine, or keep the caterers in line. Whatever.”
“I appreciate that,” Remi replied. “And I’m sure there will be plenty to keep you busy.”
There was a comfortable silence between them as they sipped wine and took in the breeze and scenery.
“Have you heard from Mila?” Remi asked.
“Just a quick text. She made it safely to her dad’s.” Bianca smiled softly. “But I have heard from Harry. Quite a bit, actually.”
“What? Really?” Remi turned toward her with raised eyebrows.
“Yeah … we’ve just been chatting,” Bianca said casually, but Remi detected something more.
“Interesting.” Remi grinned. “You’ve got unresolved history with Harry. Maybe now’s the time to finish it.”
“Maybe,” Bianca said. “But right now my focus is on my health, building a new life, and, hopefully, connecting with my daughter.”
“All good things to focus on.”
“The house is on the market,” Bianca added. “There’s already quite a bit of interest. Fingers crossed.”
“Fingers crossed.” Remi crossed two fingers. “Things are moving fast. Are you sure you’re ready?”
“I’m ready,” Bianca said, and meant it. “Tomorrow morning I’m going to fly back to New Orleans for a couple of days. I’ve already hired movers to pack up what I want to transport. Get rid of everything else. Tie up loose ends. Ship my car. I’ll be back before your tasting.”
“That’s sudden. You’ve got your work cut out for you.”
“It’s necessary. This is the start of something wonderful.”
Remi raised her glass to Bianca’s. “To new beginnings, then.”
“To new beginnings.” Their glasses clinked.
Remi lifted her glass again, smirking. “And to new conversations with ex-husbands.”
Bianca laughed, a sparkle in her eyes. “Ha ha.”
Their conversation moved easily throughout the evening, as if there had never been a pause in their friendship. Laughter came naturally, the rhythm between them unforced—familiar.
It almost felt like old times, but Remi wasn’t ready for it to feel this way—not just yet. There was comfort in the closeness, yes. But also caution.
Some wounds needed more time to breathe.