CHAPTER FOUR
GRIFF
When Griff walked into the dining room with Lori on his arm, he was aware of the looks other men gave them. Women, too. But all he could think of was how glad he was not to be alone. His confidence was at an all-time low.
Damn Cassandra! Couldn’t she have been honest with him from the beginning?
She’d used him as a pawn in a game to deceive her parents.
While she and Griff had been making plans for a wedding, she was seeing someone else.
Someone her parents didn’t approve of. He should’ve known.
But he’d been hell bent on pleasing his grandfather, who wanted to know that his vineyard would go to his grandson and his grandson’s future family.
After speaking with the hostess, Griff and Lori were seated together at a table along the wall, where they could have some privacy.
“I’ve heard about the excellent food here at the hotel,” said Lori. “I can’t wait to try it.”
“Me, too. I read an article about the hotel, which is why we chose it as our honeymoon destination. We wanted to escape California and its responsibilities. It turned out to be a wise choice for me.”
“I can imagine,” said Lori. “Let’s see what’s on the menu.” While they studied the menu, water was served, and then a wine steward arrived to see about a selection for their meal.
“What do you think you’re going to have?” Griff asked her.
“Seafood for sure,” she said. “I think I’ll have the grilled red snapper.”
“Excellent choice,” the steward assured her.
“Okay, let’s order a rosé,” said Griff. “Something not sweet.”
Lori studied Griff while he talked to the wine steward and realized he enjoyed his job. The little he’d told her about wine tasting was very interesting. Perhaps because he made it so.
She took a moment to gaze around the dining room. Its dark turquoise walls and rich walnut chair rail paneling gave it a classic look that celebrated its surroundings with colorful, tropical flowers at each table.
“Thank you,” said the wine steward to Griff. He left, and Griff turned to her.
“I think you’re going to enjoy what we’ve chosen. The wine should be light on the palate but with enough body to make it interesting.”
Lori chuckled. “I’m sure I’d be delighted by anything you chose. I can’t remember an evening like this. Even when Nick and I were both working, we didn’t have the ability to celebrate like this, because we were saving our money to put into remodeling our house.”
“You’re very easy company,” said Griff. “Thanks.” He leaned forward. “Have you definitely decided on the snapper?”
They looked up as a waitress approached their table. “Good evening. We’re so happy to have you here. Would you care for bubbling or still water?”
“No, thanks,” said Lori. “I’m fine with your regular water.”
“We have a bottle of wine coming,” Griff explained.
They each ordered their dinner. Lori stuck with her choice of grilled red snapper, and Griff opted for grilled pompano with citrus and olive oil.
The wine steward arrived and opened the bottle of wine Griff had selected. After tasting and giving it a nod of approval, Lori watched the pink, bubbly liquid being poured into her wine glass.
After pouring Griff’s serving, the wine steward left.
Griff lifted his glass. “Here’s to a surprising visit at one of the most luxurious hotels in Florida. I’m glad I came, after all.”
“Thanks,” said Lori, holding up her glass. “You’ve made my first day here fun.”
They took sips of their wine and grinned at one another.
“Yum,” said Lori. “This is delicious.”
“I thought you’d like it,” Griff said with a satisfied smile.
Their conversation was easy as they talked about their jobs.
“How did you get involved with a preschool?” Griff asked her.
“I have a degree in primary education. I believe it’s essential to help toddlers learn about themselves and their world, as well as the importance of feeling both safe and stimulated. They’re awfully cute at that age.”
Griff chuckled. “I don’t have any experience with kids. They seem scary with all their demands.”
“My job as a Virtual Assistant is a nice complement to my work at the school,” said Lori. “You said earlier you live and work with your grandfather at the vineyard. No other family?”
He shook his head. “No. My parents were killed in a freak automobile accident when I was just four. My other grandparents were deceased, and neither parent had siblings. So, it’s just me and Grandad.”
“Still, it sounds like a pretty lonely childhood,” said Lori.
“Not really. Grandad hired a couple to live on the farm. Sarita, my grandfather’s housekeeper, took on the role of mothering me while raising her own son, Pete, who’s my best friend. Pete’s father, Carlos, is still the foreman. We all work closely together.”
“How old is the vineyard?” asked Lori.
“Grandad bought the land in 1965. In 1968, America’s first agricultural preserve was established in the valley, marking a significant milestone that announced to the world that agriculture was the highest and best use of the land.
And when the Paris Tasting of 1976 gave awards to Napa Valley wines, things took off.
By that time, my grandfather’s vineyard was established.
Because it has been in operation for so long, we’ve been able to take advantage of the changes that have occurred in the industry.
The demand for outstanding wine is always present, though there are occasional ups and downs.
Recently, the overall consumption of wine has decreased.
But Adeline Hills wine is exceptional and is still in demand. ”
“Yes, true wine drinkers want an excellent wine,” said Lori, taking another sip from her glass.
“We produce a limited amount each year, and each vintage is often sold ahead of harvest. My grandad is excellent at what he does, or perhaps I should say has done. He’s more than ready to retire now.
Pete and I are assuming more and more of the responsibilities.
Though I’ll own the vineyard one day, Pete will have a share of the business.
It’s a lot of work. Too much for one person. ”
“I like that you and your long-time friend are working together,” said Lori.
“He’s family, really,” said Griff. “How about you? What family do you have?”
“I have two older sisters, and we are close. My parents are happily married. My father is an accountant in town, and my mother is a librarian. They’re kind, loving people. I’m lucky.”
“Do you all live in the same town?” he asked.
“My middle sister lives one town over. The rest of us live in Ellenton, New York,” Lori said. “It’s a convenient place to live. We’re away from the city but can get there a reasonable number of times if we want to make the two-hour trip.”
“It sounds like a perfect setup,” said Griff, sitting back and studying her. “I’m curious about your name. Loralie is unusual.”
“She was a character in a book my mother loved. My sisters are Aurelia and Florence. Two more names my mother loved in books that she read.”
“I like it. They’re old-fashioned names. My grandmother was Adeline.” Griff stopped speaking as his features softened with regret. His childhood wasn’t as happy as he’d made it seem. He’d missed his parents, his mother especially.
“Being orphaned at four years of age would be tough for any child,” Lori said softly, tuned into his feelings.
He was relieved she hadn’t impulsively reached over and squeezed his hand.
Their food came, and Lori settled down to enjoy her meal. No doubt about it. The food was as delicious as she’d heard.
For dessert, they each had a delicate orange and raspberry sherbet.
After they left the restaurant, they paused together in the lobby.
“Would you like a nightcap?” Griff asked. “We could sit outside, or you could come to the Presidential Suite, where I’m staying.”
Lori felt heat rise in her cheeks. Had he changed his mind? Did he want to get involved?
Griff placed a hand on her shoulder. “Friends. Remember?”
She let out a sigh of relief, and they both chuckled at the awkwardness they’d felt.
“Well, as long as we understand one another, I’d love to see the Presidential Suite,” Lori said. “I bet it’s beautiful.”
He held out his arm to her, and she looped hers through it.