CHAPTER SIX
GRIFF
Standing in the lobby, Griff waited for Lori to appear.
He was surprised by the pleasure he felt anticipating meeting her for lunch and a walk through town.
He was beginning to feel a sense of relief that the wedding hadn’t gone through.
He should have been more honest with himself and Cassandra, and for thinking that a wedding would improve their relationship.
He loved Grandad but would never put himself in the position of trying that hard to please him again.
Now, knowing he had no reason to believe this arrangement with Lori was anything more than friends helping friends pass the time, he felt a sense of freedom.
Back home, several families were interested in him making a match with one of their daughters.
It was an archaic idea, but the wine industry could be a breeding ground for competition and ambition for some.
His grandfather had worked and scraped money together to expand the winery for as long as Griff could remember.
Grandad now thought of his vineyard and winery as a kind of “kingdom” to leave to his heir.
Griff looked up as Lori walked into the lobby. Unaware he was watching her, she greeted other guests, bringing a light to their faces. He could well imagine how the children at her preschool must love her.
Lori noticed him and gave him a little wave before heading over.
He thought she was … well, adorable. Not like the stunning beauty, Cassandra, who, he knew, spent a lot of time and money to help achieve that look.
Lori was down-to-earth and had a natural beauty that didn’t depend on chemicals to enhance her appearance.
“Hi,” Griff said. “Ready to hit the town?”
“Yes.” She patted the small purse she was carrying. “I want to get a few thank-you gifts for members of my family. I promise not to drag you into shops with me.”
“Good,” he said, “because I want to check out the restaurants and see what they offer on their wine lists.”
“We don’t want to be gone too late. I’m looking forward to the New Year’s Eve party,” said Lori. “Thanks again for inviting me.” Her green eyes sparkled with excitement.
Stunned by the effect of her smile, he said, “Thanks for agreeing to go with me.”
“Shall we walk?” Lori asked him. “It’s only a couple of blocks to the main street.”
“Okay,” said Griff. “Let’s go. I’m hungry.”
“Lunch is your choice, my treat,” said Lori. “You’ve already done a lot for me.”
“Deal,” said Griff, relieved she didn’t expect him to pay for everything like many others.
They walked to the center of town, admiring homes along the beach on the way.
“I overheard one of the hotel groundskeepers talking about hamburgers at a place called Ken’s,” said Griff. “That sounds perfect for me. Would that be okay for you?”
“I’m sure I can find something there to eat, and if a local suggested it, you know it must be good,” said Lori.
“I looked it up. It’s toward the harbor at the end of the main street.”
Lori grinned. “That means we have to pass the shops to get to it.”
Griff laughed. “How about we walk slowly and don’t stop? After lunch, you can do your thing, and I’ll do mine.”
“Okay,” said Lori. “Actually, I’m hungry too.”
###
Ken’s turned out to be a neighborhood bar, very different from the upscale restaurants in the area.
The pine paneling on the walls, the booths with red plastic-covered benches and the wooden tables and chairs all spoke of comfort.
The staff was friendly, and the other diners acknowledged them pleasantly.
Lori noticed a white-haired man sitting at the bar chatting with the bartender. He wore a golf shirt and khakis and seemed to know everyone.
Standing in the entryway, Lori tugged on Griff’s arm and indicated the man.
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Griff asked her with a playful grin.
She nodded. “I’m going to ask him.”
Lori walked over to the man and stood by his side until he noticed her.
“Hi, there,” the man said smiling at her. His blue eyes showed his curiosity.
“This is going to sound strange, but I promise you there’s a reason for it. Would you mind having my picture taken with you?”
He grinned. “Mind? It would be my honor. I’m Vinnie, by the way. Vinnie Russo.”
“Oh, I should’ve introduced myself. I’m Lori Hamlin.”
“Okay, what’s the story?” asked Vinnie.
“I told my family I met a nice older man on my vacation so they wouldn’t bother me about having dinner with him,” she said, indicating Griff.
Vinnie looked from her to Griff and burst out laughing. “A cover-up, heh? Okay, glad to help a lady out.”
Lori handed Griff her cell, and he took several photos of Lori and Vinnie before handing her phone back to her.
“Thank you very much,” said Lori. “That’s going to help a lot.”
“C’mon. Have a seat at the bar and lunch is on me,” said Vinnie. “Where are you two visiting from?”
Lori and Griff looked at one another and then Griff said, “I’m Griffin Sawyer from California,” and took a seat next to Vinnie.
“And I’m from upstate New York,” said Lori. She sat on the empty stool on Vinnie’s other side.
“Hey, Ken,” Vinnie called. “See what my friends want for lunch. My treat.”
Ken, a man who looked to be in his fifties, approached them and handed them menus. “Our special thing is hamburgers, and we have a variety of beer on tap and cocktails.”
“How about wine? Do you offer that?” asked Griff, sending a look of surprise to Ken’s face. “As a matter of fact, we have some California wines. I visited the Napa region recently and have some exceptional Sawyer Adeline Hills wines.”
Griff gave him a thumbs up. “Good to hear.”
“Wait a minute. Griffin Sawyer? You’re from that winery?” asked Ken.
Griff smiled. “My grandfather owns and runs it.”
“With your help,” Lori interjected.
“Yes. With the help of many,” said Griff. “Which wine and vintage?”
“The Griffin, 2023,” said Ken, shaking his head and laughing. “I can’t believe I even got some. You have to order well ahead.”
“And now you have an inside friend,” said Griff. “I’ll have an IPA. It sounds refreshing after a walk. Save the Adeline Hills wine for a special occasion. It’s that exceptional.”
Following Griff’s suggestion, Lori ordered a beer. Instead of a hamburger, she ordered a salad. “I know what’s ahead for dinner,” she told him.
Seeing how relaxed she was, how easy she was with strangers, Griff felt an unexpected pride. Cassandra would’ve pouted to be seen in such a casual place where people didn’t care about the latest fashions or fussed about how they looked.