CHAPTER TEN
GRIFF
Griff sat beside his grandfather’s bed in the local hospital and watched as the man slept, breathing heavily. Since Griff had arrived some days earlier, Grandad had made a lot of progress. The doctor was supposed to make a visit soon to arrange to release him.
He’s a tough old bird, thought Griff. But there was no doubt that the mild stroke had shaken everyone at the winery.
The man once thought of as invincible needed their help going forward.
As much as the old man thought he was in charge, it became apparent to everyone else that the person in charge needed to be Griff, and that idea wouldn’t be easy to implement.
Now that the humiliation of his failed wedding was behind him, Griff intended to stay focused on the business.
Pete had warned him that he needed to look at the books, that Grandad hadn’t been keeping things as up to date as he should have.
Griff had been upset when he discovered how many bills hadn’t been paid.
Even now, as he was sitting with Grandad, he was reviewing the online accounting program for the winery and deciding how to pay for everything.
The wine business was suffering, and Adeline Hills Winery had to proceed with the usual goal of keeping to a small but excellent harvest with exceptional wines.
Grandad’s eyes flicked open. “Griff, that you?”
“Yes,” said Griff leaning toward him. “I’m right here.”
“Well, damn it, when are you going to get me out of the hospital?”
Griff sighed and drew in a breath. “Dr. Elliott should be here soon. He’ll sign the release papers, and then I can take you home.”
“Humph. It’s almost noon,” Grandad said, trying to sit up. “Help me get my clothes on. I’m gonna be ready for him.”
Griff retrieved the plastic bag holding the articles Grandad had requested him to bring from the house.
Granddad swung his legs over the side of the bed and yanked on the hospital gown he wore. “I hate this damn thing. Get it off me.”
“I’ll try, but I won’t be able to get it all off.
” Griff untied the back of the gown and lifted what he could out of the way, taking care not to disrupt the tubes still attached to his grandfather’s hand and arms. Then, Griff helped him get his pants and shoes on.
The stroke had made it difficult to deal with Grandad’s changed behavior.
He’d always been a bit gruff on the outside, but Griff had yet to see that soft interior.
Grandad’s movements had slowed, but he was able to help get his pants on. His shirt lay on the bed, waiting for him to get unhooked from the machinery.
Afterward, Grandad sat on the edge of the bed, checking the clock mounted on the wall.
“When the doctor comes, he’ll have a list of instructions for you to follow. It will be my job to see that you follow them,” said Griff. Before his grandfather could react, Griff raised his hand to stop any disagreement. “I’m doing this for you.”
Grandad’s shoulders collapsed. “I can see the end coming. You’re going to be busy. Maybe losing Cassandra wasn’t bad after all. She was never going to be content at the vineyard. It wasn’t her style.”
Griff shrugged. “Maybe.”
“While you were gone, I hired someone as our new oenologist. She got her associates degree in winemaking a few years ago and comes highly recommended. I worked with her, testing her ability and talking to her about our wines. She’s smart and has a naturally superior palate, too.”
“Yeah? Who is it?”
“Someone here in Napa. I just happened to catch her between jobs. She’s a looker, too.”
Griff groaned. “Her appearance is the last thing we need to worry about. Replacing Enrico is our number one concern. Pete and I can handle the office and the vineyard and the winery.” Even as he said it, Griff knew that was a stretch. “Do you think I should meet her before hiring her?”
“I’m still in charge,” said Grandad. “It’s already done. She’s joining us in a few days. She can stay in one of the cabins on the property. The one Enrico used. Sarita will get it ready.”
Dr. Elliott arrived, and Griff’s attention was diverted to listening to the doctor tell Grandad what he could and couldn’t do. “Don’t worry, Sam,” said the doctor. “It’ll all be written down. Griff has already promised to see that you follow my orders.”
Grandad looked like an obedient little boy as he sat on the bed and looked up at Dr. Elliott. But Griff knew it was an act. Nobody told Samuel Sawyer what to do.