CHAPTER TWENTY
GRIFF
Pretending to date Kayla turned out to be an excellent decision.
Griff’s grandfather was satisfied that he was settling down, the single women in the area had backed off, and being with Kayla was actually a lot of fun.
Her partner, Rosie, was easygoing and went along with the idea, though she insisted on alone time with Kayla. That, Griff thought, was only fair.
After getting to know Rosie, he trusted her to fix up the little cottage on the property. Kayla had suggested renting it out for a week at a time, allowing guests to see the operation, taste the wines, and purchase them. It could be an extra source of income and was worth trying.
There were moments when he felt lonely, but he reminded himself that he needed time to get over Cassandra and the damage she’d done to his ego.
Sarita fussed at him like the mother that she was to him. “Keep busy but have some fun, too. All work and no play makes for a boring man.”
“I know,” Griff responded. “But I’m worried about this year’s grape harvest. It needs to be an outstanding one. Grandad hasn’t done his usual job of managing our money, and I need to pay off some debts. They’re not outrageous, just worrisome, if you know what I mean.”
“Your grandfather is a stubborn man who’s losing some of his mental ability,” said Sarita. “But I have to be very careful about what I say. I don’t want to hurt or upset him. Years ago, he took in Carlos and me when we had no place to go. We’ll always be grateful to him.”
“Me, too. You were the parents I didn’t have,” said Griff.
Sarita gave him a quick hug. “I’ve loved having two boys, not just one. And I know Pete has enjoyed having a brother.”
“He also enjoys dating one of the most popular women in the area,” said Griff.
“She’s not who he’s going to marry,” said Sarita with confidence. “Wait until Cristina Estrada comes for a visit. Her mother and I have it all planned. He’s going to find his soulmate. Ssh. Don’t tell him.”
Griff gave her a wide-eyed look. “I wouldn’t dare to even mention it to him. You know how independent he is.”
“He’s very strong-minded, but then, she is too,” said Sarita. “When they were little, Cristina used to follow Pete around like a puppy. Remember?”
“Yeah, I do. She was very cute. Good luck with matching them up.”
“How about you, Griff? Are you ready to meet a woman? I know the trick you and Kayla are playing. I promise you I won’t say anything to your grandfather about it. But you need to do more than fake a relationship.”
“There’s no one here I want to date,” Griff said. The only woman who had interested him lately was Lori Hamlin during his brief stay in Florida, and they both understood that was never going to work.