CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
LORI
Lori and Mia chatted easily as Mia spoke about some of the items that had caught Lori’s attention. It was more than a gift shop; it was filled with a diverse range of art, from sophisticated to more unconventional pieces.
“Rosie and I discussed showcasing art at the winery’s shop,” said Lori. “Perhaps a deal could be worked out between the two of you. You could display items there. It would help you both.”
Mia studied her. “I like that idea. Rosie is smart, and you are too. Griff tells me you’re interested in the winery and vineyards. Is that true?”
“Yes. Ever since we met and I learned about Adeline Hills Winery, I became fascinated by the process,” said Lori. “After hearing him talk about it, I wanted to learn more. It’s much more work than I thought. But I love the idea that it produces lovely wines for everyone to enjoy.”
“Do you think you’ll ever move here?” asked Mia.
“A part of me would love to, but all my family is back home in New York. They were my strength through my husband’s battle with cancer and the aftermath two years ago. Without them, I might not have made it. I owe them a lot.”
“But wouldn’t they want you happy, even if it means you living away from them?” asked Mia, focusing her attention on Lori.
“Maybe so. It’s something I have to work out for myself and them,” Lori said.
“Griff is a great guy, and someone sought after by many women who don’t appreciate what a fantastic person he is,” Mia said. “Please don’t hurt him. Cassandra was a mistake from the beginning, but it still caused him pain that he didn’t deserve.”
“What are you two ladies talking about? It looks like something serious,” said Griff, coming up to them.
“Just girl talk,” said Mia lightly, smiling at him.
“The things in this store are amazing,” said Lori. “I suggested that Rosie and Mia work together to display some of these items at the winery. It would help both businesses.”
Griff gave her a heartwarming smile. “You sure are full of surprises.”
“I like her,” said Mia, nodding at both of them.
Griff put his arm around Lori. “Me, too.”
###
After they left the store, Griff said, “Let’s have a glass of wine and a snack. I want you to see what some wineries do here for business.”
A couple of storefronts down the street, they walked past tables and chairs on an outside patio and into a store. Inside, a bar was set up with tasting glasses lined up in several groups.
“Hello,” said a young woman. “Are you here to sample some wine? Or to sign up for our wine club?”
“We’d like two glasses of your pinot noir,” said Griff. “I’m well acquainted with it. And could we please have a small bowl of olives.”
As the clerk was pouring their wine, an older man came out from behind the bar. “Griff Sawyer! I haven’t seen you in a while. How are you?”
“Fine, Charlie. Just introducing my friend to your pinot. It’s one of my favorites.”
The gray-haired man grinned. “Coming from you, that’s high praise. It’s on the house.”
“Thanks,” said Griff. “It’s a pleasure to see you. How’s business?”
“Not too bad for this time of year. But this slower season beats the hectic summers and falls.”
Griff and Lori carried their glasses of wine and the small bowl of olives outside.
“Have a seat,” said Griff. “You’re in for the best show around.”
They sat facing the sidewalk.
Lori immediately became fascinated with the women’s styles as they strolled by, dressed in either elegant or more relaxed outfits.
There was something about the sparkling jewels and rich-looking styles that appealed to her as an onlooker.
She reminded herself that she was a simple person who taught preschool kids far away.
“Quite a parade, huh?” said Griff.
“Fun to see,” she said.
“I like the idea of Mia and Rosie working on a mutually beneficial project together,” said Griff. “You really do care about the winery, don’t you?”
“Yes, I do. It’s very interesting to see what it takes to produce a bottle of wine. It’s a lot of hard work, but the challenges are worth it, aren’t they?”
“I’ve always believed it,” said Griff. “I knew from a young age that the vineyard would someday be in my care.”
“Tell me about Mia,” said Lori. “It’s obvious that the two of you are friends.”
Griff chuckled. “We’ve known each other since we were kids. Our grandparents were friends who often got together, bringing us along. Her brother took over the vineyards, and Mia happily stayed busy with her artwork. She does some cloth weavings, and they’re really nice.”
“And Mike, her husband?” asked Lori.
“They met at the California Institute of the Arts. He’s a painter who works in oils and is happy to be part of running the store when he’s not creating. He says it’s a healthy balance.”
“Any kids?” asked Lori.
“Two. A boy and a girl. I’m godfather to their son, Jonathan, who is eight. Their daughter, Lily, is six.”
Lori listened to how Griff’s voice softened when he talked about the children and realized Griff cared about them.
“You look happy and relaxed,” said Griff. “Are you going to be ready for more work at the winery? Tomorrow, Kayla will show you some of the work she does with the barreled wines.”
“That will be great,” said Lori. “What time did you say we need to be home for dinner?”
Griff looked at his watch. “We’d better get going. I didn’t realize it was this late. I told Sarita we’d be there before six o’clock.”
###
Back at the vineyard, Lori had time to freshen up in her cabin before heading up the hill to the main house.
She was curious to meet Cristina, the woman Sarita had discreetly chosen for her son.
Pete had no trouble finding dates in the area, and Lori wondered how he’d react to Cristina.
Parents’ choices didn’t always work out.
When Lori arrived at the house, she heard voices in the kitchen and went to investigate. When she entered the room, Sarita looked up from where she was preparing hors d’oeuvres. “Hello, Lori. Come and meet Cristina.”
Lori stared at the stunning dark-haired young woman who looked as if she were an ad for Napa with her black slacks, turquoise sweater, and a multi-colored scarf wrapped artistically around her neck.
Long, soft, dark curls fell beyond her shoulders, in a princess style. Golden eyes gazed at her curiously.
“Hi,” said Lori. “I’m Loralie Hamlin. You can call me Lori. I’m here for just a week, staying in the cabin down the road. When did you arrive?”
“An hour ago. My flight from Phoenix was a little late, and the drive from San Francisco took longer than I thought.”
Lori thought Cristina’s musical voice held strength behind it and wondered how she and Pete would be together. Pete was a good-looking, confident man who decided which woman he wanted to date at the moment.
Sarita gazed at Cristina and then at Lori. “Cristina lives and works in Phoenix, but she’s thinking about buying into a shop in town. A friend of mine is looking for a younger partner. It’s one of my favorite stores, and I think Cristina would be a wonderful addition to its success.”
Lori smiled at them both, aware of Sarita’s excitement and the reason behind it.
“I’ve been managing a successful store in Phoenix. When my mother heard of this opportunity, she reminded me of my childhood days here in Napa.” Cristina turned to Sarita. “Those were happy days for my family.”
“Yes,” said Sarita. “Your father and Carlos were friends, like your mother and me. It was very sad when your family left for Arizona.”
“I haven’t been back in years,” Cristina explained to Lori. “I don’t know what I’ll find here.”
“Griff gave me a tour of the town, and I loved it. Any one of those stores would be a fun place to work.” Lori turned to Sarita. “I met Mia Davidson. She’s very friendly.”
“Yes, there is a nice group of young people in business here. I’m sure you, Cristina, will find it easy to make friends.”
Pete walked into the kitchen, stopped, and stared at Cristina. “Wow! You’ve grown up.”
Cristina laughed. “Yes. You can no longer tease or play tricks on me. I won’t fall for them again.”
Pete gave Cristina a sheepish grin. “Sorry about those times. You were annoying, but my mother told me I had to look after you.”
“Things are different now. You don’t have to worry about me anymore. I’m very able to take care of myself.” Her unusual, golden-brown eyes sparkled with energy.
“Well, I hope you’ll allow me to show you around,” said Pete.
Cristina dismissed him with a wave of her hand. “Thanks, but no, thanks. I want to rediscover the area on my own. I remember some of it from my childhood, but I want to look around privately to determine if I want to go into business here.”
Lori hid a smile at the look of surprise that crossed Pete’s face. He was used to being adored by a flock of admiring girlfriends. Sarita looked distressed.
Griff walked into the room. “Hi, Cristina. It’s been a long time. How are you?”
Cristina stood and allowed herself to be hugged by Griff. “You’re still as handsome as ever. I’m delighted to see you again.”
“I understand you’re thinking of buying into Finery. My friend Mia Davidson and her husband own Whimsy downtown, and I’m sure she could be of help to you,” said Griff.
Cristina turned to him. “Lori already mentioned her name. I’d love for you to introduce me.”
“I’m happy to do that for you,” said Griff, unaware Pete was frowning at him.
“Let’s go into the den,” said Sarita. “Sam will be anxious to see you, Cristina. You should be aware that he’s had a stroke. You need to pay attention to what he’s saying in order to understand him.”
“No problem,” said Cristina. “I can’t wait to see him again. He was always very kind to me.” She sent Pete a meaningful look.
They all followed Sarita into the den, where Sam was sitting in his chair by the fireplace.
His eyes lit up at the sight of Cristina. He patted the chair next to him. “Hello, Cristina. Come sit by me.”
Lori sat on the couch beside Griff. Pete chose a chair on the opposite side of the fireplace.
Carlos walked into the room and went over to Cristina for a hug and a kiss. “It’s delightful to have you here. My! You’ve grown into a beautiful woman. How are your parents?”
“They’re fine. Retired now, but living a pleasant life and keeping busy with a variety of projects.”
“That’s splendid,” said Carlos, taking a seat in a chair next to Pete.
“Tell us about you, Cristina,” said Sam. “You’re working in retail? Fill us in.”
Lori could sense Cristina’s uneasiness, but Cristina told them about her job as manager in Scottsdale and the opportunity in Napa.
“Any male friends?” Sam asked in a blunt manner of some elderly people.
“No. I’m not interested at the moment. Maybe after I get settled. But I’m not in any rush, much to my mother’s disappointment,” said Cristina, grinning.
“Well, don’t hurry,” said Sam.
“Best not to wait too long,” countered Sarita.
“I heard you went to town,” Sam said to Lori. “What did you think?”
“I loved it. It was a pleasant counterpoint to the vineyards. Fun and festive.”
“I’m glad,” said Sam. “I understand you’ll be spending some time with Kayla tomorrow learning about winemaking.”
“Yes,” said Lori. “I can’t wait.”
Sam gave her a nod of approval.