Chapter 14 Tristan
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
tristan
Paula. Has. Ruined. Me. That is my first thought as I wake up.
I pat the space beside me, but she’s not there.
All I know is she didn’t have any comments about being cold last night.
Her wrapped in my arms as we fell asleep was a dream come true.
Now, I need to figure out what time it is.
Her brother didn’t give us an exact time for when we’re leaving.
I roll out of bed, and dig in my bag for a shirt. I can’t leave the bed a mess and quickly make it before heading out of the room. That is one of the things the band gives me crap for. I always have to make my bed as soon as I get out of it.
Almost everyone is gathered at the dining room table. The only people missing are Phillip and Peter. I can’t say I’m shocked after I had to tuck them in when we got home.
“Good morning, sunshine.” Paula scoots over.
“Morning.” This time it’s my turn to kiss the top of her head. My arms goes around her waist instinctively as soon as I sit down.
Both Parker and Piper giggle into their coffee cups. Dear God, I hope they didn’t hear anything last night. They will never let us live it down. But it would squash any doubts they have about us being a couple.
I’m pretty sure that’s what we are after her little talk last night. We should probably solidify that at some point today, for my own piece of mind.
Pierce is still sitting as far away from Paula as he can get, which isn’t far at this table. We haven’t had a meal at the same time, and I have no idea how everyone will fit when we do.
Abigail hands me a cup of coffee before heading back to the kitchen. “Thank you.”
“Why do we have to leave so early?” Parker asks.
“Because the winery is just over an hour away, and they want us to come in early so we can talk about a potential partnership.”
“I think it’s dumb to partner with a competitor.” Piper adds after taking a drink from her mug.
“We won’t be carrying each other’s wines, Piper.” Pierce rolls his eyes. “We want to do an event together with maybe one other winery. If we all bring in our clientele, we can increase business all the way around.”
“Is this one of those rising tides speeches?” Parker stands and heads to the kitchen. He begins helping Abigail with whatever she’s making.
“It is unconventional,” Paul says. “But new marketing tactics won’t kill us. Times are changing, and we need to as well.”
Wow. That was…unexpected. I know most people are set in their ways when they’ve owned a business for a while. It’s nice to see someone loosen the reins as they prepare to hand over their company.
Though, I have a feeling he won’t completely retire. This family is too close knit and nosy for that to happen.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Dad.” Pierce is beaming at his father’s response. “We need everyone on board so we can hit the ground running.”
I don’t miss the pointed look he gives Paula. But she’s not paying attention to anything he’s saying.
She’s whispering with her sister, and based on the snickers, I have a feeling I know what it’s about. This is humiliating. Next time Paula says she can be quiet, I’m going to call her a liar.
Abigail slides a plate of pancakes on the table at the same time Parker delivers bacon. She glances over at the plate and shakes her head. “There was more bacon than that.”
Parker grins knowing damn well he’s just been caught. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
I’ve decided his charm is what keeps him out of trouble. I saw it in action when he was flirting with the bartender last night.
“How is everyone getting to the winery?” Paula asks now that she’s done talking with Piper.
“We’ll have to take two cars.” Paul lifts a pancake off the plate and places it on the one in front of him. “We can figure out where everyone is going after breakfast. And after I drag your brothers out of bed.”
Now it’s his turn to shake his head at his children’s shenanigans. He doesn’t seem upset, though. His eldest son, however, glares at the hallway. He really needs to loosen up. I know they are doing some work on this trip, but it’s also a vacation. People are allowed to go out and have fun.
“I’m riding with Paula.” Both Piper and Parker announce at the same time.
“Well, that takes care of that.” Paul laughs. “It looks like the last three will be close and personal in the truck’s backseat.”
I almost offer to take one of them, but it would be the same thing in Paula’s car. The only different is, her backseat is smaller.
“Let’s eat so we can get on the road.” Pierce mumbles. “The other two will have to eat on the road.”
Peter and Phillip are in for an earful when they get woken up. I’m glad I won’t be in the vicinity. With any luck, we’ll be on the road by then.
“I’m so glad we’re done with that.” Paula sighs as she slides into the passenger seat. I have to agree with her. The whole thing was boring. But, I’m not their demographic so my presence wasn’t needed. The only reason I’m here is Paula.
“Speak for yourself.” Piper moves into the backseat. “I could have looked at their space all day. It’s definitely giving me ideas for Starlit Fields.”
“We should probably talk about the outside seating, too.” Parker buckles his seatbelt.
I glance over at Paula as I turn on the car and put it in reverse.
She looks like she wants to ask questions, but she keeps her mouth shut.
It’s natural she’s curious, it’s her family’s business, but she made the rule about no winery talk with her younger siblings.
It’s a rule they all live by, and now that we’re back on the road, the subject is changed.
I lay my hand on top of Paula’s. She looks over at me. “Are you okay?” I mouth.
Her response is a nod. She’ll say what she really thinks eventually, but she knows this car isn’t a completely safe space, despite having Parker and Piper’s support.
“What game are we playing tonight?” Parker asks.
I’m not sure who he’s directing the question to. “What do you mean?”
“You know, family game night,” Piper says as if that further explains it. “You know when most normal families play board, or card, games while laughing and smiling.”
“Your family isn’t normal?”
This time Paula busts out in laugher, leaning over until she can catch her breath. “I know you aren’t serious with that question.”
“Hey, I take offense.” I can see Parker sit up straight in the rearview mirror. “I’m perfectly normal.”
This time I join in the laughter. It feels good to be this relaxed in the car. Paula’s rule is a smart one.
“You’re probably the most not normal person in our family. Well, except maybe for Paula.” Piper slaps her hands over mouth as soon as the words leave her mouth. “Shit. I’m sorry, Paula, I didn’t mean it like that.”
“I know, it’s fine.” Paula smiles at her sister, but I can see the pain behind her eyes.
She doesn’t like being singled out even if she doesn’t want to be a part of the day to day.
It’s clear the distance she’s put between herself and the winery also has ties into her relationship with her family.
One of the many reasons I don’t think someone should ever mix family and business.
There are exceptions of course, but this isn’t one of them.
Paula ends up the ass end of all the jokes.
The only problem is nobody realizes she’s not laughing.
Everyone at the table is staring at me. It doesn’t seem to matter how many times they explain the rules, I can’t keep up. At least they didn’t have me take score. It would be a mess.
“What phase am I on?” I whisper to Paula.
She grabs the notebook from her mom, and studies the list of names. She smirks and hands it back.
“You’re on phase two.” She places a hand on my leg and squeezes. “If you need help all you have to do is ask.”
“Do I have any shot at being anything other than dead last?”
She shakes her head. “Sorry. But I’m about to take some of these guys out.”
“How do you pay attention to what’s in your hand and what the others are playing? It’s too much going on at once.” Especially when you add in the noise. Everyone is talking over each other. Drinks are flowing. And I have no clue how I fit into game night.
We didn’t do anything like this growing up. Family movie night was a tradition, but outside of that, nothing. As horrible as I am at playing a simple card game, I am enjoying myself.
“Hey,” Piper raises her voice. “No whispering over there. We can’t have you conspiring against the rest of us.”
“Pfft. You’re only saying that because you’re just about tied with Tristan for last place.” Phillip butts in. “Maybe try paying attention to what’s going on around you instead of scrolling your phone.”
“You. Are. Going. Down. Mister.” She points at her brother and her cheeks flush a bright pink.
“Bring it on.” He stands and motions to his sister. “Being the baby of the family won’t save you tonight.”
“Oh my gosh.” Abigail shakes her head. “Phillip, sit down.”
I wonder if this is what she meant when she said her family wasn’t normal when it comes to game night. They are cutthroat when it comes to this game, and will distract each other to get the upper hand. Maybe it’s like this for any games they play.
Was this what I was missing out on during my childhood? Honestly, seeing them all put their differences aside and have fun together while trying to destroy the other is heartwarming. Above all else they are family.
I know it’s the same for my family, but it was never as loud as it is here. I have a few cousins my age, and we used to get together, except it was very chill. Everyone kind of did their own thing. We never played games or anything.
If there is anything I can compare this to, it’s probably when I was in theatre. While it was fun, and loud, it wasn’t a family unit.
Tonight makes me feel like I might want this in the future. The distant future, for sure, but a big family is appealing.
“Tristan, it’s your turn.” Parker nudges me.
“Oh, sorry.” How did everyone go without me noticing? Oh, right, I was too busy being in my head instead of the moment.
I take a peek at the card with the phases listed and check my cards. Looks like I finally get to move on to the next phase.