Chapter 22 Tristan
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
tristan
Why is this equipment so freaking heavy? It’s not like it can even go in the studio yet. Dale ordered it while I was with Paula and didn’t think about the delivery date. Now we have to store it in the house. I guess it’s a good thing he hasn’t moved in.
“Just pile it all up in the living room.” He grunts while helping the delivery guy carry in the sound board.
“You realize we’ll have to move all this again when the studio is actually ready, right?” This is one of those things I was talking to him about the other day. He does whatever pops into his brain without thinking through the logistics.
“Yes, I know.” He grunts as they set it against the wall. “And don’t start, I already know you’re going to tell me I should have waited for you. But, we’re going to hire someone to move it to the studio. I’m getting too old for this shit.”
“You said it.” I laugh and put down whatever is inside this big box. “Oh, will you need me this afternoon?”
“Not that I know of. This was the big thing on the agenda today. We might get together later tonight to put down some dates for the next tour.”
“When will that be happening?” He said we were going to chill for a while. I would prefer they wait until all this construction is done and they have started on a new album before they make plans. But I’m not their manager. They do like my input, so I definitely need to be there for that.
“I don’t know. Which is why we’re meeting.” His smile is smug. “Why? Do you have a hot date with the flower shop girl?”
“Her name is Paula. And, no.” I don’t mention I still haven’t heard from her. Eric said she’s been in the bar, but it was only to grab food. She didn’t stay. He didn’t provide any other details. I have a feeling he knows more than he’s putting on.
At this point, I’m ready to reach out to her. I lay down in the middle of the floor and stare at the ceiling. I haven’t gotten any sleep since the vacation and regret everything I said to her. If I’d known it was going to be like this, I would have kept my mouth shut.
“What do you need to do?” He moves to stand over me. “And why are you lying on the floor staring into the void?”
“I’ve got an appointment to see an apartment. And I’m contemplating a nap.” If sleep wouldn’t elude me, I wouldn’t have this problem. But I know I won’t be able to do that until I’ve talked to Paula. This is what I get for putting the onus on her to decide what she wants. I know what I want…her.
“Do you hate us?” Dale asks and pulls me out of my maudlin thoughts.
“Why the hell would you ask that?”
“Because you’re looking for another place. You’ve never said anything.”
Good gravy. I sit up and shake my head. “No, but I need my own space. No offense, but bringing a date back to a house full of people isn’t exactly romantic.”
He busts out laughing. “I’m just giving you a hard time. I hope the apartment is everything you need it to be.”
“Thanks.” My phone dings in my pocket. My heart rate jumps. Is this it? Is she finally reaching out?
“Are you going to see who it’s from?” He nods toward my pants. “It could be life changing.”
He’s right. It could be…for better or worse. I’m almost scared to see who it’s from. There’s no time like the present, I guess.
I pull out my phone. The first thing I see is the picture from the botanical gardens on my lock screen. I would give anything to go back to that moment. We were tucked away in our own little world. Nothing could touch us.
When I check the message notification, my stomach drops.
“That’s not a good look. I guess it’s not Paula.”
“No, I’m pretty sure it’s her brother.” I open the message to read the entire thing, and dread fills every part of me.
Unknown Number
Tristan, it’s Pierce. We need to talk.
My thumb hovers over the phone to respond. He probably wants to warn me away from his sister, and I don’t know if I’m ready to hear that. But I have a question first.
Tristan
How did you get my number?
I take a moment to save his contact information in my phone. That could be useful later.
Pierce
Parker gave it to me.
There’s no way Parker would have willingly gave him my number. I mean, I don’t know him very well, but it doesn’t make sense why he would. Now I’m curious.
Tristan
Oh. What day do you have in mind?
Pierce
Tonight if possible.
This raises my hackles. Why the rush? I mean he’s more expedient than his sister, sure. But from what I gathered during the trip, he’s not exactly team Tristan.
Tristan
Sure. Send me an address and time.
That sounds very threatening, and I consider editing the message. In the end, I leave it as stands. A few moments later an address and time shows up on my screen.
“Sorry, Dale. I’m not making the meeting tonight. I have other plans.”
He nods and helps me off the floor. “Remember, no fighting. I’ll bail you out of jail if I have to, but I’d really rather not. We’ve built a positive reputation here.”
“We all know I’m a lover, not a fighter.” At least, I am for now. Who knows what will happen tonight. Either way, I plan on giving Pierce a piece of my mind.
It’s dark when I pull up to the address Pierce sent me.
I’m pretty sure I saw a sign for Starlit Fields when I turned into the driveway.
Why in the world would he have me meet him here?
Surely, he won’t act like an ass on company property.
I have no idea what’s in store for me, but I don’t see anything good coming from this.
His actions have proven he’s not my biggest fan.
The number of times I pulled out my phone to call Paula today is unreal.
At one point Dale took my phone away. I wanted to tell her Pierce contacted me.
Dale told me it would be better if I go to this meeting and see what her brother has to say.
Honestly, I think he’s doing his best to protect me from heartbreak.
It’s a part of life, though. He can’t protect me from things I willingly seek out.
I’ll go through hell on earth for Paula, even if this meeting doesn’t go well.
A truck is sitting outside what looks like a brick house. Maybe he lives on the property. I guess I’m about to find out. I put my car in park and tuck my phone into my pocket before stepping out. Deep breath in. I count to three and let it out. It’s now or never.
The door opens before I have a chance to knock. Creepy. Was he watching out the window to see when I’d get here?
“Tristan, I’m glad you could make it. Please, come in.”
His tone is unsettling. He’s not as gruff as he was on the trip. Maybe I should be worried. Dale offered to cancel the meeting and come with me, but I told him it was unnecessary. Now, I’m not so sure.
“Um, thanks.” I step inside and glance around.
I’m pretty sure this used to be someone’s house.
It looks like it’s been renovated to work as a business.
What I assume is the living room has a basic set up, but there’s no TV.
A couple of couches face each other and there’s a glass table between them.
The entire space is open aside from a room in the back. The door is closed, and I can only assume it’s the office. Pierce leads me to the couches and motions for me to take a seat. He sits on the couch on the other side of the table.
“I bet you’re wondering why you’re here.” He leans back, completely at ease.
The best thing I can do is mimic his actions. Maybe he won’t be able to tell how nervous I actually am.
“I am.”
“I wanted to apologize for my behavior on vacation. I shouldn’t have acted like that when we had a guest.”
“Well, you shouldn’t act like that at all. It’s kind of an asshole move.”
He laughs. What the fuck? I just insulted him, and he laughs it off.
“It was, and I’m sorry.”
“That apology should go to your sister. You push her and make her feel like shit unless she bends to your will. I may not be close to my brother, but I know that’s not how it should be between siblings.”
He winces. Finally, a tiny fracture in his facade. “You’re right. But since you brought up Paula, do you love her?”
“I don’t see why that’s any of your business.” He really thinks everyone should answer to him.
“Humor me, please.” He leans forward, awaiting my response. I’m not sure why, but I have a feeling my answer this holds importance.
“Yes.” I don’t elaborate. The when and why is something for Paula’s ears alone. Her brother doesn’t get to be a part of that.
“That’s all I needed to know.” He stands, and when I follow suit, he holds his hand out for me to stay. “Can you wait here?”
“Sure.” Weird. That’s what this whole thing is. I feel like I’m in a reality TV show, and the shoe is about to drop. Should I be concerned? Probably, but I’m invested and want to see what all this song and dance leads to.
Sitting and waiting is boring. I’m not sure how much time has passed, but I’m getting antsy.
I stand and move to one of the floor to ceiling windows.
It’s pitch black outside. There are a few solar lights marking a path that leads around the house.
The location of the winery is perfect. On a clear night you can see the stars twinkling.
Maybe that’s where they got the name Starlit Fields. It’s fitting.
I feel hands move in front of my eyes. “Keep your eyes closed.”
Paula walks me backwards, and based on the direction she’s taking, we’re heading back to the couch. Once she has me seated, she moves away. “Don’t open them yet.”
“Okay.” My voice is barely above a whisper. I don’t want to do anything to scare her away. To ruin this moment. In almost a week, it’s the first time I’ve heard her voice.
There are sounds coming from directly in front of me. I can’t tell what’s going on. As much as I want to peek, I don’t.
“You can open them.” Paula is sitting on the edge of the table. A bouquet of flowers in a vase and the photo I have as a lock screen sticking up in the middle.
“What’s this?”
“An apology.” She holds the vase out to me. “This is the first arrangement I’ve created on my own.”
“They are beautiful.” I set them on the table beside her. “But you don’t need to apologize. If anyone does, it’s me. I overstepped when I should have let you handle it on your own. You know your family better than I do.”
“Shockingly enough, I don’t. Pierce and I had a long talk. We cleared a few things up, and I will be working with the winery.”
Damn she gave in. That’s not what I want to hear.
She sees my face fall, and moves to sit beside me. “I didn’t sell out to please my brother. I do want to be involved in the winery, but in my own way.”
“How are you going to do that?”
“Well, this property is massive. With a few spaces added to it, it would be a great place to hold larger scale events. Like weddings. I happen to work in an industry where I could suggest it. As soon as everything is done, they are going to join forces with Whoopsie Daisy and the local wedding planner.”
“Th-that is amazing.” I pull her closer to me. “You get the best of both worlds.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
“I’m sorry for the way I acted the last time we saw each other.” I take a deep breath, and keep going. “I really should learn to keep my mouth shut sometimes. It’s just that I love you, and the last thing I want to see is you hurting, or taken advantage of.”
“You love me?” Her eyes are wide, and she’s acting as if this is the most unbelievable thing she’s heard. I guess Pierce didn’t tell her about our brief interaction.
“I know we haven’t known each other long, but yes, I do love you. I fell head over heels for you the first night we met, and with every interaction we’ve had since. You’re it for me.”
“This is completely out of my comfort zone. But I know in my soul, I love you.” She throws her arms around me and smashes her lips into mine. I pull her into my lap for easier access. This is the next moment that will live rent free in my mind for days to come.
Applause catches our attention and I pull away. Her entire family is standing in the entryway.
“Were they in on this entire thing?”
“As if they would let me do this without them. You know how nosey they are.”
Parker heads toward us until Pierce pulls him back. He almost runs into the wall with the force. Maybe Pierce isn’t so bad after all.
Paula leans her head on my chest. How she has the ability to ignore their presence is beyond me. But the noise fades away and finally it’s the me and the woman I love. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be. Nosey family and all.