Chapter 13
thirteen
. . .
piper
The message from Beau is like a ghost that haunts me. Normally, I’d text him back right away, but the invitation to the carnival this weekend came out of nowhere.
It doesn’t help that he texted me while I was in the middle of a date.
That’s the problem, though. The date wasn’t horrible and he wants to see me again.
We had a great time bowling of all things.
He didn’t get mad when I beat him in the first game, which was a win for him. We had a great time. But…he’s not Beau.
Being at the bowling alley reminded me of all the times Beau and I would drive to the next town over to play.
That was our idea of Friday night fun. We went to the occasional party and hung out with people from school, but we felt most ourselves when it was just us.
We didn’t have to force conversation, or try to explain one of our inside jokes.
All of that is why I’m having a hard time saying yes to another date, and haven’t answered my best friend. It’s not like I have anything better to do, and if anything, I can also hand out business cards. Why does everything have to be so confusing?
The whole reason I went on the date was to get my mind off Beau and try to push down my feelings toward him. Instead, all I kept thinking about was that text. It’s all I’ve been able to think about today, too.
“So, what’s going on with you and Beau?” Parker is an entire jump scare. I swear I’m going to put a damn bell on him. Or, I need to not be lost in my thoughts. That’s probably the biggest factor. Even when I have music playing, he’s never scared me as much as he has the past few weeks.
“He’s my bestie?” Forming that as a question won’t make things any easier when dealing with my brother. “And we’re working on the marketing thing together.”
He raises an eyebrow, knowing damn well I’m holding out. Has he noticed the change in dynamics between us? Things are normal, but there has been an energy when we’re around each other that wasn’t there before. It’s like me kissing him opened up a floodgate, and it’s been impossible to close it.
Thankfully, he seems like he’s letting it go since there isn’t a quick rebuttal. “How was your date last night?”
Or maybe not. “How did you know I had a date last night?”
The only person I told was Beau. As much as I love my siblings, I don’t need them meddling in my dating life. It’s part of the reason it’s been years since I’ve brought anyone home for them to meet. Unless there’s a high chance of exclusive dating, there’s no reason to introduce them to my family.
“How do you know I was on a date? I could have been hanging out with friends.”
“What friends?” He laughs and sits in the chair across from me. “Outside of Beau, the only people you willingly hang out with are family members.”
“Then how do you know that?” Unless he’s secretly following me.
“I ran into Beau last night. It’s not often I see him at Out of the Ashes alone.”
That is odd. He’s not really a large crowd type of person. Why in the world would he go there by himself? I make a mental note to get to the bottom on it.
“We don’t spend every second of the day together.”
“Damn near,” he replies.
He makes us sound co-dependent. I mean I guess in some ways we might be, but also not really. We’re capable of doing things and making decisions without the other. Being each other’s person when things are great, and falling apart, is a part of friendship.
“I don’t know why you’re so hung up on me and him being more than what we are. If we become anything else, it will ruin everything.”
“Oh my God.” He throws his hands in the air. “The two of you are exhausting and, both of you are in love with each other but refuse to do anything about it.”
“Of course, I love him.” I wave away his comment. “He’s been a part of my life for over ten years. How could I not?”
He shakes his head as if he knows he’s fighting a losing battle. I’m not sure how he wants me to react, or what he wants me to say.
“Are you going to the carnival thing with him this weekend?” Before I even have a chance to open my mouth, he mimics a keep it shut motion with his hand. “The two of you need to figure your shit out before it implodes.”
“It sounds like you’re speaking from experience.” I lean back in my chair and set my feet on the desk. The need to do something to hide what I feel. Because he’s right. Beau and I are at a tipping point whether or not I want to admit it.
“Oh, hell no.” He shakes his head as he walks toward the door. “Relationships aren’t for me. Learned that lesson back in high school. I’m perfectly fine with hookups.”
“One day you’re going to meet someone who will change your mind.”
“I hope not.” He laughs and steps into the hallway before turning back. “Look, I love both you and Beau. At this point he’s practically family. You need to stop being afraid and tell him how you feel. Both of you are getting on my nerves about this.”
“I feel like he’s my best friend.” I roll my eyes and look anywhere but at my brother.
“Liar.” Without accusation, he’s out of my sight. He disappears as quickly as he appears.
He’s not completely wrong, and it sucks that he knows it. Why can’t he be the big sibling who tells me what I want to hear? I have other siblings who will give it to me straight. Except that’s not what I need from him.
Going to the fair before school started was something we used to do when we were in school. Maybe it’s time to bring some of that joy back into my life. We can get on the rides and pretend we don’t have a care in the world, just like when we were kids.
I search around my desk for my phone and open up our text thread.
Piper
Yes. I’ll go to the fair with you.
We can see how this goes, and if I pick up on him having more than platonic feelings for me, I’ll make my move.
“Dad! Do you know where the business cards are?”
I walked up to his house to see if he knew where they were stashed because I can’t find them anywhere.
Now, I’m a hot and sweaty mess. I should have driven up here to avoid feeling like crap.
The thinking time was worth it, though. Sometimes you just need a good walk to think things through.
Especially when emotions are on the line.
If I read any part of tonight wrong, it could be disastrous for my friendship.
Having fun with Beau at the carnival this weekend is the top priority, but if I can also do some hand-to-hand marketing that will be even better. Plus, it’ll distract me from reading into things more than I should.
Dad rounds the corner from the kitchen as I’m making my way through the foyer. “They should be in the office where I normally keep them. Why?”
I don’t miss the suspicion in his eye. He was in that meeting a few weeks ago and knows I’m not supposed to be doing extra marketing.
“I’m going to the back-to-school event this weekend and figured I could hand out business cards. Don’t worry, I’m going to check with the mayor to make sure I can.”
Not a lie, it’s on my list of things to do after I find the cards. I don’t want to ask for permission then not be able to deliver.
“Most of the people in Asheville know about us.”
“Yeah, but what if there are people who moved here recently. They may not know about our amazing wine. Besides, this isn’t going to cost the company anything but my time.”
“Does Pierce know?”
Ugh, I hate how he’s already reverting all decision making to the eldest child. He isn’t retired…yet. There’s still time for him to make decisions without involving Pierce.
“No, but does he really have to know?”
I give him my best puppy eyes. It’s the look he’s never been able to say not to, and I hope like hell it works now. When he doesn’t say anything, I try to make my eyes sadder. Probably not as cute as it was when I was eight, but hopefully it’s enough.
“Fine.” He shakes his head. “You have my blessing. But…if he finds out, it was your decision and I had nothing to do with it.”
“You’re still the boss, Dad. He can’t order you around.”
He puts an arm around my shoulder and gives me a small squeeze.
“You think I don’t know that? I don’t want to undermine him, either.
He’ll be taking over the winery with all of you.
The only reason he’s in charge is because he’s the oldest. But each and every one of you has equal say. Those are the rules.”
“Does Pierce know? I think he might be a bit mixed up on your request.”
“He’ll grow out of it.” Dad walks me to the door. “Don’t be so hard on him, he’s trying to figure it out like the rest of you. He just needs to find his groove.”
“If you say so.” I roll my eyes. “He has a funny way of doing it.”
“Things will work out and he’ll calm down. I was the same way when I took over from grandpa.”
“Yeah, but you didn’t have a million siblings.”
“You don’t either,” he laughs. “There are only six of you, and Paula doesn’t want anything to do with it. All of you will find your place with your strengths. It’ll take each one of you to make this place run like a well-oiled machine.”
He’s not wrong. Each of us has something we’re good at, but I don’t think all of us will realize it until we give each other the chance to.
“I guess I see what you’re saying.” I open the door. “Hopefully it doesn’t take as long as I fear it might for us to figure it out.”
“I have faith in you.” He kisses the top of my head and let’s go of me so I can leave. “Maybe me and Mom will see you at the carnival this weekend.”
The last thing I want is to run into them while I’m still trying to figure out what to do about the Beau situation. “I’ll see you later, Dad. Thanks for letting me know where the cards are.”
The amount of faith he has in us always amazes me.
All of us are completely different and fought most of the time growing up.
It was never serious, but I’m honestly surprised my brothers are as close as they are now.
I guess getting older changes things. Well, most things.
I’m still the baby and they take every opportunity to remind me of that.
Heat slams into me once I’m off my parents' porch. Yep, I definitely should have driven over here. But the walk back to the office gives me a chance to figure out what I’m wearing to the carnival.
Of course, I want the outfit to be cute, but I also need to look professional if I’m handing out cards.
I don’t think I’ve ever put this much thought into something I’m wearing to hang out with Beau.
Impressing him has never been at the top of my thoughts, even though I’ve loved him for half of my life.
This time it feels different, though. Something about this weekend feels like everything is about to change.