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“It’s a great environment. Even if you go by yourself, there’s always plenty of people to talk to, and you’re guaranteed to have a good time,” I said. “I go a couple times a week after closing. The Grasso’s are like family to me, so I might be a little bias, but you cannot miss a trip there. All of their wines are fantastic.”
“What’s your favorite?” he asked, focusing his attention completely on me while his sister forked another piece of cake into her mouth.
“The Sauvignon Blanc. It’s crisp, not too acidic, and just delightful.”
“I’m going to have to try it.”
“You should.”
“Are you going to be there tonight?”
I hadn’t planned on going. I was still avoiding Nero, but what was the point of that? Avoiding him wasn’t going to change what happened. It was better if we went back to the way things were. “I might,” I said.
“Maybe I’ll see you there.”
“Maybe.”
“Oh. My. God.” Celeste threw her head back. “This chocolate cake is divine. Seriously, this should be illegal. Is it?”
“No.” I laughed.
“Outstanding. I know I’m having a June wedding and chocolate might be too heavy, but I really feel like the raspberry balances out the decadence, making it kind of perfect.”
“The raspberry definitely gives it more of a summer feel, and honestly, this cake is popular all year round, and it has been a part of many summer weddings.”
“I think I found my cake,” Celeste declared.
“I haven’t even tried the others,” Damian said.
“Then stop talking and start eating.”
“Do you want to taste the other five?” I asked.
Celeste tapped her fork near where the chocolate cake was on the plate. “I’m pretty certain I’m going with the chocolate, but I’m not going to pass up more cake.”
“I’ll bring it right out.”
“Thank you,” Celeste said, but it was Damian’s eyes who I caught. He smiled, and as I made my way to the kitchen, I wondered if I had inadvertently agreed to a date.
Usually after work, I’d head straight to the tasting room, flour stains and all, but tonight I made sure to stop home and change. I might have even refreshed my makeup and sprayed a little perfume on my neck and wrists. I didn’t think this was actually a date with Damian, and I wasn’t even sure if he’d even be there, but I wanted to feel confident as I walked into the tasting room.
Just in case, I had sent a mirror selfie to Sherry for outfit approval. She approved once I told her I wasn’t dressing up for her brother, but for the cute guy from the tasting earlier. She hadn’t exactly forgiven Nero for ditching me in Philly. Or sleeping with her best friend. The list was long.
I parked and headed inside, but as soon as I made it halfway up the stairs, my legs wouldn’t move, my nerves freezing them in place. What if just the sight of Nero forced naked images to my mind, tingles to my core—faint ghosts of what could’ve been if only he’d woken up beside me.
Though, my interaction with Nero at the farm stand had been pleasant and not as awkward as it could have been. It was definitely better than the last time I was in the tasting room.
“You okay, dear?” Odette asked as she stopped beside me on the stairs. I glanced over at her, her blue eye shadow touching the bottom of her penciled eyebrows and her red lipstick extending beyond her lips.
“I’m good,” I said. “I thought I forgot my wallet in my car for a second.” I shoved my hand in my purse and pulled out the wallet. “But I have it right here. How was the cake?” I dropped it off earlier, and Odette had admired the cake from the minute I placed it on the table.
“It was absolutely yummy. It might have tasted better than it looked, which is saying something. It was stunning.”
“I’m so happy you enjoyed it.”
“I was hoping to take a piece home, but Albert took care of every leftover.”
“I didn’t know Albert was part of the historical society.” He wasn’t exactly the joiner type.
