Page 65 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

“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.”

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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.”