Page 66 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

Lori listened to how Griff’s voice softened when he talked about the children and realized Griff cared about them.

“You look happy and relaxed,” said Griff. “Are you going to be ready for more work at the winery? Tomorrow, Kayla will show you some of the work she does with the barreled wines.”

“That will be great,” said Lori. “What time did you say we need to be home for dinner?”

Griff looked at his watch. “We’d better get going. I didn’t realize it was this late. I told Sarita we’d be there before six o’clock.”

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Back at the vineyard, Lori had time to freshen up in her cabin before heading up the hill to the main house. She was curious to meet Cristina, the woman Sarita had discreetly chosen for her son. Pete had no trouble finding dates in the area, and Lori wondered how he’d react to Cristina. Parents’ choices didn’t always work out.

When Lori arrived at the house, she heard voices in the kitchen and went to investigate. When she entered the room, Sarita looked up from where she was preparing hors d’oeuvres. “Hello, Lori. Come and meet Cristina.”

Lori stared at the stunning dark-haired young woman who looked as if she were an ad for Napa with her black slacks, turquoise sweater, and a multi-colored scarf wrapped artistically around her neck. Long, soft, dark curls fell beyond her shoulders, in a princess style. Golden eyes gazed at her curiously.

“Hi,” said Lori. “I’m Loralie Hamlin. You can call me Lori. I’m here for just a week, staying in the cabin down the road. When did you arrive?”

“An hour ago. My flight from Phoenix was a little late, and the drive from San Francisco took longer than I thought.”

Lori thought Cristina’s musical voice held strength behind it and wondered how she and Pete would be together. Pete was a good-looking, confident man who decided which woman he wanted to date at the moment.

Sarita gazed at Cristina and then at Lori. “Cristina lives and works in Phoenix, but she’s thinking about buying into a shop in town. A friend of mine is looking for a younger partner. It’s one of my favorite stores, and I think Cristina would be a wonderful addition to its success.”

Lori smiled at them both, aware of Sarita’s excitement and the reason behind it.

“I’ve been managing a successful store in Phoenix. When my mother heard of this opportunity, she reminded me of my childhood days here in Napa.” Cristina turned to Sarita. “Those were happy days for my family.”

“Yes,” said Sarita. “Your father and Carlos were friends, like your mother and me. It was very sad when your family left for Arizona.”

“I haven’t been back in years,” Cristina explained to Lori. “I don’t know what I’ll find here.”

“Griff gave me a tour of the town, and I loved it. Any one of those stores would be a fun place to work.” Lori turned to Sarita. “I met Mia Davidson. She’s very friendly.”

“Yes, there is a nice group of young people in business here. I’m sure you, Cristina, will find it easy to make friends.”

Pete walked into the kitchen, stopped, and stared at Cristina. “Wow! You’ve grown up.”

Cristina laughed. “Yes. You can no longer tease or play tricks on me. I won’t fall for them again.”

Pete gave Cristina a sheepish grin. “Sorry about those times. You were annoying, but my mother told me I had to look after you.”

“Things are different now. You don’t have to worry about me anymore. I’m very able to take care of myself.” Her unusual, golden-brown eyes sparkled with energy.

“Well, I hope you’ll allow me to show you around,” said Pete.

Cristina dismissed him with a wave of her hand. “Thanks, but no, thanks. I want to rediscover the area on my own. I remember some of it from my childhood, but I want to look around privately to determine if I want to go into business here.”

Lori hid a smile at the look of surprise that crossed Pete’s face. He was used to being adored by a flock of admiring girlfriends. Sarita looked distressed.

Griff walked into the room. “Hi, Cristina. It’s been a long time. How are you?”

Cristina stood and allowed herself to be hugged by Griff. “You’re still as handsome as ever. I’m delighted to see you again.”

“I understand you’re thinking of buying into Finery. My friend Mia Davidson and her husband own Whimsy downtown, and I’m sure she could be of help to you,” said Griff.

Cristina turned to him. “Lori already mentioned her name. I’d love for you to introduce me.”

“I’m happy to do that for you,” said Griff, unaware Pete was frowning at him.