Page 67 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

“Let’s go into the den,” said Sarita. “Sam will be anxious to see you, Cristina. You should be aware that he’s had a stroke. You need to pay attention to what he’s saying in order to understand him.”

“No problem,” said Cristina. “I can’t wait to see him again. He was always very kind to me.” She sent Pete a meaningful look.

They all followed Sarita into the den, where Sam was sitting in his chair by the fireplace.

His eyes lit up at the sight of Cristina. He patted the chair next to him. “Hello, Cristina. Come sit by me.”

Lori sat on the couch beside Griff. Pete chose a chair on the opposite side of the fireplace.

Carlos walked into the room and went over to Cristina for a hug and a kiss. “It’s delightful to have you here. My! You’ve grown into a beautiful woman. How are your parents?”

“They’re fine. Retired now, but living a pleasant life and keeping busy with a variety of projects.”

“That’s splendid,” said Carlos, taking a seat in a chair next to Pete.

“Tell us about you, Cristina,” said Sam. “You’re working in retail? Fill us in.”

Lori could sense Cristina’s uneasiness, but Cristina told them about her job as manager in Scottsdale and the opportunity in Napa.

“Any male friends?” Sam asked in a blunt manner of some elderly people.

“No. I’m not interested at the moment. Maybe after I get settled. But I’m not in any rush, much to my mother’s disappointment,” said Cristina, grinning.

“Well, don’t hurry,” said Sam.

“Best not to wait too long,” countered Sarita.

“I heard you went to town,” Sam said to Lori. “What did you think?”

“I loved it. It was a pleasant counterpoint to the vineyards. Fun and festive.”

“I’m glad,” said Sam. “I understand you’ll be spending some time with Kayla tomorrow learning about winemaking.”

“Yes,” said Lori. “I can’t wait.”

Sam gave her a nod of approval.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

GRIFF

The conversation at dinner was interesting. While they talked about the vineyard and the upcoming changes in the reception area, Griff was aware of Pete’s interest in Cristina. But she showed none in him.

He studied the woman Sarita wanted Pete to marry. She was beautiful and bright, not unlike Pete’s many other women who came and went in a regular pattern. He could tell Lori liked her. Grandad enjoyed the attention Cristina gave him. It should’ve been easy for Pete to attract her attention. But maybe she’d been warned that while Pete was considered to be a great catch in the area, he wasn’t serious about settling down.

That made him think about Lori. She was very different from all the other women he’d dated.

Lori sensed his gaze on her and smiled, giving him a sense of satisfaction.

After dessert and coffee were served, Griff caught Lori’s attention. “Care to go for a walk?”

“Yes, that would be lovely,” Lori said, sending him an eager look that hit his body like a flaming arrow. He sometimes couldn’t believe she was sitting with his family in California. He wondered who this man, Guy Phillips, was to her. She’d dismissed him as a friend, someone who lived in her hometown. He knew how important that was to her. Time was running out for him to make a move.

After thanking Sarita for a delicious meal, Griff and Lori excused themselves.

At the front door, Lori retrieved her lantern, and they headed off.

He took her arm and gazed at her. “I’m glad you’re here.”