Page 85 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

“It is,” said Lori. “More than that, the family who lives at the vineyards and the people who work for them are very kind. They made me feel welcome.”

Flo frowned. “How about the grandfather? Did you two get along?”

“Yes. I made it clear I was there to learn about growing grapes and making wine. Besides, when I arrived, Griff was dating the winemaker, Kayla Nielsen. It turned out she’s gay and has a partner who was willing to go along with their plan. Griff’s grandfather told me privately that he knew it was a fake relationship to try to keep him off Griff’s back about finding a suitable woman.”

“Oh, I love that,” said Flo, laughing. “He was actually encouraging you.”

Lori chuckled. “Sam Sawyer is a remarkable man in his seventies who raised Griff after his parents died. Sarita runs the house and was like a mother to Griff growing up. He and Sarita and Carlos’ son, Pete, will run the business when Sam turns it over to the younger generation.”

“So, having a relationship with Griff would mean you’d move to California?” said Aurelia.

Lori sighed and nodded. “That’s holding me back. After all you two did when Nick died and still do for me. How could I leave?”

“Nonsense,” said Aurelia. ‘I didn’t have the opportunity to move away, but it doesn’t mean I wouldn’t have if I’d met someone other than Gordon. But Gordon’s practice is here, and I love him.”

“You do an awful lot for Mom and Dad,” said Lori.

“It’s part of being a member of the family,” Aurelia said.

“But that’s exactly why I’m hesitating …” said Lori. “Besides, you can’t imagine how many women are interested in Griff. Some, just for his money. That’s what happened with Cassandra, the woman who left him at the altar.”

“Wha-a-at?” said Flo. “Why would someone do that?”

“The story I heard from others is that after Cassandra pressed Griff for an engagement, she learned that as a member of the family, she would be expected to work at the winery. Just before the wedding, she met someone from Hollywood staying in Napa. He invited her to move in with him. At the last minute, she sent a text to Griff telling him she was leaving.”

“That’s awful,” said Flo. “Is she still with the man?”

Lori shook her head. “I don’t think so. No one has heard from her, but there are rumors that it didn’t work out. The family wasn’t happy with her, anyway, but it hurt Griff. That’s why we bonded so quickly and became friends.”

“Are you a rebound for him?” asked Aurelia, giving her a worried look.

“We had many conversations this past week, and I don’t believe so. We were very honest with one another about everything.”

“So, this isn’t something sudden for you?” asked Flo.

“Not really,” said Lori truthfully. “Since the trip to The Beach House Hotel, I’ve thought about him a lot. I’ve even dreamed about him.”

Aurelia studied her. “And what about him? Does he feel the same way?”

“He told me that’s why he set up this arrangement with Kayla. He couldn’t think of being with anyone but me and needed time to think about it,” said Lori. “He was surprised to see me but said that’s when he knew he wanted to pursue the relationship.”

“It sounds like a true love story in the making,” said Flo, hugging her. “I’m happy for you.”

“Me, too. You deserve to find happiness again,” said Aurelia. “Do Mom and Dad know anything about this?”

Lori shook her head. “I haven’t mentioned it and won’t until I hear from Griff. If he’s sincere about us being together, I want him to show it.”

“He might be waiting for you to make a move. Especially after having been treated unfairly in the past,” said Flo.

Lori settled her gaze on her sisters. “You won’t be upset if I move away? I know it will take time for Mom and Dad to get used to the idea.”

Aurelia placed an arm around Lori. “We all want you to be happy. We can fly to see you and would hope you’d return to Ellenton as often as you could.”

“Well, then, I can only wait and see what will happen,” sighed Lori.

Flo focused on her. “That’s not like you. Why won’t you fight for him?”

Lori thought for a minute. “I’ve learned that we can’t always choose what happens to us, and I don’t want to make a mistake by being rash. I have a lot to think about. I have to believe that things will work out the way they’re meant to be.”