Page 55 of Wine & Dine

“Hey, yourself. What is happening over there?”

“A little home improvement. How is California?”

Denton does this often—deflects topics—when he doesn’t want to give me details. However, after my weekend away, I find I want a little more information.

“California is great. I want to know what improvements you are making to Magnolia’s.”

“Magnolia’s?” He hesitates as if her house isn’t the place he’s improving.

“Got some other place to improve?” Denton newly returned to Blue Ridge for the love of his life. He didn’t move into her home for several reasons. After a long talk with Magnolia, our grandmother agreed Denton could temporarily stay with her.

“No, Magnolia’s, of course. Most of it has been structural. Supports for the foundation. Roof. Window measurements. Boring stuff.”

Actually, it sounds exciting to me. I’d love to see Magnolia’s house restored to grandeur. It would make a nice bed and breakfast. The thought surprises me because I’ve never thought such a thing before.

“Do you have plans for other improvements?” A list filters through my head. New kitchen. Refinished floors. Update bathrooms.

“Just taking it one step at a time. Structural seems most immediate. So California? I miss my ocean. How’s it been?”

“I went to Napa this weekend.” The sound of joy rings in my tone despite Garrett blowing me off. It’s just a headache.

“Napa? That’s awesome. I’m so glad you’re getting out and traveling.”

“Yeah, Garett wanted—”

“Garrett?” he interrupts. “What does Garrett have to do with Napa?”

“As I was trying to explain,” I began in my big sister voice, “he wanted to see a place and asked me to go with him.”

“Garrett,” he repeats as if he hasn’t heard the rest of what I said. I realize I also haven’t been overly forthcoming with the fact Garrett and I spend time together.

“Yes, your neighbor. The one who took me to a spa and shopping because you asked him to.”

“I didn’t...” His voice drifts. “Dolores, I like Garrett as a businessman. He’s ruthless, and he gets what he wants. He’s been a decent friend to me. But as a guy, he can be an asshole. Don’t get wrapped up with him.”

Too late, I think, but then I remember his dinner cancellation. It’s nothing, Dolores. He has a headache.

“I’m fine,” I say, words I recall speaking too often in my life. I’m not fine. I’m falling in love with a man who lives across the country from my life.

“How’s Mati?” It’s my turn to change the subject.

He sighs, and I can almost hear his happiness. “She’s good.”

“That’s it.” He normally jabbers on and on about her, her volleyball team, and her new grandson. Blah, blah, blah.

“What else can I say? Life is good.”

I weakly grin. Lucky him.

+ + +

Close to four in the afternoon, Garrett sends me another text.

Can I ask you a huge favor?

Soup, I think, a little too hopeful.

Can you walk Wally for me?