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“Oh, I haven’t been to a vineyard or a wine expo in years. My schedule’s been so chaotic. But I love indulging in a glass with a meal or once I’m home relaxing.”
“Is Pinot Grigio your preference?”
“Usually. But I appreciate any good wine.” She smiles. “Although I haven’t found a dessert wine I enjoy yet.”
“Well, we’ll have to fix that.” I wink. “My family owns a local vineyard. Sutter Creek. I’ll have to give you a private tour when you’re free.”
“Oh, that’d be amazing.” Wow. This woman is gorgeous and easy to talk to. This isn’t so bad after all.
“It’s been in my family for years.” My pride falters as I recall why I’m here. “My parents inherited it from my grandfather when I was young. It was well revered when he was alive, but it’s far from what it was when Pop was at the helm.” I reach back to rub the tense muscles in my neck. “Their hearts just weren’t in it.” It’s probably best I wait to see how this date goes before I admit they drained every dime from the place they could get their greedy hands on. Lifting my crystal tumbler to my lips, I take a sip, hoping the burn will distract me from my current reality. “They didn’t appreciate the value in the vineyard as he did.”
My head falls under the weight of my disappointment at what’s become of my grandfather’s legacy. “I have a lot of work to do, but I’m determined to get it back to what it was in its heyday.”
Handing Sydney a menu, I break from this heavy revelation to review the selections. Everything here is always fantastic. I settle on the ribeye, and Sydney orders the petite filet with Bearnaise. I add a side of asparagus in Hollandaise and crusty bread to share, grateful for the relaxed exchange with this beautiful stranger.
My gaze drifts from my date’s face to the buxom brunette over her shoulder. I flash a grin at her, silently hoping she won’t feel the need to stop by our table. Returning my attention to my tablemate, I press on. “Are you from around here? It’s nice to meet someone who hasn’t heard of the winery.”
Hmm. That probably came out wrong. But I’d prefer the opportunity to give her a tour so she can visualize its potential instead of hearing what a dump it’s turned into from someone else.
“No. I actually grew up in New York. I moved to Virginia for my residency and just never left.”
“Hi, Sam.” Becca drops her well-manicured hand on my shoulder.
Good Lord. One night of debauchery with this leech and now every time I see her, she has to make a point of touching me. “Becca,” I answer. Just move the fuck along, please.
The server returns with our food, and thankfully Becca returns to wherever she came from. The steaks are sizzling on the plate, and the aroma is simply decadent. I welcome the change in focus.
I try to make eye contact with Sydney, both to apologize for the interruption and ask if everything is to her liking, when I catch a familiar redhead waving at me from the bar. Hell. What is her name? Candy? Ashley? She’s alone, a deep green dress molded to her body like a second skin, her toned legs crossed, and a glass of wine held up to her bright red lips. Yeah, I got nothing.
“Would you like another glass of wine?” Julie asks. But her attention isn’t on my date. She’s fixed on me, biting on her lower lip. Good lord. Between my reputation and my perceived family wealth, it might be easier to pick up the vineyard and move it to another state than try to find a woman who can help me salvage it in this town. If this keeps up, there’s not a chance in hell I’ll get anywhere with Sydney. And the time for playing the field is over.
“No. I think I’ve had enough. Thank you,” Sydney snaps. There’s no hiding the bite in her tone.
Fuck. My playboy lifestyle is clearly encroaching on this date. “This looks really good, doesn’t it, Sydney?”
“Yes. Yes, it does,” her response is curt.
I pick up my cutlery and begin slicing the tender ribeye, trying to figure out how to get this night back on track. I put my utensils back down. “Sydney, I need to apologize. Sometimes when I’m out, I forget myself. I’m so heavily invested in turning my family’s business around that I feel like I’m in constant public relations mode.”
She quirks a brow. Admittedly, the only people attempting to engage with me tonight are women. And they’re not exactly patrons of the winery unless they’re hanging on a paying customer’s arm.
“Sutter Creek has been the location of many a gathering, from wine expos to book launches to town festivals. We’ve gotten a lot of traffic in the past, and I try to make personal connections where I can so people will return to the tasting room. I need to learn how to shut that off. Please forgive me if it appears my attention has been focused elsewhere. I’m really honored to share this evening with you.”
She leans back in her chair, her posture appearing more relaxed. So I pick up my utensils and cut into my food.
“Sam, do you mind my asking why you need a dating app, given your popularity?”
Hell. How do I put this?
“I’m getting older, but not necessarily wiser.” I smile at her, a little embarrassed by the admission. “I need to settle down.” I reach to rub the tense muscles behind my neck again. The very thought of settling down is stress-provoking. This whole thing seems ridiculous. I’m the last person who should be considering a committed relationship.
“I haven’t made the best choices in female companionship. The app allows me to be more…” I try to consider my words carefully. “Discerning.” Lifting my knife to point in Sydney’s direction as if to make my point, I add, “Exhibit A.”
Her cheeks blush. She probably thinks I’m flirting with her. In reality, I’m confessing how incredibly shallow my life has been since I discovered girls at the ripe old age of fifteen.
“Tell me about yourself. Your bio online said that you were a doctor,” I say between bites.
“I’m a surgeon. I went into medical school fully planning to become an Ob/Gyn. I wanted to help couples bring new life into the world. But I did a medical mission abroad one summer with Operation Smile and fell in love with surgery. The ability to transform someone’s life. What an incredible gift it is.”
