AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Zoe.” I pulled her into my side. We stood at a bar in the center of the boat, wine tasting selections in front of us, a low murmur of voices from a surprising number of people all around on a Friday afternoon. “I don’t absolutely hate wine. It’s fine.”
“You’re sure?”
“Positive. Let’s give this a shot.”
As we made our way down the wines, tasting each one, I tried not to make a face. Some were better than others, but wine really wasn’t my thing.
“Maybe if I end up in the Finger Lakes I’ll develop a taste for it,” I said offhandedly. It only took me a few seconds to realize there was nothing offhanded about that comment.
“About that,” she said.
“About that,” I repeated.
“I’ll have the pinot noir,” Zoe said as the attendant made his way to us. Now that we’d tasted the wines and it was time for a full glass, I went with the least bad option.
“That first white for me,” I said.
Wines in hand, we made our way from the middle of the large, bar-outfitted pontoon boat to a seat near the back of the boat. With one hand holding the wine and the other draped behind Zoe’s back, I clinked her glass with mine. “To one week.”
“Almost,” she said, a twinkle in her eye.
“Don’t remind me.” Last Friday had been a disaster. But that was the thing about expectations. They often led to disappointment. “About that,” I said again after a sip.
“Talk to me, Nate.”
“Like I said, college just isn’t in me. Never has been.”
“It’s not for everyone.”
“True enough. Like I was telling Lucas, I’d gotten used to the idea of the restaurant, but I’m just not feeling one of my own. Though the idea of business ownership appeals.”
“Being your own boss.”
“Among other things, yes.”
“What else about it appeals to you?”
I thought of Lucas’s tattoo parlor. “Building something, I guess. Its success is dependent on you and no one else.”
“I could see how that would be a bright spot for a competitive guy like you.”
I didn’t deny it.
“So you’re thinking of business ownership. But not a restaurant? So, what instead?”
“Great question. I wish I had a talent, like Lucas. But I’m just a guy who enjoys drinking a beer every once in a while. Catching a game. Talking dirty to his girl. Not anything to hang my hat on, you know?”
“It’ll come to you. I’m sure of it. Just keep putting it out there into the universe.”
I wasn’t sure that would do the trick but Zoe seemed to think so, so I kept my mouth shut on that particular point.
“But the other question is, where?”
“Undetermined.”
“Well, I’m biased, but. . .” Zoe looked around the lake. “This is a pretty sweet spot. Lakeside living. Lots of wineries.” She giggled.
“I love your laugh.”
