Page 8 of Wine Whiskey & Lipstick

“Girl! Yo ass is from Chicago.” Palmer reminded her. “Don’t act brand new, like you don’t know your way around the internet or the good old U.S. of A. You couldn’t have found us a nice spa?”

“You asked for fresh air and mountains. At least you got that!” Cat couldn’t help but notice the peeling paint and missing shutters. “Anyway, the house might look a little in disrepair on the outside, but I’m sure the inside will be pleasant.”

Dillyn pulled the car up and parked. Both she and Palmer turned around and glared at Cat with expressions that saidit had better be.

An older gentleman in overalls and a young woman, who looked to be in her early twenties, came out onto the porch, wearing big smiles. “Afternoon, ladies. I’m Gavin Steele, and this is my daughter, Amber. Welcome to the Steele Orchard.”

Dillyn, Palmer, and Cat responded warmly in unison, “Hello!”

Gavin walked down the stairs. “Let me grab your bags, and Amber can show you to your rooms.”

“It’s such a pleasure to have you in our home.” Amber’s southern twang was strong. As they walked inside the house, Dillyn noticed that it wasn’t much better looking than the outside. Outdated floral-patterned wallpaper, turned pale from both the sun and time, was plastered throughout. The furniture had also seen better days . . . years ago. Dillyn did like all of the floor-to-ceiling windows. They ran throughout the lower level too. It allowed lots of sun to come inside, and she could use the light to boost her mood.

Dillyn sighed inwardly. The place was clean, and the Steeles seemed nice enough. At least they didn’t appear to be axe murderers or sex traffickers.

Amber settled Cat and Palmer, showing Dillyn to her room last. “This is a really nice suite,” Amber said. “We call it the yellow room.” She opened the door.

Dillyn’s eyes widened in amazement. She did her best not to laugh.Were they serious?Her room was a throwback toLittle House on the Prairie,andyellowwas an understatement. Nope, Laura Ingalls Wilder had a better decorator.

Did they do this on purpose?The walls, the floors, the curtains, and the bed coverings were all some version of that ghastly yellow color. It wasn’t short on frills, lace, and floral patterns either.Whoever decorated this house must have hated the place to do it such an injustice. It was too bad because the home, or at least the parts Dillyn had seen, was structurally beautiful.

“Please let me know if you need anything.” Amber continued to smile brightly.

Dillyn did her best to mask her thoughts as she returned her smile.Wine. I’m starting now. Please bring lots and lots of it.With a straight face, Dillyn managed to ask about dinner and refreshments. “Thank you so much for your hospitality. What time should we be down for dinner? And is it possible to get something to drink?”

“Dinner is in a couple of hours. We’re preparing a nice little barbecue for you and your friends in the backyard. And I just made a fresh batch of lemonade and sweet tea. Which would you prefer?”

“Dinner sounds great. Refreshment-wise,” Dillyn brought her thumb and forefinger close together but not touching, “I was thinking of something a wee bit stronger than that.”

“Got it.” Amber’s grin widened. “My dad makes the best wine from our peach trees. I can bring you a glass of that.”

Peach wine? Like a wine cooler?Again, Dillyn kept a straight face. “Peach wine. That...would be fantastic. Thank you.”

“Perfect. I’ll be right back.” Amber left and closed the door behind her.

Dillyn made sure to lock the door behind Amber and made a mental note of how solid it was. She then went and sat on the edge of the queen-sized canopy bed. “At least it’s comfortable,” she said to herself. Dillyn continued to check out the room. It also had several large floor-to-ceiling windows and one of the most incredible views Dillyn had ever seen. It was so picturesque that the burnt-orange-colored sky and the majesty of the mountains didn’t even look real. “Well, we did ask for a peaceful environment and fresh air. Cat delivered on that.” However, Dillyn took pleasure in knowing that the only alcohol on the premises was essentially peach schnapps. That was a great punishment for Cat half-assing the planning of their trip. Dillyn burst into laughter as she fell back on the bed and was swallowed up by the softness of the mattress.

*****

“Thanks for coming over.” Gavin waved to Ben. “Not sure what happened with the stove. It blew up just as our guests were arriving.”

“No problem. All you’ve done for our family, it’s the least I can do.” Gavin had been a good friend to Ben’s dad. Ben could see that he had been struggling to maintain his property. He hated that Gavin even had to open it up to strangers just to pay the bills. “We can set up a barbecue pit in the backyard, and I’ll have my sister whip up a few side dishes.”

“That would be great. I have a young fella working on the stove now. It should be fixed tonight but not in time for dinner. Can I repay you with a bottle of wine? I made it about ten years ago. It’s pretty good if I have to say so myself.”

“Thank you, but it’s not necessary. I’d hate to waste it since I’m not really a wine kind of guy. However, I do love a good bottle of whiskey.” Ben had heard rumors that Gavin made a great moonshine.

Gavin chuckled. “Well, between you and me, I’ve got a few bottles of the good stuff hidden in the shed.”

“I’ll definitely take that.” Although, he would have helped Gavin for nothing, Ben understood that folks didn’t like to feel as if you were giving them a handout. He accepted the bottle as payment.

“How long are you here for?” Gavin asked.

“I fly back to Chicago on Sunday.”

“I know your family must be glad to see you. It’s been a while since you’ve been home.”

It had been a while. Lana hadn’t been up for traveling much these days, not with a two-year-old. It was a valid excuse. But, if Ben were honest, Lana hadn’t been up for much of anything over the past few years. He could blame it on her being postpartum, but the truth was he and Lana were having problems well before the pregnancy. It had only gotten worse since Rylee was born. It wasn’t really Lana’s fault. Still, it was tough.

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