Page 94 of Sweet Escape

“Thanks for taking time to chat,” I say, looking at Micah and Murphy, who sit across from me in the two chairs facing my desk.

“This feels very formal,” Murphy jokes. “I don’t think you’ve ever called a meeting for the three of us before.”

“Well, hopefully, that’s about to change.”

Micah and Murphy look at each other briefly, then back at me.

“I’ve made some decisions about the vineyard. About the future and what I want it to look like. But it only works if we’re all on board,” I start. “With Dad announcing me as CEO, my first act as CEO is going to be ... stepping down.”

Murphy’s head jerks back dramatically, and Micah’s eyes narrow the slightest bit.

“This vineyard is something I love. Something in my blood. And I want it to succeed more than anything. But I think to really move us forward, it can’t just belong to me. It needs to belong to all of us,” I say, turning my computer so it’s facing them.

Displayed on the screen is a mockup of a new organizational structure. It’s mostly modeled after the one Micah created and presented a few weeks ago, but with a few adjustments.

“Does that sayI’min charge of the restaurant?” Murphy asks, disbelief on her face.

“Not just the restaurant,” I clarify, pointing to some of the other elements. “You would be the hospitality director, overseeing the restaurant, events, the tasting room, and tours. All of the forward-facing stuff. And Micah, you would be vineyard management. So that includes winemaking, land and facility management, bottling, and the warehouse.”

My eyes flick between both of them, trying to decipher by their facial expressions how they’re receiving the information.

“And I would oversee business operations. So, admin, marketing, finances, human resources, and wholesale distribution.”

Then I go on to highlight how that would impact our staff. Aunt Sarah working under Murphy with events, and Naomi in charge of the landscape and seasonal crew. Edgar overseeing the lab and how the rest of the full-time staff would then shuffle under me.

“I realize it’s a lot to take in. It would be a big change.”

“Ahugechange,” Murphy interjects.

“I already have a feeling that Micah is on board, since the idea of a restructure was actually his.”

I glance at my brother, who nods at me.

“It looks great, Memphis. Really,” he says, giving me that quiet grin of his that says I have his approval.

“So, Murph. I want to be clear, there’s no pressure here. I would love for this to be the three of us, managing it all together. But I know that songwriting is important to you, and I want you to be able to pursue your passions.” I pause, trying to make sure I really drive it home. “But if you’re interested, if this sounds good to you, I think you would do an incredible job. I’ve been watching you thrive in the restaurant over the past few months, and the truth is ... I don’t need to be there. You have it all under control.”

I’ve never been the most eloquent person, so I hope I’m able to adequately express to my sister how proud I am of her and what a great job she’s doing.

“What would you do if I said no?” she asks, still looking unsure.

“I can ask Sarah to step into that role instead,” I offer. “Or I’m sure there are other ways to move forward. But I’ll only do that if you don’t want it.”

She lets out a sigh, glancing at Micah and then at me.

And then her eyes begin to well with tears.

“You really think I can handle all of that?” she asks. “What if I mess it up?”

“Youwillmess up. Just like I have, and just like Micah has. But that’s why we’d be doing it together. So when one of us struggles, we aren’t facing it alone.”

Murphy watches me for a long minute, then her eyes return to my screen.

“Murphy Hawthorne, hospitality director,doeshave a nice ring to it,” she says, her lips tilting up at the sides. “I’m gonna be honest, Memphis. This terrifies me. But there’s something inside me saying that this is the right move. I love writing music, and it’s something that will always be part of me. As much as I haven’t ever wanted to admit it,this vineyard is part of me, too. And I want to help. I want to make it better. So ... count me in.”

I smile, a sense of gratitude for my siblings and their big, incredible hearts coming over me. For their ability not only to believe in me, but to believe in each other and the possibilities ahead of us.

Letting out a long sigh, I decide that now is the time to be honest with them about the finances. Brutally honest. So that they have a full picture before they sign on.

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