Page 44 of Gone With the Wine

“They belong to Caparelli,” I say gently. “And Caparelli belongs to us.” I look at Rosa. “We need those grapes.”

Uncle Geno’s mouth tightens.

“We also need our wine,” I add staunchly.

His eyes widen. “Your wine? What are you talking about? You didn’t grow and harvest those grapes. You didn’t look after them while they were fermenting.”

He has a point there. But I don’t care. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. “Without wine, we have no way to make any money this season.”

“Well, that’s too bad. That’s what happens when you start a business.”

“Have you bottled the cabernet?” I ask.

Vitto shakes his head. “Not all of it.”

“I want it.”

Geno shakes his head sharply. “Absolutely not. We need it for the Carleo.”

Vitto rubs between his eyebrows.

I knew this would be a hard sell. “Look. People are talking about us. I’ve heard rumors and I’ve only been back a few days. I’ve heard that we’re supposedly going to sell Caparelli to you.”

“As if I’d pay you for it. It should be mine.” His words don’t sound very determined, though.

“But it’s not, and that’s what Nonna wanted. I also heard that you’re going to contest the will. Is that true?”

He hesitates. “I’ve talked to a lawyer about it.”

Also not unequivocal. He may have talked to the lawyer, but he hasn’t done anything. Yet. Maybe.

“People are talking about the family,” Rosa says. “Calling it a feud. Do you really want that?”

I lean forward. “Remember what Mr. Davenport said. Nonna’s greatest desire was that we remain a family, supporting each other, regardless of what happened with her will. She probably knew you wouldn’t be happy about losing Caparelli. I think she was trying to tell you that we need to stay family, no matter what.”

He says nothing.

“She’s not wrong,” Vitto says quietly to his dad.

I meet his eyes and dip my chin in thanks. That small amount of support encourages me. “We don’t want everyone in the county talking about us. We have a reputation for quality wines. We don’t want family drama to detract from that. Look what happened with the Mondavi family.”

Uncle Geno’s lips twist in acknowledgment.

I catch Rosa’s quickly hidden smile.

“Will you think about it? We’re working hard to make sure the grapes are healthy and harvested this season. We’re going to work hard to make sure we offer quality wines. It would be generous and gracious of you to help us in that way. Even if that’s the least you can do for us. For family.”

“You could think about it, Dad,” Vitto says. He looks back at me. “He’ll think about it.”

Uncle Geno just glowers.

I stand and glance at Rosa. She jumps to her feet.

“Thanks for your time this afternoon.” I smile at Uncle Geno and Vitto.

And we leave.

We’re quiet all the way along the paved pathway out front and across the parking lot. When we reach the car, Rosa turns to me. “Holy shit! You were amazing!”

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