Page 80 of The Close-Up
The couple who held the door for Amy walks toward us, and I realize it’s Cole and Tamara.
Cole’s cheery face lights up as he sees Simon. “Hey, man! What are you doing here?”
The two shake hands, and Simon introduces Cole and Tamara to his mom and grandma. He explains that I’m filming Simon’s family for an episode.
“My younger sister, Amy, was the one who almost ran you over when you walked outside,” Simon says.
“What brings you two to Napa?” I ask.
The two glance at each other, both of them biting back smiles.
“A bit of a romantic getaway,” Cole says. “I asked Tamara last night at dinner to marry me again. We’re renewing our vows.”
Tamara holds up her left hand, showcasing the brand-new silver band lined with delicate diamonds that Cole surprised her with. Miriam and Barbara both squeal and offer their congratulations. Simon and I stand up and congratulate them both with hugs.
Cole turns to Simon, his blue eyes glassy. He clears his throat. “We wouldn’t be here today if it hadn’t been for you. I’m sure everyone you work with would say the same. Thank you. For what you did to help us get to this point.”
The look on Simon’s face melts me. Pure joy for Cole and Tamara.
“You’re the ones who did the hard work,” he says. “I’m so happy for you both.”
Miriam and Barbara pester Tamara for the details on the proposal, which Tamara happily gives. Then they dive into questions about the vow renewal.
Everything about Tamara glows: the red lipstick she’s wearing, her deep brown eyes, the rosy hue of her cheeks.
“We’re still hammering out the details, but we’re hoping to do it next month sometime.”
“And it would mean the world to us if you could come, Simon,” Cole says.
I could swear I see Simon’s eyes glisten as he beams at Cole and Tamara. He tells them an enthusiastic yes. Then he signals a server and orders a bottle of champagne and fresh glasses. A minute later we’re all toasting to Cole and Tamara. People at the nearby tables look over and cheer in celebration.
Just then Amy walks back to the table, hand on her stomach, and plops down in her chair.
“I threw up,” she mumbles. “Twice.”
Her mom presses her palm to her forehead. “You do feel a bit warm, sweetie.”
Simon asks the server for a big glass of water. When it arrives, Amy downs it in a few gulps.
She glances at Simon, dark bags forming under her otherwise dewy eyes. “I take it back. I should have listened to you, big brother. That was way, way too much wine.”
Instead of gloating like some big brothers would, Simon pats her shoulder and tells her he’ll take her back to the hotel as soon as everyone finishes their champagne. Cole’s and Tamara’s expressions turn and insist that we don’t have to stick around for them.
Amy insists she’ll be fine, then she smiles weakly and congratulates them.
“I can drive you back to the hotel in my rental, Amy.” I turn to Barbara and Miriam. “That way you all can stay and take your time finishing the champagne.”
“I’ll come with you,” Simon says, standing up.
I start to object but Simon insists and helps hoist Amy out of the chair. “I’ve helped her enough times when she’s been sick to know that it’s a two-person job.”
Amy wrinkles her nose but mutters a thanks as she leans her weight on him. Miriam and Barbara pop up to give them hugs and kisses good-bye. Cole and Tamara wish us good luck with Amy and thank Simon once more for the champagne.
I walk alongside Simon as he helps Amy walk back into the building, then out to the parking lot to my rental car. Simon buckles her into the backseat and takes the front seat while I get behind the wheel.
“I don’t feel so good,” Amy mutters.
I look in my rearview mirror as I pull out of the parking lot and head to the hotel.
