Page 14 of On the Fly
“How do you know that?” she asked, reaching in the backseat for her purse and computer bag.
“They’re waiting on you.”
Her inner dread double-timed inside her. She was certain the panic reached her face. “Oh no,” she groaned and reached for her suitcase. The guy chuckled and took the case out of her hands and the laptop strap off her shoulder.
“I’ve got your bags, ma’am. Take this ticket and call downstairs when you need your car. I’ll get these to Gina, and she’ll set them up in your room. They’re waiting for you.”
The clack of her stepmother’s high heels and the thud of her father’s much more lumbered steps caused her to paste a fake smile on her face and turn their direction.
“Hi, I’m sorry—” She started to explain, but her stepmother’s displeasure and stern words cut her off.
“Emma, you’re late. The whole party’s been waiting on you.”
“I’m sorry. I got tied up at work.” Which was a total lie. She’d thought the five o’clock check-in meant something along the lines of an estimate and had taken the scenic route instead of driving straight there. “Hi, Dad.”
Her father smiled. A direct contrast to her stepmom’s disappointment. All she could see was the fatigue he wore on his face. He looked tired and older than his sixty years. Emma reached up to kiss his cheek as her stepmother called out loud enough for everyone to hear. “She’s finally here. Let’s load up. We’ve already missed quite a bit of the winery tour.”
Emma looked down at the new trendy capri pantsuit she’d bought for her presentation and the high heel shoes she still wore. “I don’t have time to change?”
“Of course you don’t have time to change.” Patty’s exasperation couldn’t have been clearer. “We’re already twenty minutes behind schedule. Lon, get everyone to board the bus for me.”
Her father gave Emma a commiserating lift of the brows before turning to the intimidating crowd. Her dad was a quiet man. He’d never be able to manage the large crowd, but luckily didn’t have to. Patty’s directive had been loud enough to get everyone’s attention.
“At least let me get my tennis shoes out of my luggage.” A little panicked, she hurriedly turned back to see her car pulling away and the edge of her suitcase disappearing inside the house.
Her dad threw an arm around her shoulders. “Come on, honey. She’s got this weekend timed to the minute. It’s not going to do to lollygag. You know how she is when she’s got a plan.” He smiled down at her and gave her a squeeze.
Emma had no choice but to follow. With her purse tucked under her arm, still wearing her presentation suit, and her power high heels clicking on the concrete, she stood out in stark contrast to the other guests already in their casual vacation clothes. Oh, this was going to be horrible.
Chapter 7
“Babe, can’t you stay?”
Ander shook his head, not letting himself get distracted again. His mother’s gentle persuasion had kept him much later than he’d intended. They sat in the comfortable chairs in the cozy living space in the small section of the house she’d carved out as her home. He’d enjoyed his dinner and conversation, but he had to get back to work.
“I’ve got too much to do before our family call.” He pushed out of his chair and drained his wineglass before setting it on the coffee table.
“Have you had too much to drink?” his mother asked with that mom glare that dared him to give her anything but the absolute truth.
He looked at his watch. “I think two glasses of wine in three hours is okay.”
“I just hate to see you go.” She reached out a hand, and he pulled her to her feet. She gave him a pout, but then her smile returned. “Fine. Go to the front of the house to the valet. They’ll have your keys and can bring your car around. I’m glad you came, Ander. It did my heart some good. I’ve missed your father and all my kids are scattered around the world. I never see you. I needed this.”
Since he was a little boy, he had a weakness where his mother was concerned. She could wrap him around her finger so easily and get her way. Even when he saw it for what it was, he still wanted nothing more than to make her happy. No one else had that power over him. He’d hated upsetting her by not visiting more, but his dad hadn’t wanted him, or he’d have included Ander over the years, the many times Ander had asked to be part of their family company.
Instead of saying that, he accepted her hug and stayed quiet. “You seem to be handling things well enough.”
“Having the bed and breakfast helps. I love the work. I’ve started helping with the details of various weddings. I love being a part of a couple’s expression of love. I’m even doing some of the bridal bouquets, as long as they aren’t too intricate.” She pulled back from the hug and patted his arms as though she didn’t want to let him go.
He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and walked them toward the door.
“Let me walk you downstairs. I’m sure the guests are back.” She glanced at her dainty silver watch. “They’re having a late dinner out front in a few minutes. The valet will bring your car to the main drive instead of the circle so you don’t bother the guests already mingling out front.”
He still hadn’t gotten over the changes to his childhood home, but he couldn’t deny the benefit to his mother.
“You need a girlfriend, son. Someone to share your life with,” his mother said as they reached the top of the stairwell that would let them out through a hidden doorway near the kitchen.
“Yeah, on that note, I’m out of here.” He let her go, but she held on to his waist.
