Page 21 of Operation Sunshine
The sommelier finished his explanation with a flourish. “And now, my friends, let’s all take a moment to appreciate the deep complexities of this fine Shiraz. Take a sip. Let it breathe. Don’t rush it. Wine is like love. It needs time.”
Ben was about to take his first sip when Franco leaned in close, his voice low. “Don’t let the fancy talk fool you,” he whispered. “The real test is how quickly you can drink it before the next round.”
Ben tried to stifle a laugh but failed. His previous world had demanded rules and order, and Franco’s irreverence was fast becoming a breath of fresh air. Despite his initial inclination to kick against Franco’s easy-going nature, Ben was starting to find he liked its unpredictability.
The wine hit his tongue, and Ben couldn’t help but notice its smoothness. It wasn’t as terrible as he’d anticipated.
He wasn’t about to let Franco see him enjoying ittoomuch, however.
Ben set his glass down with a deliberateclink. “I’ll admit it’s not awful.”
Franco’s eyes lit up with obvious mischief. “See? Itoldyou. All you needed was the right kind of company.” Then he widened his eyes. “Wait—did you swallow? You’re not supposed to swallow.”
It was all Ben could do not to choke.
Judging by that evil little grin, Franco knew exactly what he was doing.
“Now, try the next one.”
Before Ben could respond, Franco had already whisked him away to the next table, where another wine was being poured, this one a deep cream colour.
Ben was still trying to figure out why Franco was so insistent on dragging him through this maze of wine and conversation when a familiar voice came from behind him.
“I don’t believe it. He got you here.”
Ben turned to find Chloe smiling at him with a wicked glint in her eyes. Although he’d only met her a couple of times, he liked her natural, confident energy, but he’d also detected a sharp edge to her humour.
“Mr. Stoic himself, gracing us with his presence,” she teased.
Ben let out a dramatic sigh. “It’s his fault,” he said, pointing to Franco, whose grin proved him to be entirely unrepentant. “He roped me into it.”
Chloe laughed. “Of course he did. Franco could convince a fish to take a walk.”
Franco waggled his eyebrows. “You know it.”
“And what about you?” Ben asked. “Do you also take an interest in wine?”
She smiled. “Seeing as Ollie is training me to be a bartender, I think it’s a good idea, don’t you?”
Somehow Ben had missed that piece of information.
“Now, Chloe…” Franco gestured to the new white wine they were tasting. “What do you think of this one?” His tone lost its playful edge.
“Oh, so it’s business first this evening?” Chloe teased. She picked up a glass and swirled the wine around, tipping it to one side. “It’s got good legs.”
Ben blinked. “Ollie is clearly doing a good job.”
And maybe I’ve misjudged him.
She took a long sip. “And it’s smooth.” Her forehead creased into a faint frown. “A littletoosmooth, maybe. It reminds me of that time I went on a date with someone who was too nice. You know the type—the ones who make you feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie, and you’re just waiting for the plot twist.”
Ben raised his eyebrow. “You went on a date with someone who was toonice? Is that even possible?”
Chloe smirked. “Oh, honey, I’ve had all kinds of dates. Too nice, too grumpy, too into themselves.” She shrugged. “We’re talking the whole spectrum.”
“Sounds as if a lot of ’em didn’t make it past the first date,” Franco remarked with a teasing grin.
Chloe winked at him. “You’d be surprised. It’s amazing what a little self-awareness can do for you.” She took another sip, then sighed. “This wine, though... It’s like it’s trying too hard. It’s smooth, but there’s no bite. No kick.”
