Page 37 of The Pretender
“I was dating a coworker who ended up being promoted and becoming my manager. Things didn’t go well after that, and I ended up salvaging the pride I had left and resigning. The more I looked for a new job, the more I realized my heart wasn’t in it anymore. I didn’t want to be another rat in the race. I didn’t want to be cutthroat or hurt people to get what I wanted. I did some heavy soul searching, and after spending time thinking about what I wanted for my future, I knew coming home was the right move.”
He turns and looks at his father.
“I’m sorry I didn’t realize sooner what an opportunity this is. I guess I had to grow up and spread my wings a little first.”
“Goes with the territory,” Guiliano says. “The maturing bit. It hasn’t been all roses and honey for me and Nantes either. You didn’t fail the family.”
“Not at all,” Salvo says. “You came back at the right time.”
Deo nods, but his gaze stays fixed on his dad. Larry has his hands folded on the table, looking down at his empty plate.
“Dad?”
Larry lifts his head, his brow creased and eyes dark with intensity. “All I ever wanted—” His voice cracks as he speaks and he clears his throat. “I wanted one of my sons to take up the mission. I always hoped you’d come back someday, so I’m happy. Real damn happy.”
Deo exhales, a relieved smile spreading over his pretty face. “I’m gonna work my ass off to make Robin’s Grove Vineyard everything it can be.”
I immediately wonder why it’s not named after the family, but I’ll ask that later. Right now, I just want to support Deo as best I can. I owe him that much for letting me stay here. At least I can do a good deed for this family while I figure out how to handle my situation back home.
It’s clear from all my missed calls and texts that Vin doesn’t have any immediate plans to let this go, and attempting to reason with him is a fool’s mission. For now, staying out of sight, tucked away in a small town in the Midwest is my best option.
Janice rises from the table. “Who wants coffee?”
Nantes joins his mom in the kitchen while Sofie and Nonna clear the dessert plates. Giuliano helps his family with the table while Larry and Salvo chat quietly. Brogan gets a mischievous look on their face as they lean across the table toward us.
“You’re going to Madison tomorrow?”
Deo nods. “Yeah. Balt needs to shop for more casual clothing.”
“Can I come? There’s a vintage shop downtown that should have gotten a shipment this week.”
“Yeah, of course.” Deo glances over his shoulder. “What’s going on here?” He’s practically whispering. “Why is everyone so chill?”
Brogan shrugs. “Just like you, I think people did some growing. I think our dads are relieved you’re back. PS, I couldn’t tell you about my dad. They made me promise so you wouldn’t feel bad.”
“I figured. I was expecting to get a lot more shit. Even Nantes and Guiliano are being nice.”
“They weren’t not nice before, you were just a little brother. Everyone is knocking on forty now. People mature, even older brothers.”
“I guess you’re right.” Deo leans back in his chair. “I had so much anxiety coming back, but now I’m really glad I did. I think I can help turn things around.”
“I hope so. We really need it to work.”
“Do you work at the vineyard?” I ask.
Brogan shakes their head. “I help out sometimes, but I’m the proverbial starving artist. Still trying to make a name for myself,but it’s harder being in the Midwest. I’m not moving to either coast though.” He scrunches his face up. “I’m a Wisconsin babe.”
“How’s that been going?” Deo asks.
Brogan shrugs. “Up and down. A year ago, I sold a few pieces at a charity auction, but the excitement fizzled right after that event. I’ve had some interest online, but not enough to pay the bills. Thank fuck for the family compound.”
“What kind of art?” I ask.
Brogan turns to me. “Mixed media sculpture. I make things out of scraps.”
Deo smiles at his cousin. “It’s really cool stuff.”
“I guess so,” Brogan says as a smile tugs at their lips. “But I am a little tired of struggling, and if the vineyard fails, we’ll all have to get new jobs.”
