Page 57 of The Estate
“No. I don’t think it’s weird… just unexpected,” she finished. “I didn’t realize,” she stumbled over the words. “I mean, I didn’t know you had such specific plans.”
Cal couldn’t put his finger on why exactly, but something was off with Rachel. Had he said something to upset her?
“Well,” he replied slowly, trying to avoid any verbal land mines. “As I’ve been renovating, I’ve been thinking and dreaming. The labyrinth was something Jacks introduced me to a few years ago. I don’t exactly have the patience to walk through like she does, but I found myself fascinated. Even if she argues I can’t fully appreciate them.”
“From the little I know of Jacks,” Rachel laughed, “That makes perfect sense.”
“Drives her nuts that I rush too fast,” he chuckled. “I thought the opposite end of the patio garden would be a good location, close enough to the ocean so you can hear the waves.”
“That sounds lovely.”
“Thanks. But before I did any additional expansion, I’d make sure the estate could not only sustain itself but also start paying back into the trust.”
“You want to extend the trust?” asked Rachel.
“Extend if possible, or start a new one. I just know that over the years, having that money set aside to help care for this property has been a godsend. My desire is to do that for future caretakers.”
“Would you take the final payout from the trust?”
“I would. Although, I’d like to avoid taking all of it, but that’s probably not realistic. I’d want to do some work on the kitchen so it’s more event friendly. And rehab the barn and purchasedistillery equipment. Those are the biggest expenditures for a tasting room and distillery.
"If I can grow the events beyond weddings that can sustain the estate while I get the distillery up and running. It will take time getting licensing and permits. And finally, recipes and distilling.”
Rachel appeared as if she were about to say something, but seemed to change her mind.
“What is it?” he asked. “You not a big fan of whiskey?” he laughed even while his stomach twisted a bit.Did she think his dreams were stupid?
“No,” she replied quickly. “I do like whiskey, although I can’t say I’ve tasted many, so I really know nothing about it.
“The distillery sounds great. I think if you refitted the barn like you did the chapel, it would become a breathtaking location. One that could have its own events as well.”
“That’s true. Actually, I was thinking besides having events at the distillery, I could incorporate it into the wedding packages or retreat offerings. Like this weekend’s wedding, you saw how the couple had some really specific requests, like the pinball machines. I think people would appreciate something unique they could add to their wedding, or retreat, or gala experience.”
“That’s a fantastic idea, Cal,” she agreed.
He smiled, enjoying her enthusiasm. He was quickly becoming addicted to her praise and acknowledgment of his efforts. She saw so much of him it was scary and exhilarating at the same time. Kind of like riding a roller coaster.
“Is it still okay,” she asked as they neared the house. “If I stop by to see the arcade wedding tomorrow night?”
“Sure thing,” he agreed. “That way you’ve seen all aspects of an event from inquiry to execution.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it,” she bit her lip, hesitating.
Cal couldn’t stop from zeroing in on her mouth. He wanted to reach up and rescue that bit of lip. Maybe even take a nibble for himself. He dragged his gaze away back to her eyes, “What is it?” he asked, his voice rough.
“I was wondering if it would be alright for my sister to join me? She’s dying to have a look at the inside since you refurbished it,” she added in a rush, as if he would deny her.
He cleared his throat and agreed, “Oh, you should certainly bring her.” She should bring her sister for so many reasons. He loved that she’d been talking about his renovations. Beside Jess had given them a lot of help recently. He’d treat them both to dinner after they checked out the reception. “I’d love to meet her in person.”
“Thank you, Cal,” Rachel beamed. “She’s really going to love seeing it. And I’d like to share it with her. My sister and I… well, we’ve been working on our relationship.”
“Oh,” he said quietly, hesitant to push, but hoping she confided in him.
She sighed and looked out over the lawn. “We had a rough couple of years, but sort of found each other again and have been trying to regain the close friendship we had when we were growing up. In many ways, my sister has been starting her life over. Personally. Professionally. So we’re kind of in our own fresh start.
“After my parents died,” she continued, seemingly lost in her thoughts. “I felt as if I had no family anymore. Jess wasn’t around. I had to shoulder it all. Alone. The police notification.Making funeral arrangements. Telling extended family of my parent’s passing. Dealing with their estate.
“I felt so isolated. My parents’ friends helped, but they had their own families and lives to attend to and we didn’t really have any other family. Jess was really it, as far as that goes.”
