Page 46 of Let it Breathe
"Okay. What job?"
"Well, I remember we had a conversation at Danny's wedding about how you wanted to create a destination for events and overnight stays at Darielle."
"Yes."
"Well, created it at Hennings." He scowled like I was stupid for not thinking of it before. "I have new partners, and he wanted to focus on that part of the business. When I heard his plan, I thought of you."
"I don't know." I bit my lip.
"Well, at least come out and meet with us." He rolled his eyes.
Max returned with my to-go order. I grabbed my wallet, but Mr. Henning had already dropped two twenties on the bar. Now, I felt obligated.
"Okay," I heard myself say, but I wasn't ready.
I wasn't ready to dive into something this big. I wasn't ready to be disappointed again. I was still getting over my last couple of disappointments.
"Two o'clock at Hennings number three," Mr. Hennings said as we walked out of the restaurant. He jumped into his convertible Porsche and waved. "Bring your ideas."
I waved and watched him drive off.
"Ideas?" I had ideas running through my brain as I crossed the street and ran up the stairs to my house.
* * *
Ispentthe rest of the week condensing my ideas. Turning what I figured would always be a dream into some semblance of a profitable business model. I’d done most of the work in my head years ago. It was what I wanted to bring to my family’s business. It was how I wanted to contribute, but it would take money. Money my family’s business never had. We were too small and too fragile.
My parents were currently in Tuscany for harvest. My mom sent me pictures of my dad making wine. Seeing how much joy he had now made me realize how unhappy he was here in Sonoma. He never looked like he was enjoying it as much when he actual owned the business. Mom said he rediscovered his passion for life now that he didn't have to worry about paying for it. He could immerse himself back in his family’s history, the real legacy of our family. Even though we didn't own a vineyard anymore, it was still a part of us.
Seeing my parents happy helped me forgive my brother. I called him to tell him about Mr. Hennings’ offer.
"You got this, Chai. You know this stuff. Just go in there and present it to him like you love it," CJ said.
"He doesn't care if I love it. He cares if it's going to make him money," I said while flipping through my notes for the millionth time.
"Hennings’ Winery is worth over forty million; he can afford your wildest ideas."
CJ laughed, and it was good to hear. His guilt over what happened weighed on him, but he was working through it. I didn't need to add to it.
"How are you doing?" I asked.
"I'm great," he answered.
"And the year of no responsibility?"
"Going according to plan." He laughed, and it made me smile. "I'm happy, Chai. You need to get happy, too."
"Working on it." I made another note.
We both were silent of for a moment, not sure if anything needed to be said.
"Well, I’d better get back to work."
"You're going to be great," he said.
"Thanks, CJ." It felt nice that were on the same side again. After all, we were family.
God, I hope he's right.
