Page 72 of Cru's Crush
On my way now.
Speed.
I pulledthrough the main gate when Alex sent the signal to open it, then drove up the winding road to the top of a hill, where their villa and winery sat.
Los Caballeros was one of the most beautiful ranches on earth, in my opinion, but even I had to admit Demetria was something special.
Alex and Maddox were outside, on the terrace, when I walked up after parking.
“What’s shakin’, bro?” said Alex when I sat at one of the bistro tables and poured myself the last glass of wine from an open bottle in front of me.
“Nothing much good.”
When she asked me to elaborate, I told her about Daphne’s father’s stroke and that Beau had said hisfather thought one of the Cullen House board members was attempting a hostile takeover.
“If that isn’t bad enough, Bit discovered a spread of Botrytis bunch rot.”
“We’ve got it too,” said Maddox. “Fucking climate change. Naught’s workin’ on it if you want me to send him your way.”
“I’d appreciate it.” Naughton was Maddox’s younger brother and something of a phenom in the wine industry. He was a viticulturist who was often referred to as the vine whisperer.
“I have a feeling there’s more,” said my sister, studying me.
When Alex’s eyes bored into mine, I knew I didn’t stand a chance. She had a way of needling people enough that they’d eventually cave and tell her everything she wanted to know.
“I proposed, and Daphne said yes.”
Alex jumped up, raced over, and hugged me from behind. “Congratulations!” She held up the empty bottle. “I think we need another.”
Maddox looked beyond me. “Hey, here’s Naughton now.”
As the two middle children of big families, Naught and I had always gotten along well.
“Los Cab has a Botrytis outbreak,” Maddox told him.
He shook his head. “Whole fuckin’ valley.”
“And the west side,” Maddox added.
“Not as bad, though. When did you find it?” he asked me.
“Bit did a few hours ago.”
He nodded. “What are you doin’ now?”
“He’s having another glass of wine,” said Alex, coming out with something sparkling.
Naughton stood and nudged me. “Come on. Let’s go save your harvest.”
“Hey, what about mine?” hollered Maddox.
“Los Cab’s fungus will spread to my vineyards. Yours won’t.”
I followed him to where I’d parked. “Meet you there?”
“Yeah. I gotta stop and pick up some shit, then I’ll be over. Did you let your crew go for the day?”
I nodded.
