Page 16 of One Week Wingman

Natalia stares at me. “You’re really interested?”

“One hundred percent,” I say confidently, already thinking of how I’m going to swing this. The savings I’ve been socking aside, a lawyer friend for the paperwork. The guys here at the bar will support me, I know, and—

Natalia bursts out laughing.

Which isn’t exactly the reaction I was hoping for.

“I’m sorry,” She recovers, still hooting with laughter. “But I already told you, I know your reputation.”

“Then you know I have exquisite taste, and a great eye for business,” I frown, trying not to be offended by her reaction.

“And zero sense of commitment or understanding of what it means to grow a family company,” Natalia adds, smiling. “Sorry, Sebastian, but we’re looking for someone serious.”

“I’m perfectly serious,” I tell her, my determination growing. “I want to grow something like the vineyard—literally and figuratively.”

Natalia pauses, as if she’s finally realizing that I mean business. “Look, I know it might seem fun to you,” she says. “But my family vineyard isn’t your next flavor of the week. You can’t just swoop in, then drop it after a few months, the way you do with all your hot new liquor brands—and women,” she adds, with a knowing look.

Ouch. That one smarts.

“I’m not going to lie to you,” I say, hands up in surrender. “I know my track record isn’t the best in that department,”—to say the least—“But that’s only because… I haven’t found the right fit. But I’m ready for something more,” I announce, thinking of the vineyard. “A real commitment.”

“You’re ready to settle down?” She raises one incredulous eyebrow.

I clear my throat. With a girlfriend? Not in the slightest, but what’s a little exaggeration if it can get me closer to my dream?

“Absolutely,” I reply quickly. “In fact, I’m seeing someone right now,” I blurt. “It’s pretty serious,” I add, trying to ignore the twinge of guilt at my bald-faced lie.

Natalia doesn’t look convinced.

“I’m planning to propose,” I add, crossing my fingers under the table. The chaplain at my old boarding school would be saying a few ‘Our Father’s’ by now, but surely the ends justify the means if it gets me a meeting with Franco Modesto?

“I didn’t realize,” Natalia says, looking thoughtful. “Was this recent?”

“Yes. But she knocked me off my feet,” I elaborate. “Couldn’t help myself. I’m a changed man.” I flash her my most trustworthy smile—sorry, Chaplain Fergus. “Why don’t I sit down with your father, and we can talk more? I’m sure once we meet, he’ll see that I could be a great partner in the vineyard.”

Natalia pauses, assessing me. Then she shrugs. “Sure, a meeting couldn’t hurt. Why don’t we set up something this week?”

Yes!

“… You can bring this girlfriend of yours,” she adds, and my brief sense of victory plummets.

“I, uh, I’m not sure if she’s available this week—” I try to say, but Natalia just fixes me with a shrewd smile.

“Like I said, this is afamilyoperation. A long-term commitment. And if this woman is going to be part of your future…”

Fuck.

“Of course,” I say smoothly. “We’ll make it happen.”

“Looking forward to it!”

Natalia sails off, and I sit there a moment, tasting the rest of the wine. Despite my not-so-little white lie, my mind is already racing about the possibility of this partnership.

A vineyard of my own.

I feel a shiver of excitement. I’m certain, once I get in a room with Natalia’s father, I can close the deal, the way I’ve closed every other deal I’ve ever chased. There’s just this small hiccup of a fake girlfriend to resolve…

It’s a good thing I already have a willing volunteer.

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