Page 30 of Kisses Sweeter than Wine

“Does she know about Daisy?”

“She knows there was someone I loved once who died. But I haven’t told her about how she reminds me of her,” Merlot said.

“Maybe that’s a conversation you need to have. Perhaps you can get past it if you vocalize it to the person it’s directed to.”

Merlot knew his sister was right. “I will take your advice and talk to her when the time is right.”

The door burst open and their frazzled mother came barreling into the room. “Are you two done in here?”

“We are,” Merlot said.

“Good. Good.” His mother nodded. “I need another fire put out. Since Zinny went home, Chablis, can you help the twins at the wine table? Merlot, I need you to come with me.”

“Can’t someone else help you? I want to spend some time with my date.” He glanced at his watch. “I’ve left her alone now for forty minutes.”

“Talbot’s with your father and she’s having a grand time. This won’t take too long.” His mother yanked him right off the stool.

“It better not,” he mumbled. When his mom got like this, there was no arguing with her, so he better hop to it so he could get back to the party and the pretty lady in red.

Talbot

Talbot glanced around the room at all the familiar faces. She’d said hello to a dozen people she’d known from childhood and each one had given her a funny look, but no one said a word about how much she looked like dead Daisy.

Thank God for small favors.

“How are you holding up?” Carter handed her a glass of wine. It was her second and if she wasn’t careful, she wouldn’t be driving home.

“Hanging tough,” she said. “I figure if I can hang out for another hour or so, I can call it a night.”

“Weezer had Merlot jumping through hoops. You should be able to make your escape soon.”

“I can’t thank you enough for doing this. It’s tough to resist your son’s charms.”

“I’m sorry this isn’t easier for you,” Carter said. “I do need to mingle a little bit. You are welcome to hang by my side if you like.”

“I nearly slipped up when I saw Brooklyn.”

“I did notice that.”

“Would it be okay if I stepped outside and walked toward the vineyards?”

“Please, be my guest.” Carter patted her shoulder. “If I run into Merlot, what should I tell him?”

“That I went to the ladies’ room. Or that the last time you saw me I was conversing with someone. Anything to keep him from looking for me outside.”

“I’ve got your back. No worries.” Carter strolled off into the crowd.

She took her wine and scurried off out the side door. She took in a deep breath, enjoying the evening air. It was a warm night. A little humid, but she didn’t care. She was lucky that bugs and mosquitos didn’t like her much. She made her way down the lighted path that led toward the vineyard. When she’d been a teenager, this had been her safe place. She could come to the winery and all her troubles would vanish instantly.

The River family treated her with kindness.

Not pity.

They provided her with a safe harbor and all the love in the world. Leaving them had been the most challenging thing she’d ever done.

“There you are,” Merlot’s voice rang out, landing on her ears like hot fudge melting over an ice cream sundae.

She paused, turning slowly.

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