Page 43 of Kisses Sweeter than Wine

“I can’t. Not yet.”

“And why not?” Chablis asked. “What are you afraid of?”

“That I’ll either fly off the handle and be an even bigger prick, or worse. Take her to bed.”

Chablis laughed. “At least you’re being honest.”

“Unlike the rest of our family.”

“Stop it. I don’t believe there are any more skeletons in that closet.”

He arched a brow. “That means there could be more in other closets.”

“We’ll leave those for the twins.”

“Christ. Those two? They’ve had it easier than Zinny.”

“That is true,” Chablis said. “But seriously, let your emotions settle, and then go talk to Talbot. You owe her an in-person apology. You need to at least give her that.”

“You’re right.”

Knock, knock.

“What is this? Grand fucking Central Station?” he muttered. “It’s open.”

His father stepped inside. “Hey.”

Merlot stood and quickly closed the gap, feeling like a kid. He wrapped his arms around his dad. “I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve the things I said.”

“I’m sorry too.” His father gave him a big bear hug. “It’s all water under the bridge, son, and I would have been pretty angry at me too.” He took a step back.

“I’m going to head back to work.” Chablis waved and scurried out the door.

“Now that we’ve got that out of the way,” his father said. “I’ve got some troubling news.”

“What’s that?”

“Richard Berkin is in town,” his dad said. “Your mother went to Talbot’s to let her know of the situation so she can lay low. I’m going to suggest that you do the same. I don’t know if you’ve spoken to Talbot, but if you do, I think it’s best that the two of you are not seen anywhere together.”

“I haven’t talked to her yet.” Merlot sighed. “How long is that asshole here for?”

“A couple of days?”

“I’ll wait until he’s gone and she and I have both had a chance to cool off before I reach out to her.”

His father arched a brow. “While I don’t want you to risk going anywhere near her right now, are you sure it’s wise to let all this fester? I know this is all a lot to take, but I don’t want to see it go unresolved.”

“I’ll text her and tell her we can talk when he leaves town.”

His dad nodded. “I want you to know I feel terrible about what happened yesterday.”

“So do I, Dad. I’ll call Mom and make sure I make things right with her.”

“We love you and all we ever wanted was to—”

“I know. We don’t have to keep rehashing this.” He squeezed his father’s biceps. “I promise I won’t lose my shit again.”

9

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