Page 11 of A Thirst for Franc

I laughed. “This is the kitchen,” I said when we reached the end of the hallway and stepped into the large open space with lots of windows and natural light.

The cabinets were black, a choice my mother disagreed with until she saw the finished product. The white subway tiles for the backsplash helped offset the darkness of the cabinets. The natural brick wall that surrounded the fireplace also helped make the space cozier. Gio and I roasted marshmallows in the winter. The stools with dark wood tops and black distressed metal that lined the white and black granite island top were a gift from my best friend. Brady, a man of many talents, made them himself.

“Wow,” she said, her tone filled with awe that caused my chest to puff slightly. “This kitchen is stunning.”

“Thank you. I helped design it.” I spent months going over the plans with the contractor. Mom always said the kitchen was the heart of the home, and I needed it to be perfect for Gio.

“You did an amazing job. It’s beautiful.” Her dark brown eyes all but sparkled as she scanned the rows of cabinets and the many built-in wine racks.

“You haven’t seen the best part.”

I walked over to the black cabinets and reached for the door that was much longer than the others, revealing a fully stocked fridge. “This is the fridge.” I moved on to another door and eased it open, unveiling bottles upon bottles. “And this is the wine fridge.”

“You like your wine,” she said.

“It’s part of the job. And please help yourself. Obviously not when you’re watching Gio, but if you want to take a bottle home… I have an endless supply.” I hadn’t even shown her my favorite part of the house—the fully stocked wine cellar that held some of the winery’s first bottles ever made.

“That’s very kind.”

A tiny giggle came from the floor, and I glanced over toward the sliding glass doors. Gio lay on the floor, dangling a carrot in front of Sally. Sally caught the carrot and chomped away. “Sally!” He giggled again. “Slow down so you don’t choke. We’re supposed to chew our food. Like this.” Gio popped a carrot in his mouth and chewed with an over exaggeration that made me laugh. He was teaching Sally, just as I taught him. The boy was always in a rush, even when eating. Some days I thought he’d choke, and though I was trained in the Heimlich, I was terrified I’d be too late or worse, unable to dislodge whatever he swallowed too quickly.

The thought sent a shiver up my spine, and I shook it away.

“Do you know the Heimlich?” I asked for assurance.

“Sure do. My certification is up to date as well.”

I focused my attention on Quinn, who was admiring the cabinets. “I didn’t ask if you cook. If not, that’s fine. I can leave money for you to order lunch. Or there are cold cuts in the fridge. You can make sandwiches.”

“I can cook and if you needed, I can start dinner for you. I wouldn’t mind.”

That would be a massive help, but I didn’t want to ask too much of her. She had yet to be left alone with Gio. I’d see if she still offered later today when I got home or if she’d already have one foot out the door.

“I’ll let you know, but don’t be surprised if I take you up on the offer. Most nights, I get takeout from Don’s over on Main.” It was some of the best food in town, and Don was always good for a laugh and some adult conversation.

“I haven’t been yet. I’ve been frequenting the taco truck.”

“Maria makes the best tacos.” In the small town, her truck always had a line. The truck even made Vine Valley’s TripAdvisor page as a top ten destination in town.

“Right? I’ve never had anything so good. Her carne asada tacos I think I’d kill for.”

“She sets up shop at the winery on the weekends. You should stop by. Have a glass of wine. Our cabernet Sauvignon pairs perfectly with the carne asada taco. Or if you prefer white, then the chardonnay is a good choice.” On the weekends, I was usually off with Gio, but on occasion if I had to make a quick stop by my office, Gio and I would grab some tacos and sit on the outside deck.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

I glanced at the clock on the stove.Crap,it was later than I thought.

“Don’t you have to head out?”

“I really do.” I turned toward Gio. “Hey buddy, I have to head to work. Can you give Quinn a tour of the rest of the house for me?”

He jumped up from the floor. “Sure!” He bounced a few times before scooping Sally up and placing her on his head. “Come on, Sally. We have a mission!” He swung his arms and stomped forward. Before he could pass me, I grabbed him in a hug.

“Be good for Quinn, okay?” I lightly grasped Gio’s arms, looking him in the eye. “Promise me,” I all but begged him. With my parents in Europe, I needed to find someone who could keep up with him and maintain control as my parents did. Quinn seemed my best bet and, at this rate, my only option.

Gio shifted from one foot to the other. “I promise.”

“If I come home from work, and Quinn tells me you were well behaved, and you listened. We can get ice cream after dinner.”

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