Page 15 of Lochlan

“I am.”

“That's not the shite part. It's you convincing them that this is a good idea, a moneymaking project, that will put Silicon Valley on the map as a wine destination.”

“I know what's required.”

He glances at me, his lips tight. There's something he wants to say that I'm not going to like. “What is it, Geordie? Just say it.”

He pulls his earlobe, looking across the expanse. “There's a lot at stake here. Granda will be here next week, Fiona too. Why don't you consider Fiona doing the pitch for you and helping you set up the funding for the project?”

“You know why, and if that's what Granda is playing at, then I'll leave, and you can deal with her.”

“Maybe it can be a temporary arrangement with strict rules in place. You need to atone for past mistakes to get back in Granda's favor.”

“I'm betting that she hasn't changed.”

“I agree, but you have. She has no more secrets to hide. Deal with her the way you would everyone else around here, with borderline distaste.”

I shake my head. “I'll think about it. That's all I'll promise.”

He claps his hand on my shoulder. “Let's finish our meeting in my office.”

We take the path toward the buildings, the sun rising higher in the clear sky. “I hear we have a new wine tasting associate,” Geordie says. “Is there any chance you can eventually make her the tasting room manager?”

We rarely talk about tasting room staff. He's doing this to get my mind off of Fiona. “No, she's someone who wants a part-time job; she was recommended through the network.”

His brows raise. “How connected is she?”

“I haven't asked. Should I be concerned?”

“Yes, you should. You don't want to offend the wrong people. Don't tell me you're treating her like all the other poor associates. We can't afford to lose any more because of your winning personality, cousin.”

“She's unsuited for the job.”

I didn't think his eyebrows could raise any higher. “All this from one meeting?”

“Kenzie worked three hours in the tasting room yesterday with me until Connell showed up. She has no wine knowledge and I fear for our stemware. She dropped a rack on her first shift.”

“I'd drop my lunch if I was subject to your training. Look, we talked about your tonal issues. You need to be more mindful of how you speak to others.”

“Careful, Geordie, you're sounding more like a Californian each day.”

“That's because I want to assimilate into the culture. There are a lot of good things out here if you're open and stop living your life like a monk. Granda sent you out here to mend your ways and heal. He'd be the last one to tell you to shut yourself away.”

* * *

Staringat reports on a screen for hours hasn't lifted my mood. Maybe Geordie's right; letting go of this anger is something I should consider. Three years is a long time to keep the fires of discontent going for anyone.

I tap a key and a screenshot of the winery's vine-covered buildings come into view. It's late afternoon and my protesting stomach can't be ignored any longer. Like an unwilling scavenger, I wander into the small breakroom for coffee, when I discover a box full of donuts on the table. I indulge in a heavily glazed chocolate pastry covered with bright sprinkles. I stuff the wee thing in my mouth, enjoying the fresh cake and contemplating having another to follow.

“Are the chocolate ones your favorite? I didn't know what to buy, so I got an assortment of the bakery's most popular donuts.” The voice comes from behind me, but I know who it is.

“Aye, anything chocolate is my favorite,” I say, turning to Kenzie standing in the doorway. She's dressed in the MacTavish uniform. Even with the genderless clothing we require the females to wear, Kenzie outshines anyone in that costume.

Kenzie steps inside the small space, moving toward the table. I make my way to the sink for a quick wash to get the sugar residue off, grab a paper towel from the dispenser and dry my hands. “Why did you bring donuts?” I ask, tossing the used paper towel into the bin.

Her long ponytail falls over one shoulder when she glances at the box. “I wanted it to be a peace offering for... well, the training.”

“You didn't need to do that, but the staff will appreciate the gesture.” I’m wondering if I expressed this in the right tone.

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