Page 63 of Lochlan

I pick it up, tear open the envelope, and pull out a Christmas card. It's a plaid tree with silver ornaments. When I open the card, a white folded piece of paper falls out, hitting the counter. Inside the card saysMerry Christmas from MacTavish Cellars. At the bottom, there are two signatures from Geordie and Lochlan. I put the card down to retrieve the paper. Someone must've used a holiday template to produce this. Everyone receiving this letter has the same message with the right personalized salutation to make it look like they sent this just to me. Yeah, me and probably a million other people on their mailing list.

Dear Kenzie,

Thank you for being a tasting room associate.

It appears my name and job title were merged with the general message. It goes on to say:

There're certain times of the year when we get together as a team and celebrate. We know that many of our employees have obligations around the Christmas holidays. It's our tradition to celebrate after the new year. You're invited to a luncheon at MacTavish Cellars. The winery will be closed during our celebration so that every member of the team can take part. Please RSVP...

I take the paper, crumple it into a ball, and toss it in the bin with the popcorn. They printed my invitation to this party long before my weekend with Lochlan. No one is expecting me to show up.

“Pru, wake up.” She turns on her side and hugs her pillow. I walk over to my friend and shake her by the arm. “Pru.”

Her eyes open slowly, her blurry vision settling on me. “I was just resting my eyes,” she protests.

“Oh yeah? What was the last thing you remember?”

She pushes a hand through her hair. “I remember that guy punched that other guy because he didn't like what he did.”

I'm chuckling at my sleepy, disorientated roommate. “Go to bed, Pru.”

Her fingers find the small blanket at the end of the sofa. “This couch is too damn comfortable. I'm sleeping here tonight. I'll see you in the morning,” she says, striking the pillow before laying her head down and closing her eyes.

CHAPTER28

THE VISITOR

LOCHLAN

“You're playing a dangerous game, cousin,” Geordie says, rocking back in his chair.

This is our morning meeting, where we speak about anything that's on our mind. Normally, our topics are confined to business the majority of the time. Geordie, however, has used this opportunity to say what's on his mind. And what's on his mind is my mishandling, in his words, not mine, of my relationship with Fiona. Unfortunately, I have no recourse but to listen to him.

“When Fiona and I had our meeting yesterday, it was logical to divide the labor on the project,” I say.

“You didn't divide the labor; you gave her permission to run with Catriona. Don't you remember the last thing Granda said? Once this project is off the ground, he's going to decide who will run it, along with the winery. As far as I can see, you just conceded control over to Fiona.”

“I know you're the winemaker and not accustomed to business, so I'll explain this one more time. Granda assigned Fiona to help me. The best way she can do that is to use her expertise. This is the only project she has to work on, while I have a winery to run. It's logical for her to do the groundwork while I monitor her. I have conceded nothing.”

“Based on that little display I saw yesterday during her tour, she still has you wrapped around her finger. And I'm telling you, cousin, that's not a good place to be.”

“I think we've exhausted the subject. I've noted your objection and will take it into consideration.”

“See that you do.” He points his finger at me. “If Fiona is left to run this winery, she'll fire me and hire that pretty boy Connell to be the winemaker.”

“It won't come to that. As far as I can see, she has no interest in running this place.”

“That brings up my next issue. She's also out to get you. Not to do you harm, but to get back into your graces and eventually into your bed. Fiona is kryptonite to you; you need to be careful.”

“Do we have anything else to discuss?” I ask.

“Aye, we have the employee appreciation luncheon coming up in a few days. It's important that you and I host. Layla has created a new agenda for this year. Apparently, we will give out awards to some employees, and that comes with cash prizes. There are raffles and games and they expect us to take part in all of it. Will you come out of your hole this year and be an active participant?”

“Do I have a choice?”

“Ah, no.”

“Then I'll be happy to be there.”

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