Page 42 of Lochlan

“MacTavish conceived the idea, and we will be the majority shareholders in the venture. We have levels of participation for anyone who is interested. This slide ties the projected profit to the completion of each phase of Catriona. I want to emphasize that a wine business model of this scale has never been attempted. Our studies of the strengths and weaknesses of other wine regions have allowed us to create the perfect wine destination. From the moment guests come to Catriona, they will feel the magic of the place from sight, sound, and taste. They will be pampered, as if they are at a five-star hotel, with an experience that will be the envy of our rivals.

You will receive our invitation for a longer, more in-depth conversation about Catriona at MacTavish Cellars. For now, I want you to think about my proposal and, if you have questions before our next meeting, contact me.”

The association president returns to the podium. “Thank you, Lochlan, for that informative presentation. They will serve lunch in the next room.”

On my way to the table to greet Granda, I'm stopped by several people with questions. Each takes a few seconds of my time until they all drift away and only the guests from MacTavish Cellars remain waiting at their table.

“Granda, I'm pleased to see you are well.”

His flinty gaze takes me in. “I am. I see you've chosen to thrive, grandson. The climate seems to agree with you.”

I give Fiona the courtesy of a nod, which she returns. It hasn't escaped my notice that she's as beautiful as the last time we were together, and this brings me no comfort.

“Kenzie,” Granda says, “I was under the impression you served in our tasting room and here you are giving a critical presentation.”

She blinks at his sudden attention. “I do work in the tasting room, Mr. MacTavish...”

“Please call me Ian; no need to be formal,” he gently interrupts, like an endearing storybook granda with his loving family. Kenzie smiles, taken in by this aspect of his personality, but she'll find that he's many people in one devious package.

Kenzie cuts her gaze to me and I pick up the unsaid cry for help.

“Granda, Kenzie has a degree in business and economics from Berkeley. We worked on the presentation together, and her insights were invaluable during the process. She's been more than a researcher and adviser. I've been seeing Kenzie since the day we met when she was hired to work in the tasting room. We're a couple.”

I want to show Granda that I possess this woman and put my arm around her, despite his distaste for public shows of affection to females. He's taught us that showing more than distant respect in public is improper. I beam at Kenzie with deep affection. I hope she will return the gaze with the same devotion, but she's still fixated on Granda.

The only reaction from Fiona is her catlike attention to Kenzie as prey.

“I see,” Granda says, studying her with fresh interest. “This will make my invitation easier to extend. We've left the Fairmont Hotel this morning. I've rented a house in the hills for the rest of my stay. I would like the two of you to spend the weekend. Geordie, this invitation extends to you as well. It's been a long time since we've spent time as a family.”

“Granda,” Geordie says, “I had hoped you would come by the winery later. I'd like to give you a tour.”

The old man flecks a disapproving frown at me. “I'd hoped that particular invitation would have come from the manager. Nevertheless, I would like to see the operation. I'll drive out after my last appointment. It will give us time for a private chat. Fiona can do without my company for a few hours.”

This is a clever way of not inviting me to the tour. He needs time to extract information from Geordie before we all meet. What Geordie will say in his conversation is not a concern; I know he'll protect my interests.

“Then we can discuss some of the presentation over lunch?” I ask. “I'd like you to meet some of the vintners that are attending today.”

“Another time, perhaps,” he says as he waves a dismissive hand. “We came to see your presentation.”

The emphasis onyourpresentation is not lost on me or on anyone here.

“I have another appointment in San Francisco and I'm not inclined to discuss family business in public. All concerned parties will be at the house this weekend and we can discuss it then.” Granda leans on his stick, rising to his feet. Fiona is at his side before he has straightened to his full height. “Fiona will send you the address of the house. Geordie, I will let you know when I'm on my way to the winery.” He makes his way through the tables and out the door.

“What do you think?” I asked Geordie.

“It's hard to know what goes on in his mind, but if I was to take a guess, I'd say he wasn't happy that you didn't give the entire presentation.”

“I didn't conjure up overturned big rig; he can at least understand that. I came in at the last minute and gave the closing.”

“I was here; the presentation went well,” he says. “I think it was more effective because of the two of you, but in his mind it's what he thinks is proper. He thinks it should have been done by you alone.”

“I didn't want to waste this opportunity,” Kenzie says. “I know you told me to cancel the presentation, but I helped you work on the project. He must understand that today was a dry run. We planned a second meeting for serious investors.”

My focus is so much on Geordie's opinion that I'd forgotten Kenzie is still sitting here. I know she tried her best to help me, but she has no idea about my granda's convoluted rules of conduct. Maybe forcing her to be my girlfriend for the time he's here was not a good idea. It's like introducing Red Riding Hood to the wolf; she may not come out in one piece.

“It doesn't matter, it's done,” I say. “Now that I've told Granda that were together, you'll be under more scrutiny.”

Geordie narrows his eyes at me. “That announcement that you are together… Are you truly dating?”

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