Page 8 of Lochlan

“Good, I like people who get down to it quickly. It's a sign of strong character.” She settles behind the desk of this small office and opens a folder with my application inside. I take the seat at the side of her desk.

“So, why do you want to work for MacTavish Cellars?”

“I've always been interested in learning about wine. I think it would be a good opportunity to meet new people.”

She narrows her eyes at me. “Is there another reason?”

I'm not sure what she's fishing for. “It would be a break from my training and I could use the extra money.”

“I just want to assure you we're a serious business and this isn't a place to party or hook up.”

“I understand.”

“How's your wine knowledge?”

I shrug. “It's moderate, but I want to improve.”

“Good, then you have a good foundation; you'll be advanced in no time.” She closes the folder.

“Layla, I was wondering if you had an opening in the office?”

“I would have considered you, but I already hired someone last week. If one of your goals is to meet more people, then the tasting room is a better fit.”

It might be easier to leave a job in the tasting room instead of the office once I've finished what I came here to do. I'll have to find excuses to visit the office once I begin work.

“You're right,” I say. My goal is to meet people.

“Wonderful, can you start today?”

“I hadn't planned on it, but yes.”

“We're slow right now. It'll be the perfect time for a training. We have one starting in thirty minutes. We hired another tasting room associate, but he just called to say he's declined the job offer. You should have enough time to fill out paperwork before you start. You're required to wear a MacTavish Cellars button-down shirt. I'll get that for you from the gift shop. I see you already have black pants on. The back door to the tasting room is down the end of the hall, and please don't be late.”

CHAPTER4

THE WEE WITCH

LOCHLAN

Geordie's office faces a wide stretch of the vineyards. We're close to harvest, when this place will be a beehive of activity 24/7 until the fruit is off the vines. The planting here is chardonnay and viognier. Over on the sunny side of the mountain is cab and zin.

Geordie is at the window absently scratching that red thatch he calls a beard, thinking. We're done with discussing winery business; it's time to talk about the coming storm in the form of Ian MacTavish.

I rear back in my chair, drumming my fingers on Geordie's desk, not able to control my dread. “Granda will be here in a week and I haven't done anything on the project I proposed.”

He glances back at me. “Don't talk like you've done nothing but drink wine and chase skirts. We've set up the vineyards, winery, and the tasting room. We'll be using grapes from our own land this crush.”

I chuckle. “I've had my fair share of wine and skirts,” I say, but the joke doesn't lighten his mood. I try again. “I'll bet he's concerned about the outlay. That we haven't turned a profit.”

“Granda knows that could take around sixteen years to have a glowing report on the balance sheet. He liked the idea of duplicating the New Zealand operations, but it's the Catriona idea he wants to hear about. I told you to make an effort. This smoke and mirrors on the subject isn't winning hearts and minds with the board and especially not Granda, who gave the green light for the project.”

“If that's what he wants, then why bring Fiona?”

“You know why. She has a head for business and she's his protégé, helping him while he teaches her the business. You need to show Granda you're working on your grand plan. Do you know if the land is still available?”

“Aye, I checked with the realtor to find out and it is.”

“Then use the next winery association meeting to pitch the idea. Find out who's willing to help with financial backing. If you line up some support, then he can see you're serious.”

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