Hudson shook his head. “Only that a permit was filed.”
“Shit,” I said, running my hands through my hair. If it were any other vineyard around the lake, it wouldn’t be a big deal. But the owners of Sunset Vineyards were out-of-towners and, unlike most of the others, they didn’t play nice. Couple that with the fact that they were our closest neighbors, and with the Baker property being wedged between us, it wasn’t great news. “I still don’t know how they got that land. We offered way over market value more times than I can count.”
“Well, they have it. And are apparently ready to use it.”
“I’ll talk to some people tomorrow to see if I can find out what they plan to build.” I snapped my fingers in front of Hudson’s face. He was staring at my sister. “You don’t get enough of each other already?”
A few months ago, that would have annoyed the crap out of me. It wasn’t any secret I didn’t like Hudson when we met. Dominica went to Nashville for a bachelorette party and came back in love with this guy. For a change, it wasn’t just me being a dick. None of my brothers liked him much either. What guy wants his sister dating a male stripper?
“What’s with the grin?” he asked now.
“I was just thinking about the reception you got on your first visit to Grado.”
Hudson, good natured as he was, didn’t even blink. “Yeah, you guys really rolled out the welcome wagon.”
I slapped him on the shoulder. “I’d apologize for that, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I probably do it again.”
“Appreciate the support,” he echoed my earlier sentiment.
“No problem.”
“When you two are done with your male bonding session, poor Karla could use some help. I’ve gotta get back to the barn,” Min called to us.
Hudson made his way to my sister, and with a quick kiss on the cheek, she was gone. I got a hand in the air in parting as she walked away. “Later Min,” I called, watching as Hudson helped Karla serve the newcomers. Everything had gone better than we’d hoped with the brewery’s opening, with the exception of staffing. We only had two full-time bartenders at the moment, meaning everyone pitched in during busy hours. Thankfully Hudson had two interviews this week. I hoped at least one of them worked out. I wanted zero reasons for Grado Brewing Company to be anything but the most successful fucking brewery on the lake.
TWO
rae
“Areyou sure we should be doing this?” Alanna was the opposite of a risk-taker. In fact, I once tried to get her to switch movies in a theater, and despite the fact that we’d paid for a ticket, she refused.
“They don’t know me. And honestly, it’s not a big deal.” I looked up at the sign. Grado Brewing Company. It was shiny and new, like the brewery. I had to give them credit, this was one hell of a vineyard. With two separate wineries and now a brewery, plus on-site cottages, Grado Valley Vineyards was more like a destination than a simple stop on your average wine tour.
“Not a big deal? Um, I beg to differ.”
Poor Alanna. “Do you remember,” I asked, opening the door, “our senior retreat? When Father Lemon played poker with the students?”
“Holy shit, talk about a long time ago.” She laughed. “I remember sitting behind you at the table, afraid of getting caught gambling.”
“Despite the fact that Father, the very person in charge of the retreat, was gambling too.”
Alanna and I went to a Jesuit high school together, and though we graduated more than ten years ago, the memory was crystal clear in my head. Not much had changed since then. Still best friends, still polar opposites—she was blond, I had dark hair. Alanna played it safe, I usually did the opposite. Which was why her life was on track and mine was a complete shitshow.
“I catch what you’re throwing,” she said. Honestly, I was shocked she didn’t mix metaphors. Alanna did that all the time. It was one of the many things I adored about her.
“Thank god I called you for homework help,” I said, referring to the way we met. “Even if you were as clueless as me.”
“I mean,” Alanna looked around the bar. “It was Latin. It’s a dead freaking language.”
True. But it had been helpful in law school. Instead of mentioning that, I did the same as my friend and looked around.
The brewery had the exact atmosphere you’d expect from a brewery on the lake in upstate New York. Wood and earth tones complimented a huge u-shaped bar. A separate section looked perfect for winter with its stone fireplace reaching to the ceiling. All in all, I wouldn’t change a thing. And though I hadn't been inside either of the wineries yet, I’d imagine they were just as impressive.
“You’re definitely not going to introduce yourself?” Alanna asked as we made our way to the bar. All of the seats were taken but there were two empty high-tops nearby.
“Nah,” I said.
As we reached the table, Alanna put down her purse and immediately walked away. “First one’s on me.”