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“I know,” I said. Cos and I exchanged a look. No words were needed.

“Let’s get back in there. See what Lus and Tris have going on.”

“And maybe try to figure out how to solve the Jerry problem,” I said.

Cos stopped as Min walked ahead. “I may have an idea about that, actually.”

Of course he did. Cos was always one step ahead. I wouldn’t resent him for it. Cos was on my team, after all. “Tell me.”

“I will. We’ll need Dad’s help too.”

“Mr. anti-brewery guy?”

“Mr. ‘Heard you guys were speeding up the timeline on your own brew? Good idea,’ guy.”

“He said that?”

“Yep.”

“Hmm,” I said, looking at my father as we walked into the dining room. Ditching that chip that I’d been carrying around, or at least a piece of it, I didn’t see him smiling at me as anything other than what it was. I’d talk to him about the new brewing timeline, and Jerry’s plans. But first, I lifted up my phone, took a picture of Lusanne, and shot it off to Rae.

Look familiar? :) Cousin came for a visit!

Let me know when u want to talk

THIRTY-ONE

rae

She was his cousin.

Getting out of bed early, not having been to the gym in three days, I got dressed and filled a water bottle. The sun was barely up, so the tasting room was empty, of course. Even Brien was off today. I looked down at my phone again. Still nothing from my father. I’d texted once last night, and the only thing I got was, “Call you tomorrow. Not looking good.” Which could refer to Jerry not changing his mind about the brewery, or refusing to consider being bought out. Or both, most likely.

I wandered over to the window and looked out at the lake. I loved it here. Everything about Sunset Winery, including the people who worked there. It was my home now, Marco or no Marco. If Jerry wouldn’t sell, then I’d concentrate my efforts on getting him to see competing with Grado Brewing Company, right next freaking door, was a bad idea. I’d make inroads where I could, refuse to give him permission to treat me poorly and, in the end, would just have to work with him. Because this was a done deal.

I was here to stay.

On my way out to the car, as I tried to figure out what I would say to Marco, for the hundredth time. My phone buzzed. Immediately thinking it would be my father, I glanced down, surprised at the name that popped up.

Opening the door, I messaged back.

Hang on a sec, getting in my car

By the time I started the car, my phone was already ringing.

“I know you’re up early with the restaurant,” I said to Evie. “But I can’t remember you ever calling me at seven a.m.”

“What the heck is going on up there?”

I started driving, not sure what she was talking about. “I’m...heading to the gym?”

“I mean, with Marco? Apparently you didn’t listen to me?”

How did Evie know about Marco? I’d been avoiding talking to her for the very reason that I had completely ignored her initial advice.

“Um...”

“I’ll ‘um’ you. Holy crap, Rae. I never in a million years thought I’d see the day.”


Tags: Bella Michaels Romance