“We just had the greatest idea,” Min said. “Cos and Brooke were supposed to do the post-harvest tour, but they have a wedding next weekend now, and everything is already arranged. Neo is taking their place, and I said you should go too. It’s a great way to take some time off while getting to know local wineries and their owners. You can chat with them about their clubs and all.”
Thayle didn’t bat an eye. Instead, she introduced her friend, who’d just come up behind her. “You guys know Garrett, I think. We worked together at the bank.”
We exchanged pleasantries and everyone shook his hand. He had a firm grip and an easy smile. The exact kind of guy Thayle liked. She always said she’d had enough drama in her childhood to last a lifetime, and her taste in men reflected it. If a man didn’t make her smile, she had no “space for someone like that” in her life.
I watched the way Garett looked at her. Thayle might not have realized it, but he liked her as more than a friend. I’d have bet my life on it.
“So what do you think?” Min asked her, ignoring the fact that I hadn’t yet agreed. But I would, and both Cos and Min knew it.
She shrugged as if the choice were between drinking pinot noir or cab. As if it didn’t really matter.
But it did to me. I wouldn’t survive it.
“Thayle’s been covering at Devine Bakery. And I’m sure she has things on her calendar.”
“Actually,” she hedged, “Rich is back tomorrow. Today was my last fill-in.”
She caught my eye. There was nothing but innocence and friendship there. I refused to let my gaze wander even though it was almost physically painful to keep looking at her. I could peripherally see her costume, and knew I had to get away from her.
“Cos was supposed to leave tomorrow,” I said, realizing it would at least get her away from Garrett for a while. Actually, maybe leaving tomorrow was not so bad an idea. “We’d want to hit the road fairly early. I think we’re supposed to start over at Skaneateles tomorrow.”
There was no way Thayle was coming on this trip with me.