“I am,” Nick says, “which means you have the resources to fix today’s problems.”
“You’ll want a return,” he says. “Do you plan to sell?”
Nick squeezes my leg. “Have you heard a rumor?”
“This place has always drawn offers,” he says, “and you’re filthy rich, man. Money loves money.”
“Did my father consider selling?” I ask. “Is that why you assume I will?”
“You know your father would never let go of this place, though yes. People tried to buy it.”
“What is it about this winery that makes people want it?” Nick asks.
“We are part of the core history of Sonoma,” he says. “It appeals to buyers. I know one wanted to restore the house and get it designated as some sort of landmark.” He refocuses on Nick. “Are you going to force a sale?”
“I don’t need a return,” Nick says. “I’m here for Faith. And what she wants, I will make happen.”
His attention turns to me. “Are you going to sell?”
“I’d be a fool to sell now,” I say. “I’d lose money.”
“That’s a maybe,” Kasey says. “Just not now.”
“Not for a long time,” I correct.
“And now you’re devoted to being here and fixing things,” he assumes.
“No,” I say. “I’d like to offer you a new compensation package with bonuses. And if I sell, I’ll include an incentive for you. I want to take care of you.”
“Are you saying you’re going to let go of the day-to-day operations?” he presses.
“I’m moving to San Francisco with Nick, unless you tell me I need to be here to run this place?”
“You don’t,” Kasey says. “You’re free.”
Free. Am I ever really free of this place as long as I own it? I have to try to be. “Would you like to take over the living quarters in the mansion?” I offer.
His eyes narrow. “You’re offering me the mansion?” His tone is incredulous.
“Yes,” I say. “Rent free.”
“I’ll draft a contract with your compensation,” Nick interjects. “We’ll include the mansion, but I will need you to work with my team to manage the finances. If this sounds acceptable to you?”
“It does,” he says, looking at me. “This place was never your place.”
“No,” I say. “But it has always been your place.”
“Yes,” he says. “It has been. And yes. I want the mansion quarters.”
“Great,” I say. “I ah…I haven’t cleared out my mother’s things.”
“I wondered about that,” he says. “I can do it.”
“Thank you,” I say. “Donate what you don’t want. And my mother’s car. It’s yours. Sell it. Keep it. Whatever you want. I’ll sign the title over to you.”
“We’ll authorize additional staff as well,” Nick says. “Someone to report to you, but do what Faith would have done to support you.” Nick grabs a paper napkin. “Can I borrow your pen?”
Kasey removes it from his pocket and Nick sets it on his knee, writes down a number and a percentage, showing it to me for confirmation. I nod at the numbers that equal a substantial, and deserved, pay increase for Kasey. Nick slides it in front of him. Kasey looks at it and then between us. “Very generous. Thank you. And on that note, I’m going to go check on the work crew.”