by Lucinda Race
“Okay.” Don shrugged. “That’s nice. But what does that have to do with me?”
“Well, I wondered what might have gone on between the two of you regarding her new position.”
Don leaned back in the chair. “I’m not sure where you’re going with this, Jack. Spit it out.”
“We were talking about the interviews today. I told her how the family thinks she does a great job and we have complete faith in her hiring just the right person.”
“Again, not sure where this is going.” Don shook his head. “Am I missing something?”
“I don’t know. She got all quiet and distant, like she was upset.” Jack jumped up and crossed to the large window that overlooked acres of vines. “I offered to bring dinner over to her place to celebrate and she blew me off.”
“Maybe she thinks you two have been spending too much time together lately and wants to keep things friendly.”
He shook his head. “Nah, she was distant before I mentioned anything about dinner.”
“Are you sure you didn’t say anything else? You’re known for not being very smooth with the ladies.”
“Yeah, I don’t think it’s me.” He replayed the conversation in his head. “Ya know, I may be reading too much into it.” He turned from the window. “She wanted to talk to you, so maybe check in with her. Give her a shot of moral support.”
“I’ll drop down later.” Don grinned. “Kate’s bringing the kids over and we’re going to have lunch in the gazebo.”
“Got enough for me?”
With a laugh, he said, “Nope, it’s lunch for two and a half since the twins will be all set.”
Leaving the office door open when he went out, he called over his shoulder, “Have fun.”
Peyton bent at the waist and shook out her arms. Her shoulders were so tight. She couldn’t help but worry that her fourth interview might be a bust too.
She straightened up right as Don walked into the room. She felt her cheeks grow warm. “Hi. I thought I was alone.”
He crossed the room and gestured for her to join him at a small table. “How are the interviews going?”
She slipped into the chair and tidied the papers in front of her. “Let’s just say the first three interviews were awful.” Her shoulders sagged. “Maybe I’m not any good at this.” Don waited patiently while she continued to talk. “One girl came in the outfit she wore last night, and her makeup was smudged. I wondered if she had gone to bed yet. And the other, well, let’s just say his command of English was limited except for expletives.”
“And the third?”
She shrugged and held up her hands. “No show.”
Calmly he said, “You just need one good applicant.”
“I’m hoping my last one today will be a good fit. I like how she sounded on the phone: perky and pleasant.” She looked at him. “Are you sure you don’t want to do this instead of me?”
Don folded his hands in his lap. His deep brown eyes were kind. “Peyton, I’ve promoted you to be the manager of the tasting room. You’ve embraced every challenge and found ways to grow the business. You earned this job. I’m confident you will hire the best staff. You understand every facet of this business: inventory, swag items, right down to the specials you run.”
Peyton sat up straighter. “But, Don, isn’t that really something marketing does?”
“You’re the person on the front lines, and remember, I’ve analyzed the numbers. Our sales have steadily increased over the last year. You’ve played a significant role in that success.”
“I, I don’t know what to say.”
Don stood up. “I forgot to mention this job comes with a twenty-five percent pay raise.”
“Don.” She swallowed hard. “That’s very…”
“And as an additional incentive, if you increase and maintain sales ten percent over last year, there’ll be a year-end bonus. We’ll assess that on a quarterly basis retroactive to January 1st.”
She was glad she was still sitting. This would mean she could give Owen some of the things she wanted him to have, and save for a small house. Money had been tight since she gave up the hostess job at Sawyers. Owen had been having issues with separation anxiety. “I don’t know what to say—that is very generous.”
“It’s long overdue and earned.” Don pulled his cell phone from his pocket and glanced at the screen. “It seems Kate and my children are waiting for me in the gazebo.”
“Thanks again. I really appreciate everything.”
“I should be thanking you. Keep up the exceptional work.”
Peyton did some quick math. With that kind of a raise, someday maybe she could even get a house near one of the smaller lakes in the area. Not on it, but maybe within biking distance. That would be something Owen would love. Heck, they’d both love it.
She blinked away tears of happiness. She had gotten the promotion on her own.
* * *
A few hours later, Peyton wandered up to Don’s office. She tapped on the door and poked her head in. “Hi. Do you have a minute?”
Don was a few years older than Jack, with similar coloring except their eyes. Jack had golden hazel eyes and Don’s were dark brown, but both men were blond and looked alike. Sitting behind a large monitor, he was intently studying the computer screen. Without looking up, he said, “Come on in.” He tapped a couple of keys on the keyboard, then stood up and stretched his arms in front of him. “How can I help you?” He gestured to the chair across from his desk.
Peyton sat down and crossed her legs. It wasn’t normal for her to be in Don’s office, but he was warm and welcoming. “I’ve hired someone for the tasting room and potentially for special events too. Her name is Lily and she’ll graduate from the University of Buffalo with dual degrees in business and marketing in a couple of weeks. So, for the short term she’ll be here to train when not in finals and on the weekends.”
Don nodded. “Good school and program.”
“She wants the job as a possible entrance into an apprenticeship at the winery.”
“Now that’s very interesting.”
“There’s something about her that I really like.”
“Let me give it some thought. Have her work with you for a couple of weeks. I’ll pop in over the weekend, casual-like, and see what my first impression is and we can go from there.”
“That’s great. Thanks.” Peyton stood. “I need to get back downstairs.”
“You have great instincts and are a valuable member of the team and a part of our extended family.” He gave her a wide smile. “And my door is always open.”
“Thanks, Don.”
8
Peyton settled Owen in a tub full of bubbles and a mountain of toys. Thank goodness he still had fun playing in the tub. She left the bathroom door open so she could hear him and she joined her parents in the den.
She relaxed into the sofa and looked between her parents. “I got some great news at work today.” She paused. “Don gave me a promotion to oversee all aspects of the tasting room. As of now, I have two people working for me, a really nice raise, and if sales exceed projections, I will receive a year-end bonus.”
Dad beamed and nodded. “Good for you, Peyton. Congratulations. I knew your hard work would pay off, and now it has.”
Mom beamed. “That’s great news, sweetie.”
“Thanks.” She sat up a little straighter, excited to share the news.
“What are you going to do with the extra money?” Mom asked.
Without hesitation, she said, “I think it’s time I buy a house and give you some much deserved privacy.”
Mom’s face fell. “No, Peyton. We love having you here. It’s like families used to be: several generations living under one roof.”
Dad glanced at Mom before settling back on Peyton. He gave her an understanding nod.
Softly she said, “I wanted to tell you first before I talk to the bank.”
Before she could get their reactions, she heard, “Mom, I
need help.”
She had started to get up when Mom stopped her. “I’ll go. You talk to Dad.”
He looked at her and nodded in the direction of the hall. “This is the only home he’s ever had. Do you really want to leave?”
“I never meant to live here indefinitely. Being out on my—our own would be a good thing for all of us.”
Dad’s face drooped. “Peyton, Mom and I love that you’re here with us. We get to spend time with our grandson and you.”
“You’ll still see us a lot, but don’t you ever wish you had some quiet time?”
His eyes sparkled. “That sounds dull.”
“Don’t talk that way. You both have so many things you enjoy.” Peyton shook her head and gave him a small smile.
Dad chuckled. “I understand why you feel like you want to move, and I support you and the idea of home ownership.” He winked. “Besides, when you get married someday, you’ll want to move and take Owen, so I’m going to enjoy you both for the foreseeable future until you find your forever home.”
She laughed with a snort. “I don’t think you need to worry about me getting married anytime soon. I’d have to be actively dating and find someone I’d want to marry, but I’ve made up my mind. I’m going to talk with the bank and see what it takes to get a mortgage and then start saving for a down payment.”
He nodded. “Just do me one favor. Don’t buy the first house you see. Take your time and look around.”
She flashed him a grateful smile. “You know me. I move at a turtle pace when it comes to money matters. Who knows? I might even find a place that needs a little TLC and try my hand at home repairs.”
“When the time comes, if there is anything Mom or I can do to help, just ask. In regard to getting married, that ship hasn’t sailed yet.”
She frowned. “Well, I’d need to find a good man first, and one who would understand about my past.”
“What about Jack Price?”
“Dad. He’s an amazing guy, but we had our chance.” She could feel her shoulders slump.
“From what I remember, he was always quite interested in you and you always had a smile on your face when you were together. You’re still that same smart, funny, beautiful, and fun-to-be-with girl.”
“You have to say that kind of stuff—you’re my dad. But we both know the circumstances of Owen’s conception. It took me years to deal with being date-raped. I wouldn’t want anyone to think less of my son because of that.”
“A good man won’t let that change anything, and your son is an amazing kid.”
The sound of tires crunching gravel drifted through the open window. Peyton looked at Dad. “Are you expecting someone?”
“No.”
She got up and looked out the window. Jack was taking the porch stairs two at a time with a grin on his face and brown shopping bags in both hands.
She answered the door before he could knock.
“Hi, Peyton. I hope you don’t mind I just dropped by.” A sexy grin graced his mouth.
She turned and looked at Dad, who gave her an exaggerated wink, as if to say I told you so.
She held open the door and, with a plastered-on, cheerful smile said, “Come on in. This is a nice surprise.” But what was he doing here really?
* * *
Jack came through the door. “Hey, Ken. Good to see you again.” He held up the two bags. “I brought dessert.”
Peyton said, “That’s very nice, but it wasn’t necessary.”
“I was hanging out at Mom’s with Liza and the boys. They’ve been giving Liza a run for her money today and she needed backup. Mom kept them busy baking cupcakes and I thought your family might enjoy some.” He gave a one-shoulder shrug and held up the other bag. “And cake needs ice cream, so here I am.”
Ken got up from his recliner. “I’ll take those from you. Have a seat, Jack.”
He handed Ken the bags. “Thanks.” So far, his idea hadn’t tanked. At least not yet. His main mission was to ask Peyton for a date again, and maybe she wouldn’t refuse if he asked her in person.
He looked toward Ken’s retreating back and touched her hand. “You’re not upset that I dropped by?”
She gave him a tentative smile. “It’s fine, and thank you for the cupcakes and ice cream. But I am surprised to see you tonight.”
Did he hear a gentle reproach in her voice? The sound of Owen laughing drifted down the hallway. “Can we go outside and talk for a few minutes. Alone?”
She seemed to vacillate between saying yes and staying within the comfort of the house. “Let me tell Dad we’re taking a short walk.”
Jack waited while she left the room. He could hear the sound of their voices but not what was being said; hopefully Ken was in his corner. He looked around the cozy room. The walls were covered with photos of Peyton in various stages of growing up. She had been cute as a baby, with a mass of dark curls and a little bow for her mouth. He stopped when he saw her high school graduation portrait. He’d loved that girl with all his heart, and he loved the woman she had become.
He moved around the room, looking at more photos of Owen, from his first picture with Peyton up to his last school picture. He was a good-looking kid.
“Ready?” She pulled a cardigan sweater on and stood in the doorway.
“Right behind you.” Jack reached around Peyton to push the screen door open. “Good thing you put a sweater on over your T-shirt—it’s cooled off quite a bit now that the sun is setting.” Why did he say that? He sounded like an old lady fretting over the weather.
Her voice was low. “Thank you.”
He wanted to slip his hand in hers as they strolled down the wide front steps but the vibe rolling off her reminded him to go slow, like a turtle if necessary. When they got to the bottom, he tipped his head back and looked up. “The stars are going to be stunning tonight. There’s not a cloud in the sky.” He could feel the tension in her body. “Rumor has it you received some good news today.”
She gave him a sideways look. “I have to ask, does everything that happens at CLW get discussed around the boardroom table?”
He laughed out loud. “No. My parents’ kitchen table is where all the important decisions are made. Why do you ask?”
“Curiosity,” she said softly. “Don stopped down today and gave me a raise.”
“You’ve earned it.” Jack couldn’t keep the pride he felt from his voice, and he hoped she could hear it.
“With the raise, I can talk with the bank and see what I need for a down payment on a house. Nothing huge, but big enough for me and Owen and who knows, maybe a dog. If I get real lucky, I might find something near a lake.”
He was taken aback. “I never thought you’d want to buy a house.”
“Why? Single moms do it all the time.” He could hear the hurt in her voice.
“You’re more than capable. It’s just that I know how much my parents love having the boys around. After Steve died, they asked Liza to move in. I assumed your parents would feel the same about their grandson.”
“But she didn’t pack up and move home. She’s forging her path on her own terms, and that’s all I want too.” Peyton grew quiet and he knew, once again, he’d put his foot in his mouth.
“What are you going to do?” His heart flipped. He had been having this crazy fantasy of them buying a house together someday. It never occurred to him that she’d be planning to get her own place. You’re just a jughead. Of course she wants to have her own home—isn’t that why you bought the Simmons place? To prepare for your future and give you the capital to buy a bigger house?
“Since this is all new to me, I’m going to plan, look around, and take my time.”
She stepped away from him, and the loss of her warmth felt like part of him was missing. Taking a deep breath, he said, “The reason I stopped by tonight was I wanted to ask you to have dinner with me. I really like you and I’m not the same guy I was twelve years ago. I’ve grown up.”
* * *
Peyton gave him a sharp look. “What are you saying? You want to turn back the clock and pick up where we left off?”
“I want to see if there is a spark of the feelings we had for each other before I left.” He took a step toward her and touched her hand. “I don’t want to pick up where we left off. I want a fresh start. We’ve both changed, but my feelings for you are stronger today than they were more than a decade ago.”
“But, Jack…” There was a part of her that wanted to say yes; she wanted to see if there was more than this undeniable connection to him, but she needed to be careful. Just having him touch her hand made her feel like she was safe. “It’s not just about you and me. I have a son to think about. Not that I’m asking for a declaration of undying love, but I can’t let him get hurt. He has pain about not having a dad in his life. Hell, he already thinks the sun rises and sets on you.” She turned away from him and wrapped her arms around her body. “We should just stay good friends. That way, no one gets hurt.”
Jack gently turned her around so she was facing him. His steady gaze willed her to look into his eyes. She tipped her chin up.
He said, “I can’t see what the future holds, but I want to spend time with you and your son. You’re both important to me.”
She grew thoughtful and walked a short distance to a painted wooden bench near the front flowerbed. She patted the space next to her. I want to just throw caution to the wind and see where this is going, but what if Jack breaks my heart? Can I take a chance on him again? When we’re together, those old feelings surface, reminding me of what it was like when he was by my side. But this time, it’s not just about me. I have to think about my son. She needed to understand how he saw Owen before she could make her decision.
He sat down. “Talk to me.”
“When you look at my son, what do you see?”
* * *
He wasn’t sure if he understood the question. “A smart, active little boy who is the light of his mother’s life.”
