by Melody Grace
“What did they pick?” Jules asked, still not quite believing he wasn’t pulling her leg. Surely the town couldn’t be that quaint?
“Well, it looked like Hank and Debra were going to come to blows,” Noah replied, looking amused. “Until Alice stepped up and offered a compromise solution. Stripes.”
“What a relief,” Jules said with a smirk. “Someone should nominate her for the Nobel Prize.”
Noah grinned. “I know you’re kidding, but she’ll probably get the Good Citizen award for her services to the community.”
Jules shook her head, smiling. “You know, all the times Evie told me about quirky small-town life, I thought she was exaggerating.”
“No embellishment necessary.” Evie beamed. “Admit it, the place is growing on you already. Maybe you’ll want to move here too… ”
“Easy, tiger,” Jules stopped her before she could launch into yet another sales pitch. Evie was making no secret of the fact she wanted Jules to move to the Cape, too. But Jules wasn’t sure where she’d be living next month, let alone if she was going to put down roots far from the pace of city life. “Let me make it through a week of small-town shenanigans first.”
“OK, OK… ” Evie said, settling back down. “One week, and I promise you’ll want to stay.”
Jules looked out at the ocean, and wished she felt so sure—about anything. Uncertainty had never bothered her before, she was all about being spontaneous and seeing where life took her. She prided herself on never taking anything too seriously, be ready to turn on a dime when the winds changed direction.
At least, she had been in the past. But Jules wasn’t a carefree twenty-five year old anymore, and she had to admit, over the past few years, she’d secretly been craving more solid ground beneath her feet. A feeling of belonging. Plans for the future that were more than a last-minute text. A partner who would have her back for more than just wild adventures, but be there supporting her through the hard times, too.
It was something she thought she’d been building with her ex, but that had turned out to be temporary, too.
“You look a little pink,” Noah was saying to Evie beside her. “Here, let me help you with that.” He began to gently spread sunscreen on Evie’s bare back, the chemistry practically sizzling between the couple. Jules felt a familiar wistful pang, watching them together. Evie and Noah were almost too cute to handle, and as much as she was happy that her friend had finally found love again, Jules knew she was witnessing a kind of connection and intimacy she still hadn’t ever felt for herself.
A love that would last a lifetime.
She leapt to her feet, and pulled on her loose linen cover-up dress, needing distraction. “I’m going to go explore,” she said, grabbing her beach bag and sunglasses. “Drive around, brainstorm a little, see if inspiration strikes.”
“Inspiration… or a certain vineyard owner?” Evie asked with a mischievous look in her eye.
“Nope!” Jules vowed. “You’re right, I can’t keep doing the rebound thing and expecting it to turn out differently. It’s time for a new plan: No boys allowed. At least, not for the summer.”
Evie laughed, then stopped when she saw Jules’ face. “Oh, wait, you’re serious?”
“Of course I am! Why?” she asked. “Don’t you think I can do it?”
“You can do anything you set your mind to,” Evie said tactfully. “I support you one hundred percent.”
Jules grinned. “A-plus best friend answer.”
“I try.”
* * *
Jules headed out, driving the winding coastal road up into Provincetown. Her pledge to stay single for the summer had been a split-second decision, but now that she thought about it, it might just be the fresh, new approach to life she’d been looking for. It was easy to be tempted by a handsome face and some stomach tingling flirtation; she loved that first, blissful rush when you were just getting to know each other and couldn’t get enough. It was intoxicating, imagining that this guy—this time—it could be the real thing.
But browsing the busy cobbled streets, surrounded by the throngs of tourists, Jules couldn’t help wondering if she’d been diving in too fast. Getting swept up in crushes had been fun, but sooner or later, that first flush of hormones faded away, and what was left never seemed to go the distance. Looking at Evie and Noah and the true love that shimmered between them in every private smile and kiss, Jules felt a longing for something more.
Maybe if she took things slowly, and kept her feet on solid ground instead of careening towards the next thrill ride, she could find a love like that, too.
“Woah there!”
Jules looked up to find a tall, dark-haired man in her path—carrying a towering ice cream cone. She stepped aside just in time, and he laughed. “That was a close one,” he said, with an English accent. “Things could have gotten sticky around here.”
Jules exhaled. “Knowing my record lately, it would have made a mess of me, not you,” she commented, rueful.
He raised an eyebrow. “Then how about I turn your luck around?” he asked, with a sparkle in his blue eyes. “Double-chocolate cone, on me. Scoops is just across the street, and you haven’t lived until you’ve tried one of their famous waffle cones. What do you say?”
Jules paused, tempted. He was handsome, well dressed… and offering dessert. That was the kind of invitation she never turned down. At least, the old Jules wouldn’t have.
But didn’t she just swear off sinful treats like this guy?
“Thanks, but I’m trying to be good,” Jules said. It was almost true, after all; it just wasn’t the ice cream she was resisting.
“What a shame,” the man said, with another charming smile. “Another time, perhaps.”
Jules just nodded and kept walking, before she could turn around and change her mind.
She found where she’d parked her car and got in, proud of herself for resisting temptation. Evie may joke about her rebound habit, but Jules was a strong, independent woman. She could go a month or two without a man around, no problem.
Then her eyes fell on the battered metal toolbox sitting on the passenger seat. Reeve had loaned it to her to fix her blown-out tire; she’d been meaning to return it, and now it just seemed to taunt her with reminders of their stormy encounter.
Jules paused. She could give it to Noah to return for her, but wouldn’t that just tell Reeve she was still stewing about his rejection? The only thing worse than him forgetting all about her would be if he knew she was nursing a wounded pride.
She should take it back herself, act perfectly polite, and show him that there were no hard feelings. Then she could move on with her man-free summer, and not look back.
* * *
She drove down the coast to the vineyard, and turned off the highway up the long, winding drive. Now that she wasn’t drenched and in desperate need of a bathroom, she could see, it was a gorgeous property with sweeping views of the bay. An old pick-up truck was parked out front, and well tended hydrangea bushes billowed around the front door. But inside, the place was just as dim and dusty as she remembered it.
Jules paused by the front entrance, taking in the shelves of knick-knacks she hadn’t noticed the first time around. There were yellowed certificates, boasting of wins in different wine competitions, and prized bottles gathering dust in a line. She drew near to look at the framed photographs, showing a family through the years: toddlers running in the vines, their parents posing proudly with crates of wine, harvests and holidays. And was that… ?
Jules looked closer. It was! A younger version of Reeve smiled out from the photographs, his shirt stained with grapes, and laughter in his eyes. Jules wouldn’t have recognized the happy, carefree boy, except it was that same irresistible smile she’d gotten a glimpse of the other night, the one that made her forget all about his gruff temper and surly disposition.
She wondered, what had happened to make that smile such a rare occurrence?
And how had the vineyard fal
len into such disrepair?
“Reeve?” she called. OK, bellowed. But Jules didn’t want to seem like she was sneaking around. She searched the main lodge, but there was no sign of him.
She paused in the tasting room. She could just leave the toolkit on the bar with a brief note of thanks, but would that make it seem like she was avoiding him, as if she was embarrassed about their last run-in in the town square? Or would he think the opposite, and assume she’d come here looking for him, like some kind of stalker?
Jules was pondering the best way to show him that she couldn’t care less when there was a clatter of footsteps in the main foyer, and two women ventured into the bar area.
“Jules, right?” One of them smiled, seeing her there. It was the woman with the blue streak in her hair from yesterday. “Did your dry cleaning work out OK?” she asked, looking apologetic. “I would say Archie’s usually on his best behavior, but that would be a lie.”
Jules smiled. “It’s fine,” she reassured her.
“I’m Cassie,” she reminded Jules. “And this is my sister-in-law-to-be, Natalie,” she added, introducing the dark-haired woman beside her. “She’s getting married to my brother in a couple of weeks.”
“Congratulations!” Jules said, greeting her.
“Thanks,” Natalie gave a shy smile. “It’s just a casual backyard thing, no big deal.”
“It’s a very big deal,” Cassie argued. “Which is why I’m determined to throw her a massive bachelorette party. We were thinking maybe this would be a good venue for the event. Is Reeve here?”
“I haven’t seen him.” Jules gave a shrug.
“Well… We’ll just take a look around.”
They moved off, as Jules turned back to the toolkit conundrum. She’d leave a note, she decided. Something curt and business-like. That would show him exactly how little thought she’d put into the whole business.
As she tried to come up with the perfect line, she couldn’t help overhearing Cassie and Natalie as they looked around the dim, dusty room—and they didn’t sound impressed.
“You said it was charming,” Natalie ventured, like she was trying to be tactful.
“I thought it was.” Cassie frowned. “I was here for an event last year, and I remembered it being nicer. Or maybe that was just the wine talking!”
“You know, I don’t actually need a big bachelorette—”
“Of course you do!” Cassie talked over her. “But spiders definitely aren’t invited. Let’s ask Dylan about using the restaurant, instead… ”
Jules was about to speak up and agree that the vineyard was no place for a party—or anything other than a horror movie shoot—but then she remembered Reeve’s phone call she’d overheard the other day.
“Unless we get some money coming in, the bank will take everything... ”
Jules paused. It had sounded like the vineyard was really struggling, and even though he wasn’t her favorite person in the world right then, she couldn’t help feeling sympathetic. Clearly, this place had been in his family for years. It must mean the world to him.
“You don’t need to find somewhere else,” she found herself speaking up, “This place will be perfect for the party.”
Cassie and Natalie turned.
“I know, it’s a little rough around the edges right now,” Jules added, seeing their dubious expressions. “But Reeve is just getting started with a big revamp!”
“He is?” Natalie asked.
“Absolutely!” Jules lied. “Cleaning, redecorating, the works! I mean, it’s a one-of-a-kind venue. You have all this space, and just look at the views.”
She steered them outside to the back patio, where thankfully, there were fewer cobwebs to contend with. “It is a gorgeous view… ” Natalie said, taking in the rolling hills and distant sparkle of the ocean.
“Isn’t it?” Jules agreed. “Now just imagine all of this with lights, flowers, music… At sunset, it can’t be beat. Why don’t you get comfy, and I’ll bring some wine for a little tasting?” she suggested. “I mean, that’s what you’re really here for, right?”
Cassie grinned. “Right!”
“I’ll be right back.”
Jules went back inside, and plucked a few bottles down from a shelf, crossing her fingers that they weren’t wildly expensive. Reeve better thank her for this, she thought, as she brought the women a tray with glasses and different varieties to taste.
“Oh, this one is lovely,” Natalie said, taking a sip. She sat back, relaxing, and Jules could see, she was already picturing the place without the scatter of dead leaves and dirt.
“I think Reeve is already getting booked up through the summer,” she said. “But I’m sure he could give you a great rate.”
“Do you work here then?” Cassie asked, looking over.
“No, I’m just helping Reeve out,” Jules said breezily. “As a friend.“
“A friend, huh?” Cassie gave a smirk, and Jules remembered that she knew all about The Kiss.
She winced. “Well, more like I just met the man,” she admitted. “But he seems… ”
Infuriating. Short-tempered. Magnetically handsome.
“… Nice,” Jules finally said. “Have you known him long?” she asked casually. She should probably find out something about the man aside from the feel of his tongue in her mouth.
But Cassie shook her head. “He’s kind of a man of mystery. He used to know my boyfriend back in high school, but he’s been away for years. We’re all dying to find out more.”
“Even Aunt June doesn’t know anything,” Natalie added. “And she’s usually the first to have all the juicy gossip.”
“Well, not all of it,” Cassie said, giving Jules a knowing smile.
She flushed. “About that… ” she started to say, but Cassie laughed.
“Don’t worry, your secrets are safe with me.”
“What secrets?” Natalie looked back and forth between them.
“It’s nothing.” Jules said firmly. “Less than nothing. Who wants another taste? I think this bottle is supposed to be oaky. Or fruity. You let me know.”
She changed the subject back to the wine, and soon the women were convinced that the vineyard would be the perfect spot for the party. They even wrote out a check for a deposit on the date, which Jules happily accepted on Reeve’s behalf. “You won’t regret it,” she beamed. See? She hadn’t lost her touch. She could be an asset to any business, if one would just take a chance and hire her. But while she was still stuck sending out a hundred resumés in the void, at least she could be useful in other ways. “This party is going to be epic.”
“What are you doing?”
They all turned. Reeve was standing in the doorway, with a now familiar surly scowl on his face. He looked worn out, like he hadn’t been sleeping, and Jules smiled, happy at least that she would get to ease some of his problems.
“Reeve, just the man we were looking for!”
“Have you been in the wine cellar?” he looked at the table of glasses, and his frown deepened. “What the hell, Jules?”
“Let me talk to you for just one moment.”
She bounced up and quickly steered him inside—and away from Natalie and Cassie before he could send them running.
“This isn’t your personal bar,” Reeve was muttering. “That wine costs money.”
“I know. They’re looking for a venue for Natalie’s bachelorette,” Jules explained. “And I talked them into booking here.” She beamed, waiting for the thanks and relief that was surely coming her way, but instead, Reeve just looked at her.
“You did what?”
Jules took a half step back. “I figured you could use the business,” she said quickly. “You said that the bank might foreclose…” She trailed off, realizing that he hadn’t exactly said that to her.
“How do you know that?” Reeve demanded.
“I couldn’t help overhearing,” Jules explained, wincing. “When you were talking on the phone the other day.”
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“You were eavesdropping on me?” Reeve’s voice rose in anger, and Jules wondered if she’d made a big mistake. This wasn’t going the way she’d planned. She thought he’d be happy. Grateful. Admiring of her business acumen. Or, at least, not stormy-eyed and looking for a fight.
She gulped. “Look, I even got them to put down a deposit!” she said, producing the check. “I figured you could use it for some sprucing.”
“Sprucing?” Reeve took a deep breath, dragging a hand through his tousled hair. “What the hell do you think you’re playing at?”
“I was just trying to help.”
“I didn’t ask for your goddamn help!” Reeve roared. “Can’t you just mind your own business and leave me alone?”
Jules swallowed hard. “You don’t have to yell,” she said in a small voice. “But I get message, loud and clear. ” She placed the deposit check down on the bar, and backed up, hands held high in surrender. “I’ll go tell Natalie you’re thinking about it,” she said.
“But—”
“I know!” Jules yelped. “You can call her tomorrow and tell her it won’t work out. Just don’t go yelling at them now. They have boyfriends,” she added. “Big, beefy boyfriends who probably won’t take kindly to your temper right now.”
Jules suspected that Natalie and Cassie could handle themselves, but she needed Reeve to go cool off. Thankfully, that seemed to do the trick. He gave a sigh, and a scowl, and then a sharp nod.
“Fine. But you better not volunteer me for anything else,” he grumbled. “And make sure they pay for what they drink.”
And then he turned on his heel and stalked away, muttering something about ‘incorrigible’ under his breath.
Jules exhaled. Well, that decided it. So much for helping out, and being friendly. Whatever was going on with him, she was keeping her distance.
Her romance-free summer had officially begun.
Reeve made himself scarce until the women had cleared out of there, already regretting blowing up at Jules like that. Now he was two for two when it came to acting like an ass to her, but would it kill the woman to keep her nose out of his business?
