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Not wanting to make a scene, I let go. “Winning” isn’t worth stooping to her childish behavior.
“This is how to open a bottle.” Speaking with an air of authority, Bea turned the bottle counter-clockwise while she held the opener stationary.
I rolled my eyes.
The cork came out with a loud pop.
“Now”—pulling out the cork, Bea held the bottle high, brandishing her trophy—“who wants wine?”
“I’ll have some.” A man from the other end of the porch held up his glass.
“You got it.” Wearing a victorious grin, Bea sashayed toward him, trailing her perfume.
I sneezed. Is she scent marking her territory?
“Couldn’t find a corkscrew.” Luke squeezed in beside me.
“Rosie brought one.” I scowled as I presented the opener, the cork still on its tip.
His brow wrinkling, he studied me. “What happened?”
“Your friend…” Swallowing a groan, I shook my head. “Nothing.”
“No, tell me.”
“I don’t want to sound like a tattletale.”
“What happened?” Straightening his spine, he spoke in carefully controlled tones.
“Bea insisted on opening the bottle—in fact, jerked it from my hands.”
“I’ll talk to her.” His face and ears red, he started to rise.
“No, please don’t.” I placed a light hand on his forearm. “It’s not important.”
“You’re sure?”
“Just let it go.”
He shook his head. “I don’t know why Rosie includes her at the family gatherings.”
“Doesn’t matter. Why rock the boat? I’m leaving soon, anyway…” The thought triggered others, and I reached for the Mercury dime in my pocket. Am I leaving? It isn’t likely my car will be ready any time soon—and I did offer to partner in the winery…The impact of the dime deal hit home.
“You’re leaving?”
“You sound surprised.” I forced an uneasy grin. “Yeah, when—if—I can drive my car.”
“That’s right.” His smile sagged. “Somehow, I thought…”
“I’m just passing through.” I homed in on his lips, recalling their gentle insistence. I’ve got to be honest.
“Seems longer than two days since we met—maybe because we’ve spent every waking moment together.”
“And then some…” Bea leaned over in a sibilant whisper as she swept past, her perfume’s stench fanning behind her.
I began to cough. My eyes tearing, I dabbed them with a tissue and breathed through my mouth until the fumes dissipated.
“Let’s eat somewhere Bea can’t follow.”
