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“How much time do you have?”
“Oh gosh, Poppy. Please tell me that’s a good thing.”
“It is.” I giggle. “What’s your schedule like? I have to go back to work tomorrow, and I’m trying to get caught up with all of the laundry.” Normally, I’d have started this as soon as I returned, but all of my attention has been on my mother.
“I’m off today. Can you meet for a glass of wine? I want all the deets, girl.”
It hits me that she’s an hour away. “Are you at the lake?”
“Yes, but we could meet at the Saude Creek Vineyard. It’s halfway between us.”
“Oh, I’ve always wanted to go there.”
“It’s great. It needs some work. But it’s a sweet little place. Sebastian Lee’s brother, Sam, manages it.”
My heart twists thinking of Dr. Lee. I didn’t know him well, but I was sorry to hear he had to give up his practice. “That sounds perfect, Kat. I’ll see you at four. Is that okay?”
“You got it.”
* * *
“Oh, Poppy. Jamaica looks good on you.” Katarina pulls me in for a hug.
“Thank you. I’m so glad you encouraged me to go. It was the best thing that’s happened in so long.” Let’s just say it. It’s probably the best thing that’s happened in over a decade.
Kat takes my hand and pulls me along behind her as we enter the doors to the Saude Creek vineyard. It’s a rustic appearing place. There’s a central bar area made of wood that I suspect is used as a tasting station. It looks as if it’s seen better days, honestly. There are several windows which allow a lot of natural light, but the interior is clearly dated. “I know it looks a bit rough around the edges, but the patio is what sold me. I think Sam started there but plans to renovate the entire place in stages.”
Re-examining the place with a fresh perspective, I see where it has a lot of potential. I watch as Kat approaches the sommelier behind the counter. I can’t make out what they’re saying, but assume she’s asked if we can sit outside when we’re escorted to the patio.
This area is beautiful. It’s rustic but has purpose. There are tables and chairs made of wood with greenery surrounding the area. There are no other patrons here at the moment, so we take a spot under a large umbrella and order two glasses of wine and a cheese plate.
“I see why you like it here.”
“It’s cute. It’s missing some of the ambiance from when Nick and I last came here. But I think Sam has been struggling with the place. Hopefully, he’ll get things turned around. So, tell me about you. I want to hear everything.” Resting her elbows on the table, Kat drops her chin into her palms.
“It was amazing. The resort was beautiful, and the Jamaican people were all so friendly. I only took in a little bit of the island, from the airport to the resort. The rest of the time, I enjoyed everything included at the property.”
“Why not? It was all-inclusive, right?”
The sommelier from earlier delivers our wine and slides the charcuterie board in front of us, and my mind goes back to the one I enjoyed in the bar. This one is missing something.
Or someone.
“I had one of these on the trip.” I giggle.
“Oh.”
“It was nicer.”
Kat scrunches up her nose. “This doesn’t look that bad. But I told you, Sam is trying to work on some things.”
I laugh as I pop an olive into my mouth and reach for a hazelnut. “It wasn’t the food that was better. It was the company.”
“Hey!”
“No. That came out all wrong.” I guffaw. “The last time I had one of these was with Broadie Weston.” I bite my lower lip and wait for her response.
“Shut the front door. What?”
