“Dad! Do you know where the business cards are?”
I walked up to his house to see if he knew where they were stashed because I can’t find them anywhere. Now, I’m a hot and sweaty mess. I should have driven up here to avoid feeling like crap. The thinking time was worth it, though. Sometimes you just need a good walk to think things through. Especially when emotions are on the line. If I read any part of tonight wrong, it could be disastrous for my friendship.
Having fun with Beau at the carnival this weekend is the top priority, but if I can also do some hand-to-hand marketing that will be even better. Plus, it’ll distract me from reading into things more than I should.
Dad rounds the corner from the kitchen as I’m making my way through the foyer. “They should be in the office where I normally keep them. Why?”
I don’t miss the suspicion in his eye. He was in that meeting a few weeks ago and knows I’m not supposed to be doing extra marketing.
“I’m going to the back-to-school event this weekend and figured I could hand out business cards. Don’t worry, I’m going to check with the mayor to make sure I can.”
Not a lie, it’s on my list of things to do after I find the cards. I don’t want to ask for permission then not be able to deliver.
“Most of the people in Asheville know about us.”
“Yeah, but what if there are people who moved here recently. They may not know about our amazing wine. Besides, this isn’t going to cost the company anything but my time.”
“Does Pierce know?”
Ugh, I hate how he’s already reverting all decision making to the eldest child. He isn’t retired…yet. There’s still time for him to make decisions without involving Pierce.
“No, but does he really have to know?”
I give him my best puppy eyes. It’s the look he’s never been able to say not to, and I hope like hell it works now. When he doesn’t say anything, I try to make my eyes sadder. Probably not as cute as it was when I was eight, but hopefully it’s enough.
“Fine.” He shakes his head. “You have my blessing. But…if he finds out, it was your decision and I had nothing to do with it.”
“You’re still the boss, Dad. He can’t order you around.”
He puts an arm around my shoulder and gives me a small squeeze. “You think I don’t know that? I don’t want to undermine him, either. He’ll be taking over the winery with all of you. The only reason he’s in charge is because he’s the oldest. But each and every one of you has equal say. Those are the rules.”
“Does Pierce know? I think he might be a bit mixed up on your request.”
“He’ll grow out of it.” Dad walks me to the door. “Don’t be so hard on him, he’s trying to figure it out like the rest of you. He just needs to find his groove.”
“If you say so.” I roll my eyes. “He has a funny way of doing it.”
“Things will work out and he’ll calm down. I was the same way when I took over from grandpa.”
“Yeah, but you didn’t have a million siblings.”
“You don’t either,” he laughs. “There are only six of you, and Paula doesn’t want anything to do with it. All of you will find your place with your strengths. It’ll take each one of you to make this place run like a well-oiled machine.”
He’s not wrong. Each of us has something we’re good at, but I don’t think all of us will realize it until we give each other the chance to.
“I guess I see what you’re saying.” I open the door. “Hopefully it doesn’t take as long as I fear it might for us to figure it out.”
“I have faith in you.” He kisses the top of my head and let’s go of me so I can leave. “Maybe me and Mom will see you at the carnival this weekend.”
The last thing I want is to run into them while I’m still trying to figure out what to do about the Beau situation. “I’ll see you later, Dad. Thanks for letting me know where the cards are.”
The amount of faith he has in us always amazes me. All of us are completely different and fought most of the time growing up. It was never serious, but I’m honestly surprised my brothers are as close as they are now. I guess getting older changes things. Well, most things. I’m still the baby and they take every opportunity to remind me of that.
Heat slams into me once I’m off my parents' porch. Yep, I definitely should have driven over here. But the walk back to the office gives me a chance to figure out what I’m wearing to the carnival. Of course, I want the outfit to be cute, but I also need to look professional if I’m handing out cards.
I don’t think I’ve ever put this much thought into something I’m wearing to hang out with Beau. Impressing him has never been at the top of my thoughts, even though I’ve loved him for half of my life. This time it feels different, though. Something about this weekend feels like everything is about to change.
fourteen
