Page 45 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

“Thanks,” said Guy, getting to his feet. “And thanks for giving me this time to talk. I’d better go. It looks like you’re having fun here with the girls.”

She laughed. “You have no idea how exhausted I’ll be by Monday morning.”

Lori walked him to the door, and when he gave her a friendly kiss on her cheek, it felt right for both of them.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

LORI

Lori managed to get through the next five weeks by ignoring the cold, blustery March weather, putting all her energy into her work, and figuring out what to take to California for her visit to Adeline Hills Winery. She read all she could about Napa and loved the idea that in April, the temperature in California would be a bit warmer than in Ellenton.

She read about tending a vineyard in the spring and knew Griff would be busy with both winter pruning and green pruning, watching for the first signs of bud break, weeding, fertilizing, and other activities, preparing the vineyard for summer growth.

Lori decided to say nothing to her family or her friends about the special man who would someday own Adeline Hills vineyard. After debating with herself, she decided not to let Griff know that she would be staying at his vineyard under the name of Guy Phillips.

The day before she was to leave, she made a visit to Franco at Hair Designs.

“Ah, yes, my dear. Let’s add a few highlights. Winter always makes us look drab,” he said, circling the chair she was sitting in, inspecting her hair from every side. “There’s something wonderful, very feminine about your soft curls. We’ll keep them that way. Like a halo around your face.”

Lori chuckled. “Okay, do your thing. You always make it look better.”

Smiling with satisfaction, Franco snapped his fingers for an assistant to come take care of the coloring process.

As she sat, her thoughts drifting, she wondered how Griff was. She was certain he hadn’t become romantically involved with anyone in these past months. His wedding debacle had pretty destroyed him. Would he be glad to see her?

She lifted a finger to bite her nail when Franco’s assistant grabbed her hand. “No. Don’t destroy them. We will do your nails.”

“Thanks. I only bite them when I’m extremely nervous,” Lori explained. “But you’re right. I want to look my best.”

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Two hours later, Lori left the salon, aware that the staff had done an outstanding job with her. She wasn’t worried about what clothes she’d bring because she’d decided to do as the information brochure suggested and help work in the vineyard to get a real sense of what that world was really like. A couple pairs of her favorite jeans, some shirts and sweaters, and one dress were all she would need.

She stopped to see Flo and her family. Her godchild, Eloise, was growing fast and was already showing off a cute little smile that everyone but her suspected was a gas bubble. But Lori knew better.

When Flo answered the door, she grinned at Lori. “Wow! You look terrific! All this for a trip to a vineyard where you’re going to work for a week?”

Lori shrugged, unwilling to give anything away. “This is an unexpected adventure for me. I want to look my best.”

Flo hugged her. “Your worst is the best for many people. Don’t mind my grumpiness. I’m feeling fat and tired. Come on in. Hudson is in the playroom. Eloise is asleep.”

“I’ll say a quick hi and leave,” Lori said. “I wanted to see the kids before I left. Even if it’s for just a week, I know they’ll have grown and changed by the time I get back.”

“Are you sure you can’t stay for a cup of coffee? I need to talk to a real adult.” Flo gave her an imploring look.

Lori quickly changed her plans. “Okay. But I honestly can’t stay long.”

“Thanks. I’ll take what time you can give,” said Flo, leading Lori toward the kitchen.

The playroom was next to the kitchen. Lori paused there to say hi to Hudson, who ran to her with open arms. “Hi, Auntie Lori!”

She picked him up and hugged him, loving the feel of his little arms around her neck.

“Can I have a cookie?” he asked Lori.

Lori laughed. “You little imp. You remember the last time I was here.”

Flo came to the door. “I heard that. And, yes, Hudson, you can have some crackers. Here.”