Page 192 of Taken Away

Aubrey’s hand curled around the mezzanine banister.

At the edge of her vision, she caught Walter’s face as he stepped off the last stair. He looked wrecked.

Aubrey started down the metal steps.

“Look at you,” Anne said, spreading her arms as if expecting a hug. “Running this whole place. I leave you alone for five minutes, and you go and become a CEO.”

Aubrey took the last two steps into the tasting room.

“Hi, Anne,” she said.

Chloe’s eyes widened. Even Savannah went still for a second.

Anne’s smile faltered—a fraction—before she smoothed it back into place.

“Formal, are we?” she said lightly. “All right, then. Anne, it is.”

Savannah retreated behind the host stand, pretending to rearrange tasting menus. Lockwood eased back onto his stool.

The last couple in the corner murmured an excuse and slipped out.

Walter stepped off the last stair and came to a stop a few feet from Anne.

For a heartbeat, neither of them spoke.

Her expression softened.

“Walter.”

She closed the distance and wrapped her arms around him. He returned the embrace, carefully.

Anne leaned back first, her hands lingering on his arms.

"It's so good to see you."

Walter swallowed.

“Good to see you made it up here,” he managed, his voice rougher than usual.

Aubrey lifted her chin.

"I'll show you to the house, assuming that's where you're staying."

Her voice was steadier than she felt.

Anne smiled. “Where else would I stay?”

Plenty of places.

She didn't say it.

Bennett stepped forward. “Long drive from Florida,” he said. “Can I get you a glass of wine?”

Anne smiled.

“Only if it’s the best one you’ve got.”

Bennett smiled. “That’ll narrow it down to about forty choices.”