AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He pauses, and for a hot minute, I wonder if he’s going to reply at all.
Finally, “I understand. And I agree.”
I smile again and reach forward to touch his cheek. Its warmth flows through my arm and makes it tingle. Just a simple touch, and I’m ready to melt.
We finish our burgers without talking. No one joins us at our table. If I didn’t know better, I’d think a neon sign were flashing above us, saying Leave Us Alone.
Then I realize.
That neon sign is there.
It’s Dale. He’s still an island. Still a loner. Still needs his space.
And he’s let me in.
Just a little, but it’s a start.
At this gathering of his huge family, only I am in his bubble.
I like that. I like it a lot.
Still, a person needs people. Maybe someday Dale will come to terms with that.
In the meantime? I’m glad he’s decided he needs me. At least for now.
Talon and Ryan, along with two others who I recognize as Jonah Steel and Bryce Simpson, head to the deck, where they stand above the rest of us. Ryan clinks a spoon on his wineglass.
I almost expect them to be microphoned, but I already know Ryan has a big and booming voice.
Once everyone is attentive, Ryan begins. “Tal and I will take the lead since it’s the vineyards and the orchard that have taken the brunt of the damage from the fire. I think it’s only right, of course, to think about the Pikes and what they’ve lost. We were damned lucky to only lose a fraction of what they did, and we’re thankful. We’ve offered to help them in any way we can.”
Murmurs of approval flow around us, but Dale is noticeably quiet.
“Unfortunately, our Syrah vines took the worst of it. Tal’s Fuji orchard took a hit as well. But there is a lot of good news.”
Dale’s lips form a straight line. Apparently he isn’t in the mood to hear any good news.
“This was the year we were going to produce our first old-vine Syrah. We can still do that with what we’ve already harvested. Of course it will be a smaller production. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, economically. Supply and demand and all. Tal?”
“Right,” Talon agrees. “And our Fuji production this year was bigger than ever, so the loss will be minimal economically. It’s crucial to remember, in times like these, that people are more important than things. Though my trees and Ryan’s vines are living things, people are the most important, and we’re happy that all of us are healthy and accounted for. Dale was in the mountains when the fire came, and thanks to our great firefighters, he came home safely.”
Cheers and hoots and hollers follow.
Dale looks around, and his lips curve up slightly, but it’s forced. His family is thrilled that he’s safe, and he knows that. He wants to appease them, smile, show them he’s happy that they’re happy.
But still, it’s forced.
Those vines may not be people, but to Dale, they are, in a way.
They’re something he’s close to. Something that gives him solace.
And he’ll mourn them as he’ll mourn his birth father.
Already I know this.
“So here’s the situation,” Talon continues. “We’re looking to furlough some staffers due to decreased production and harvest. This isn’t something we like to do, and because it’s been a good year up until now, they’ll be receiving full pay and benefits.”
More murmurs and some claps.
“Those that live in the residences on the Steel property will be able to stay as long as needed. If they find other work, they’re welcome to go if they’d rather. We hope they’ll choose to stay. Turnover costs money, and we pride ourselves on finding the best people to work our land and take care of our business. I’m going to hand it over to Bryce now.”
Bryce Simpson, tall with silver hair and beautiful blue eyes, is the image of Henry in thirty years. “Financially, we’re doing fine,” he says. “Yes, there will be a loss this year, but you all know that this ranch is far from the Steels’ only enterprise. Other investments are doing great, and Melanie, congratulations on your latest book release.”
Jonah’s wife—and Dale’s therapist—waves. “Thanks, Bryce. Jonah promised me he wouldn’t bring that up when there’s so much else going on.”
Jonah laughs. “I kept my promise. I didn’t bring it up. I told Bryce to.”
Laughter all around.
“So the point is,” Bryce continues, “we’re doing great, as always. Yes, we’ll have to make a few adjustments, but it’s nothing we can’t handle. As Ryan said, we’re furloughing some of the orchard and vineyard employees, but they’ll be compensated. Any of you who are interested in looking at numbers, feel free to come by my office, and I’ll explain everything to you. But for now, this isn’t anything to worry about. We’ll be able to fulfill our contracts. We may have less fruit to sell to smaller businesses, but our large contracts will be fulfilled.”
