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“Actually, no. Last night was our first date.”
“Antonio!”
“What? It’s true. And it’s not like we just met. We’ve known each other for years.”
“Maybe, but you don’t really know each other. It’s not as though you’ve been friends. In fact, if I remember rightly, the two of you barely ever talk even when you’re in the same room. You were always scared of her.”
“Not scared, exactly …”
Marcos laughed. “No, maybe not, but wary at least.”
“Yeah, I’ll admit that much, but I’m not wary anymore. I think this might be it, Marcos.”
“I hope it is. I like her, but take your time. For your sake and for hers. Get to know her first, get to be friends. It’s better to fall in love with a friend than a stranger.”
“Do you think you’ll come back and see your friend, now that you’re getting divorced?”
“It’s too soon to think about that.”
Antonio nodded. He knew he shouldn’t bring it up, but he’d always felt Marcos made a mistake marrying Caterina. He should have married the girl he’d called a friend but had been in love with since junior year of high school. “I hope you will.”
“What? Come and see you or come and see her?”
“Both, but especially her.”
“Is she still single? Do you think it could ever work?”
“Yes and yes.”
Marcos was quiet for a long time, and Antonio knew it was best to wait and see what he might say.
“Anyway. It’s late here. I should go. Thanks for checking in.”
So that was it. Marcos didn’t want to talk about it. “Okay, brother. Let’s talk again soon?”
“We will. Love you, little brother. Ciao.”
“Love you. Ciao. Ciao.” Antonio hung up and shook his head. He hoped Marcos might come back and visit, but even if he did, how could things work out differently for him than they had all those years ago? Marcos had been bound and determined to return to Sicily to run the family vineyard there. That had made it impossible for him to be with a girl who was just as determined to stay right here in Napa to run her own family’s business. He’d love to see them get back together, but he didn’t see how it could work out for them even now.
Marcos would figure things out. He'd have to get through his divorce and get right with himself before he could think about anything else. Antonio, on the other hand, felt as though he was on the cusp of his new life right now. He’d have to remember Marcos’s caution to take things slowly, or at least to not rush Mary Ellen. He should get to know her as a friend and then maybe they could build something beautiful together, something to last a lifetime. He grinned at the thought. It didn’t even surprise him. Up to this point, he’d only ever looked to share something with a woman that would last a night-time, but he’d always known that when he was ready, he’d want to settle down and give his heart to the right lady. He was beginning to believe that Mary Ellen was that lady, but he needed to be sure of it himself before he started trying to convince her of it, too. Tonight, they would have fun, get to know each other better. He’d cook for her, they’d talk—and later, he’d take her to bed and love her till she believed him.
He closed up the office and headed for town. He needed to stop by the grocery store, and then he’d go home and cook.
~ ~ ~
Molly came and climbed up on the stool next to Chelsea. “Sorry, ladies. I thought the rush was never going to end.”
“Don’t worry about it, we’re fine sitting here,” said Chelsea. “You work too hard, though. You should hire a manager so you can take more time off.”
Mary Ellen nodded her agreement. “I wish you would. You’re here every night and every weekend. You don’t even close on Mondays anymore. You know what they say about all work and no play.”
“I’ve been thinking about it,” said Molly. “It might be time.”
Mary Ellen and Chelsea exchanged a stunned look. Then Chelsea reached across and placed her hand on Molly’s forehead as if to test her temperature. “Are you feeling okay? Did you really just say that?” The two of them had been telling Molly for years that she needed to bring in a manager to share the workload. Until today, she’d always claimed she didn’t need any help.
She smiled. “I’m feeling fine, but I’m finally starting to agree with the two of you. I need a life outside of this place. I want to go places, do things, have fun.”
“Get a boyfriend?” suggested Chelsea.
