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“I was,” Albert deadpanned.
A laugh bubbled in my throat, but I kept it at bay. I doubt Albert found humor in anything. “I wanted to say, I have been in town for about a month now, and I had no idea about your farm until I stopped by the winery and passed it on the way. I have now been there twice. You have a lovely selection of fruit, and I have told many guests about your place. If I had known you didn’t want the business, I wouldn’t have done so. So I wanted to apologize. I’ll hold off on the recommendations going forward.”
Albert held up his hand. “No, no, that’s fine. They’re already in town, and where else are they going to get the best pie in the state?”
A smile touched the corner of my mouth. “I did have a guest rave to me about your apple cinnamon pie. Said it was the best thing she ever tasted.”
“Damn straight!”
“Language!” Odette snapped.
“See, if it wasn’t for my trip to Vine Valley Vineyards, I never would have discovered your charming farm, and what a travesty that would be. The increase in traffic is never fun for locals, but the benefits do outweigh the slight inconveniences. Besides, Albert, you seem like the type who would drop your tractor down to five miles per hour and find enjoyment in the frustration of those stuck behind you.”
The slightest of smiles played at the edge of his mouth. “Maybe a little.”
“I know.”
“Fine, build the stupid bar. But if I have one person stumble onto my property asking for a bathroom, I’m sending my cows to shit on your vines.”
“For crying out loud. Language!” Odette snapped her attention at Albert, her eyes practically shooting lasers at him.
“Oh hush, woman. I’m surprised you can even hear me past that wall of paint on your face.”
“Paint? It’s makeup.”
“Could have fooled me.”
Odette jumped from her seat, hands landing firmly on her hips. “At least I’m not a miserable old hag who has to cause problems at every meeting.”
“No, just an overly perky annoyance.”
“Order!” Craig demanded, slamming a gavel on the podium and causing everyone to jump, except Albert. Though I assumed not much affected him.
“If you all are done, can we move on?”
Albert shrugged. I sat down and Laurent flashed his most charming grin at Odette, which seemed to ease her instantly. They both sat, and Laurent motioned to Craig to continue.
The meeting moved on, and by the time it ended, it was near nine o’clock. I was ready for bed. I waved goodbye to everyone, promising to be in touch with both Sonya and Steve. A warm hand pressed into my lower back, and I turned, only to be looking right into blue eyes.
“I’ll walk you out,” Laurent said low against my ear.
“You don’t have to.”
“I don’t know. You started quite a fight between Albert and Odette. I don’t want you to get jumped in the parking lot.”
I laughed. “I think I can take ‘em.”
“Maybe Albert, but Odette knows how to wield that handbag of hers. You wouldn’t have a chance.”
“You have no faith in me.” I smiled as we made our way out. Like the gentleman he was, he held the door for me.
“Was the meeting everything you hoped it would be?” he asked.
“More, definitely more.”
“I told you it could get a little heated in there. One time Odette threw her shoe at Albert.”
“No!” Amusement burst through me, and my mouth dropped open.
