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“Oh, sweetheart. You can do so much more than that. You already do. Since the two of you have been together, she’s come into her own. It’s not that you do things for her, it’s not that she needs you to. It’s just…” She smiled. “I think I finally understand it. She never felt as though she belonged. Now, with you, she does. And now that she’s found her place in the world, she’s starting to blossom.”
Xander couldn’t wipe the smile off his face. “That’s pretty much how she described it herself. And I hope you know that I feel the same way. Although we may seem like opposites, we have more in common than you might think. I never felt as though I belonged in the same way that the others did in Napa. Jacob was always the one who was going to manage the estate.” He gave Ria a rueful smile. “I guess it’s second son syndrome, but I felt like I had to go out and find my place in the world. I knew I’d found my place with Tori, I’m just glad that we found such a great location here – where you are.”
He looked down when she squeezed his arm. “I am, too, Xander. More than you can imagine.”
~ ~ ~
Tori couldn’t wait to get back over to the other side of the lake. Xander had called a little while ago to let her know that he was done at the gym, and he would meet her in the restaurant at the resort. She’d had a great morning with Evie – Evie was awesome! She’d come up with some great ideas for the bar, and Tori couldn’t wait to show Xander the design book she’d put together for them online.
She climbed into the truck and threw her purse onto the passenger seat. She was getting used to driving this thing, but she did miss that little old truck.
Just as she was about to pull out, she jumped in her seat when her phone rang. Xander had paired it so that she could talk in the car. She frowned. As long as she could remember how to do it.
She stared at the steering wheel until she spotted the right button and pressed it. Her sister’s voice rang out at the same time that Tori saw her name on the screen.
“Hey, Sis! How’s it going?” Willow asked.
“Everything’s wonderful! How about you? How are things there?”
Willow laughed. “Everything’s great. It’s business as usual. Bentley and I are kicking ass and taking names at work – taking the company from strength to strength. Slade and I are doing great. If I haven’t told you lately, I love that man!”
Tori laughed. “You haven’t told me, but you don’t need to. I know. I know you always have.”
“That’s right. But come on, tell me about you and what’s going on there. I just gave you the short version of everything’s wonderful here so that you can tell me all your news.”
“Everything’s great here, too. It’s all happening so fast, Willow. It’s amazing. The renovations are going full steam ahead. I met with the designer this morning, she’s amazing – the place is going to look perfect.”
“That’s awesome. I’m happy for you, Sis.”
“But?”
Willow blew out a sigh. “Am I that obvious?”
“No, but you have to remember that I know you well. And I’m kind of sensitive. You know what I mean, sensitive to your moods.”
Willow laughed. “I’m not in a mood. You make me sound awful.”
Tori laughed. “I didn’t mean it like that, and you know it!”
“Yeah, I do. I was just trying to deflect while I figure out what to say.”
“Uh-oh, that sounds ominous. I have a better idea; why don’t you just come out and say it?”
“Okay, I will. Why a sports bar? Is that what Xander wants? Are you just going along with it?”
Tori laughed. “Relax. I know I’m not as strong-willed as you are, but I wouldn’t just go along with something that I didn’t want – not even for him.”
“Good. I wasn’t trying to make out that you’re weak-willed or anything.”
“I know. But have a little faith, would you?”
“I do! I have faith in you, and I also have faith in Xander. But I just couldn’t help wondering. When we were kids, we used to talk about a wine bar – you and me, remember?”
“Of course I do. How could I forget?”
“Wait a minute,” said Willow. “Don’t tell me that the wine bar thing was you going along with what I wanted?”
Tori laughed. “No! It wasn’t like that. It wasn’t about what I thought you wanted. It was what I thought I wanted. I thought a wine bar was a way that I could be involved. I had no interest in the business or the winery; I was more interested in bringing people together – and a wine bar seemed like a way to do that without breaking away from the family completely.”
