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“He actually made an offer to buy the winery,” he said, filling a mug with coffee, “but I told him no. So, he asked to buy the strip of land closest to him. The part that was damaged in the fire last year, along with Barney Grayson’s hotel.”
“And what’d you tell him?” I demanded.
“I said I needed to talk to my wife and granddaughter. That this is a family-owned and operated establishment. And that we needed to decide as a family.”
“What’d he say?” My squinted eyes displayed my complete distrust and disdain.
“He said he understood and told me to take all the time I needed.”
“Yeah, right! That guy’s a snake in the grass. He’s not to be trusted.”
Grams looked at me, admonishing, “You don’t know that, Siena.” She turned to Pops. “What was his offer?”
He retrieved a piece of paper from his shirt pocket, unfolded it, and set it face up on the kitchen table. My eyes bugged out of my head. So did Grams’s. “That’s the reaction I wanted to have, but I tried to play it cool,” Pops chuckled.
“Holy shit!” I exclaimed as my grandma shouted, “Merdasanta!” and began fanning herself.
“I know.” Pops took a seat at the table.
“What’s he trying to do, buy our land, or buy your silence?”
“I think he’s just trying to make me an offer I can’t refuse,” Pop teased, with a hint of theGodfatherin his voice. “Said there was more in it for us if we’d agree to sell the winery.” He laughed nervously. “It would cost a hell of a lot to rebuild that area to what it was, and we still have enough land and vines to do everything we need.”
“Plus, it would give us some breathing room,” Grams added.
“What does that mean?” I asked.
“Nothing,” Pops interrupted with a stern look at her.
“What?” Silence filled the air. “What?” I asked again, giving them both a look that demanded an answer.
“Nothing for you to worry about, Siena.” My grandma patted my cheek to placate me.
“I’m not buying that BS.” I looked from one to the other again.
“It’s notnothing, but it’s nothing huge,” Pops started. “It’s just that we’ve been struggling a bit financially.”
“What?” I whispered. “What do you mean? Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you say anything?” I sat down next to my grandfather, feeling defeated and on the brink of tears.
“We’ve been through this before.” I felt my grandma’s hand on my shoulder, felt her gentle squeeze trying to reassure me. “Look at me, Siena,” she prompted. I turned toward her, tears stinging my eyes. She took my face between her hands. “Nontipreoccupare.” She leaned in and kissed my right cheek. “Don’t worry,” she repeated, kissing my left cheek.
“Like Grams said, we’ve been through this before, and we’ve always survived. You don’t need to worry that anything’s going to happen. We will pull through like we always do. But selling this land could take away some of the stress.” He smiled at Grams.
“Maybe you’re right.”
“And we wouldn’t have to worry about redeveloping that area. It might sting a little to sell part of our land, but it would help us financially, and it’s not like we need it to survive. We’ve got more than enough.”
It made sense and hearing their perspective helped me feel a little better. “I will support whatever decision you guys make.”
“You’re a part of this winery. You’re a partner in all this, Siena.” Grams’s hand still rested on my shoulder.
“Even though I declined your offer to take it over?” I looked between them.
“Si,” she said.
“Sempre,” added Pops, grabbing our hands and kissing the tops in turn. “My favorite girls.”
“Thanks, Pops.” I squeezed his hand. “Grams.” I squeezed hers too. “I trust you to make the right decision and will support you. Even if that means selling to a weasel.”
