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“Yep.” I put my phone away. “Thank god I don’t have to look at those again any time soon,” I said sarcastically.
“Well, the next time you see them, it’ll be in person. Good thing for you, it’s within walking distance.” I could tell by his tone that he was teasing me right back.
“Not if I have any say so.”
He leaned back, smug and confident. “You don’t.”
“We’ll see.” I crossed my arms across my chest.
He shook his head and laughed. “Back to the next item on our agenda. My friend up north runs a small hotel, and he’s interested in selling your wine.”
“We always welcome new clients,” Pops said.
“I was hoping you’d say that. I told him I’d bring a couple of bottles next time I go up.”
“You could just ship them,” I said.
“Well, since you’re already heading that direction, maybe I’ll join you. Mix a little business with pleasure.” The words he chose sent a delicious shiver up my spine.
“Yeah,” Pops said. “It’s always best to meet a client face-to-face.”
“There’s no need to have you go out of your way,” I told him. I wasn’t sure about taking a trip with Michael when I had personal stuff to focus on—a new job and meeting up with Tim. I also didn’t trust him enough to be alone with him overnight. Or was it that I didn’t trust myself?
“Honestly, I don’t mind,” Michael countered. “I insist. Really. I have a couple of days to spare right now since there’s nothing pressing I need to deal with.”
“That’s not necessary. Really, Michael. I can handle a meeting with a prospective client. Just give me his info, and I’ll set it up.”
“Just let him go with you, Siena,” Grams said. I glared at her.
“Yeah,” Pops agreed. Him, too? “It’ll be good for Michael to help introduce you, seeing as it’s his friend. You did say he’s a friend, right, Michael?”
Why were they taking his side in all this?
“Yes,” he answered Pops. “Plus”—he looked at me—“I think having me there will help seal the deal.” The arrogant smile on his face irked me. Was he smug because he thought I couldn’t handle it on my own or because he was wheedling his way into going with me? Was his intent purely based on business? Orpleasure?
My eyebrow shot up in question. “Oh, really? You don’t think I can handle business myself? I will have you know I am asure thingwhen it comes to sealing the deal, pal.”
Did he just blush?
“I have no doubt. But you don’t know my friend. Just trust me. You’ll thank me for coming with you.”
“Doubt it.” But I was intrigued, so I reluctantly agreed to let him come along.
I gave Michael the details of my itinerary, where I needed to be and when. He said he’d take care of the travel arrangements, emphasizing that we’d have separate rooms. His statement made me question whether he was trying to relieve me or my grandparents. Either way, I didn’t care. I wasn’t going to let anything, or anyone, come between me and my dreams.
Michael
“Walk Me Out?” I askedSiena.
“Sure.”
“Thank you again,” I said to Sal and Sophia. I shook his hand, and Sophia kissed me goodbye on the cheeks.
I followed Siena out. “Wow, look at all the stars.” The night sky was glittering.
“I know. Isn’t it gorgeous? Probably don’t get much of this in thebigcity.”
“Not like this.”
