HAD THAT REALLY HAPPENED?
Had Enzo almost kissed her?
Saturday morning Sylvie was still thinking about that moment on the veranda a few nights ago. In fact, it’d taken up a lot of her thoughts. Perhaps too many because she’d had to rush to put the finishing touches on this wedding. A wedding that was about to take place in the garden.
And yet, when she was supposed to be checking last-minute things off on her to-do list, she was thinking about the way Enzo had stared into her eyes—the desire that had flashed in them. And then there was the way his look had sent her heart racing.
At times his gaze could be so intent that it was like he could see straight through her—like he could see what made her tick. All this time she’d been fooling herself into thinking she had kept her attraction to him under wraps—that there was no way he knew just how much she wished he would pull her into his arms and kiss her. But then what?
This is where things got really muddled. In her daydreams and for that matter, in her nighttime dreams, she never got past the arms wrapped around each other and the lips pressing to each other. She supposed it was because she couldn’t imagine what normally came next—a loving and committed relationship.
The truth was relationships didn’t last. She’d learned that lesson over and over again in her life. It was best to just keep things light and simple.
Because putting her tattered heart on the line wasn’t something she was willing to do. The thought of letting herself feel deeply for Enzo and then losing him—she gave herself a mental shake. It wasn’t going to happen. She wouldn’t let it.
The only reason she had planned the surprise party was to remind Enzo of what he had here at the estate—what he would lose if he were to sell it. The party, the cake and all the other arrangements she’d seen to… Well, those had nothing to do with her feelings for him because…because she had those all under control.
So how did she explain what had happened in Paris? It was that city—the city of love. It had cast some sort of spell over her—over them. But once they’d returned to Tuscany, they were both able to see what a mistake they’d made. There was nothing between them—nothing more than a casual friendship.
Okay, maybe that wasn’t quite true. Maybe it was more like a close friendship—at least that was the way things used to be. Enzo used to confide in her and she had done the same with him. But ever since that one night, there had been an awkwardness between them—much like a wall. One that each of them had taken some comfort in hiding behind. But now it was getting in her way. Now she needed to knock it down, if she was going to convince him not to sell the estate.
Ring. Ring.
It was the house phone. The only thing it was used for these days was business. Personal calls went to their cell phones. Sylvie checked the time on her fitness tracker. There was less than an hour now until the wedding ceremony. Surely, this wasn’t bad news regarding the wedding.
The phone rang again.
Her gaze quickly skimmed down over her checklist. No. Everything was done and the caterer had already set up finger food in the dining room. There was nothing to worry about.
And yet, as she picked up the phone, she couldn’t help but wonder if this phone call would somehow help or hinder her efforts to keep her home and a job at which she was quite skilled.
“Hello. This is the Barto Vineyard. How may I help you?”
“Hello. My name is Jameson Asaro and I’m with Tuscany Views magazine. We’re interested in doing a big spread about your vineyard and the prestigious award your winery won in Paris.”
“Oh. Wow.” Her mind was racing. This could be the help she needed to sway Enzo’s decision about keeping or selling the estate. “That would be wonderful.”
“Can I take that as confirmation that you’d like us to visit the estate to do our research for the article?”
“Um, can you hold on for a moment?”
“Sure.”
She pushed a button on the phone, putting it on hold while she fished her cell phone out of her pocket. She quick-dialed Enzo. The phone rang and rang before going to voice mail.
She knew if Enzo was out in the fields that there were many places with no reception. Of all the days for him to be out of reach. Frustration balled up in her stomach. This was so important.
She moved the landline receiver back to her ear. “I’m sorry about that. I was just trying to reach someone at the vineyard. Could we get back to you—?”
“I don’t think you understand the urgency of this. We just had a last-minute cancellation and we need a big story. Something we can cover right away.”
“Oh. I… I…uh…” What was she supposed to say? She tried to imagine Enzo’s response. Would he welcome the coverage? It was really special. This online and print magazine stretched throughout Italy and beyond its borders. It was quite a coup.
“I need a decision now.” The man’s voice was firm.
Her palms grew damp. The last thing she wanted to do was to make the wrong decision and have Enzo upset with her. As it was, they were just starting to find an easiness with each other after Paris. If she were to make the wrong choice here and they went back to acting like strangers again, she’d never convince him that selling the estate was a big mistake—a huge mistake.
But what if she were to pass on the publicity, would Enzo get upset? In fact, she’d been so busy worrying about what he’d do if she were to accept the offer that she hadn’t stopped to think about it in reverse. Turning down the offer could be a mistake, too. Either way it was a gamble.
Her stomach knotted knowing the man on the other end of the phone was expecting her to make a decision now—right now. And if she picked the wrong one, it could mean losing her ability to reason with Enzo.
She worried her bottom lip. All her attention was focused on whether she should or shouldn’t. Should or shouldn’t. The words revolved around in her mind at a dizzying pace—
“Hello,” the man said, “are you still there?”
The moment of truth had arrived. “Um, yes, I am.”
“And are you willing to do the article?”
“Yes.” The word popped out of her mouth and then she realized it was too late to take it back. Her fate had been sealed. She just didn’t know how any of this was going to work out. And dealing with the unknown was something she didn’t do well. She liked plans and certainties.
“Very good. We’ll arrive Thursday.”
“As in this coming Thursday? Less than a week from now?”
“Yes, ma’am. Is that a problem?”
A problem? Not that she could think of, but Enzo might have a differing opinion. “No, it’s not.”
“Good. We’ll need a tour of the vineyard. We’re going to need photos.”
“Photos?” She hadn’t considered what all would be involved with this.
“Yes, we’ll need photos to go along with the write-up.”
“Of course.” She would normally have anticipated this if her thoughts weren’t being pulled in so many different directions.
Thankfully, the estate was in tip-top shape. So pictures shouldn’t be a big deal. Right? Surely, Enzo would be happy about this interest in the vineyard, wouldn’t he?
She assured herself that she had nothing to worry about. After concluding the phone call, she wrote Enzo a note and left it in what was now his office. And then she set off to change into her dress for the wedding. It was almost time for the bride and groom to say I do.
* * *
What was wrong with him?
Every time Enzo was in Sylvie’s vicinity, he was nearly kissing her or thinking about kissing her. And that just wasn’t right. He was the one taking away not only her job but also her home.
And there was another thing. He kept delaying talking to her about the final date for the last wedding at the estate. No matter how much he dreaded doing it, the talk had to take place. In fact, he’d put it off too long as it was.
After a long day in the fields, he had one more thing he needed to do. He wanted to test these new oak barrels for leakage and then he would head to the little guesthouse on the property where Sylvie lived. He was certain she wouldn’t want to see him, not after the way he’d handled himself earlier that week—or rather how he’d been out of control, letting his desire dictate his actions. That was why he’d been up extra early every morning and returned late each evening.
“Something on your mind?” Vito asked.
“No. Why?”
Vito nodded toward the hose. “Because you’re spilling water all over the floor.”
“What?” Enzo glanced down to see that the barrel was full and the excess water was forming a puddle on the floor. He rushed to turn off the water. When the hose was drained, he turned to an amused Vito. “Aren’t you supposed to be on holiday with your family?”
“I just stopped on my way out of town to check on things and see if you need anything.”
Enzo grabbed a rag to clean up his mess. This accident was minor but it was indicative of why he didn’t belong here any longer. He was forever distracted. Where once his work had been all-encompassing and fulfilling, now his mind was on other things. “Thanks, but I don’t need a thing. Have a good trip.”
Vito didn’t say a word for a moment. He just stared thoughtfully at him.
Enzo grew uncomfortable beneath his friend’s stare. “Whatever it is, just say it.”
“I’m wondering what’s on your mind.” Vito’s expression turned serious. “Or should I say who?”
Enzo shook his head. “No one is on my mind.” Liar. “I just have a lot to do before the estate sale goes through.”
For a moment a strained silence filled the air. Enzo knew Vito didn’t agree with his decision to sell the estate. They’d already had a heated disagreement. Enzo was hoping Vito would accept the inevitable, even if he didn’t agree with him. Enzo was certain the new owner would keep him on to manage the place, as they’d already discussed it.
“Seems like Sylvie is trying to sway you into changing your mind about the sale,” Vito said as he propped himself up against the worktable.
Enzo moved around the barrel, searching for any leaks. So far it looked good. “She’s wasting her time. It’s practically a done deal.”
“You didn’t sign the papers, did you?” There was concern in Vito’s voice.
“No. But I will as soon as we work out the final terms.”
“So there’s still time for you to change your mind?”
“It’s not going to happen.” If this was anyone but his father’s best friend, he would have told Vito to buzz off already. But Vito was a part of the family. He was like his uncle and no matter how much he stepped on Enzo’s nerves, he just couldn’t tell him to get lost.
“Did you ever consider raising your family here? Maybe with Sylvie.”
That was it. He wasn’t getting away with that—favorite uncle or not. Enzo straightened to his full height. But when he turned, he found Vito had already made a hasty exit. No one could ever accuse Vito of not being a wise man because right about now Enzo was about to unload all of his pent-up frustration when—
“Enzo?” It was Sylvie’s voice. “Enzo, are you in here?”
“Back here,” he called out. It was only after he’d spoken that he realized the mistake he’d made. He was in no frame of mind to deal with her. He was certain she’d want to talk about that almost-kiss and want to analyze its meaning.
Her footsteps approached and he braced himself for her anger or accusations. He just needed to get it over quickly and then he’d tell her that he needed her final date for the wedding business. Quick. Simple.
He gave himself a mental shake. Nothing was simple when it came to Sylvie. It was more like complicated and confusing. But Vito had been right. She was doing everything in her power to sway his decision about the sale. It wasn’t going to work. But that didn’t keep him from wondering what she’d try next.
“Oh, there you are.” She joined him at the worktable.
“What did you need?”
“Did you happen to see the note I left you in the office?”
He shook his head. “I haven’t been in the house since this morning. I always make plans to stay far away on wedding days.”
“I don’t blame you.” It was the first time she’d said something like that.
“You make it sound like you don’t like the weddings.”
She shrugged. “I just know they get loud and congested. And if you don’t have to be there, it’s best to find a nice quiet corner of the estate. I know that’s what I’d do if I could.”
He wasn’t sure what she was trying to tell him. And he wasn’t in the mood to figure it out. But since she was here and before he forgot, he said, “Sylvie, we have to talk about the wedding business.”
When her gaze met his, there was a sadness in her eyes. The look tore at his gut. It felt like no matter what decision he made it was going to be the wrong answer for someone.
But Sylvie was smart and talented. She would land on her feet. And it wasn’t like he was planning to kick her to the curb. He would pay for her moving costs and her housing until she was able to get settled. He’d even help her find another job, not that he knew anything about weddings. Still, he would do what he could with job references and utilizing all of his contacts.
“What about it?” she asked in a softer voice than normal.
He sighed. This was so much harder than he’d imagined. “We need to set a final close date for the business.” When she didn’t say anything but instead stood there looking at him like he was the enemy, he said, “I’m sorry things worked out like this.”
He didn’t know what he expected—for her to yell at him or to stomp off. But she did neither of those things. She started naming off weddings from memory. They were weddings that stretched well into the next year. He knew canceling them would create a lot of drama for not only Sylvie but also the couples and their families. The guilt mounted.
“When you told me the estate was to be sold,” Sylvie said, “I started working out a plan. I spoke with a stellar wedding planner in Florence. She was willing to take on some of my clients. And the ones she couldn’t fit into her schedule, I plan to handle myself but with a different venue. I just have one final wedding here at the estate.”
“You did all of this already?”
She looked at him like, well, of course. “I couldn’t afford to wait around and hope something would change. We’re talking about the biggest day in someone’s life. I couldn’t ruin it and so I’ve been spending most of my time making alternative plans.”
“I bet it didn’t go well.”
She glanced away and shook her head. “There were a lot of upset people.”
“I’m sorry, Sylvie. I never meant to put you in such an awful position.” Once again he hadn’t been able to spare the feelings of someone he cared about. If only he’d thought of all the ramifications of selling the estate; maybe he could have made this easier on Sylvie. He wasn’t sure how and it really didn’t matter now. The damage was done. “What did you come here to tell me?”
She wrung her hands together. “There was an important phone call this morning, while you were out in the fields. I tried to reach you.”
His gut twisted up in a knot of worry. “Was it my sisters? Did something happen to one of them?”
“No.” She shook her head. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you. It’s nothing like that.”
He blew out a pent-up breath. “Then what was this important call?”
“It was about your big win in Paris.” She sent him a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Word is out and Tuscany Views magazine wants your story.”
“My story?” He shook his head. “I don’t have a story. You told them to go away, didn’t you?” When she didn’t immediately answer, a feeling of dread came over him. “Sylvie, what did you do?”
“All they want is to speak with you and take some photos.”
“Impossible.”
“Why? You deserve this. You work hard around this vineyard.”
“Because…” His mind raced for a reason the interview and article were a bad idea, aside from the fact that he didn’t feel he was deserving. “Because this place isn’t set up for photos.”
“What? Of course it is. It’s always kept up for vineyard tours and wine-tasting parties.”
“Not anymore. I’ve started taking things down and packing up the place for the new owner.”
It was then that she glanced around at the bare walls. She moved to the doorway of the large wine-tasting room. There was nothing left on the walls or shelves. The room was bare except for the furniture because he had yet to find someone willing to buy it.
All the vineyard’s rich history was now boxed up and put in storage. He didn’t know what to do with it all. He was going to talk to his sisters about the wall hangings and plaques as well as the photos. It was a lot to go through.
“It shouldn’t take long to put it all back up,” Sylvie said with a hopeful note in her voice.
“When is this reporter supposed to be here?”
“Thursday.”
“As in five days from now?”
Sylvie nodded. “See. Plenty of time.”
At last, he had his out without hurting her feelings. “Not enough time with just one person to do it all and look after the vineyard.”
“One person?” Her fine brows drew together. “But what about Vito and the others?”
“Vito is off on holiday. So are a couple of other guys. They needed a break before harvest. And the other guys are busy clearing a new field to be planted for next season. The new owner wants to expand the vineyard.”
“Oh. Okay.” Sylvie paused as she processed this information. “We can still do this. I’ll help you.”
He shook his head. “I don’t think so. It’s not your job.”
“But I told them you’d do it and I didn’t get their number so I can’t call them back.”
“It’s a magazine. I’m sure you can call the office and they’ll put you through to the reporter.”
“I didn’t catch their name.”
He frowned at her. He had a feeling no matter what he said she’d counter it with an answer. He knew where she was going with this. She was hoping this interview and media coverage would change his mind about selling the estate. It wouldn’t.
But she was so intent on him doing this that he felt as though he owed it to her after he’d ended her wedding business. “Okay.”
Her eyes widened. “Okay, what?”
“We’ll do it.”
“You’ll do the interview and let them tour the estate?”
He didn’t want to; he really didn’t. Selling this estate wasn’t easy for him, and reminding himself of everything he was about to turn his back on wouldn’t help matters. But all the good memories were interlaced with all the bad memories—things he wanted to forget.
Still, when Sylvie looked at him with hope in her eyes, how could he turn her down? Right now he felt if she asked him for the stars and the moon, he’d climb the tallest ladder and gather them for her.
But he also remembered what Vito said about Sylvie doing anything she could to change his mind about selling the estate. He couldn’t allow her to get her hopes up that he would reverse his decision and then have her crushed once more.
He cleared his throat. “Sylvie, I’ll do the interview and tour, but you need to realize that I’m not going to change my mind about selling the estate. It’s going to be sold.”
Emotion flashed in her eyes, but in a blink it was gone before he could make it out. “I understand. Thank you for agreeing to do this. It’ll make a really nice memory for you and your sisters.”
He didn’t know about that. Still, he kept putting one foot in front of the other as he marched toward the estate sale. He’d made the decision to turn his back on this place and it had seemed right at the time. So then why was he starting to get the feeling it was the worst decision he’d ever made?