Who would’ve known last September that I’d be standing in my own vineyard, surrounded by loved ones and ready to celebrate its official opening? Definitely not me. I tell ya, a year changes everything.
Vintage Vines, the name of my winery, is off to a wonderful start, thanks to being able to adopt all of the former winery owners’ connections in the area—my new orchestra—and relabel their bottles with mine. As of this harvest season, I’m on my way to one-hundred percent Toni wine from start to finish, and in two more years, can have the magical moment of tasting it. But each moment is already magical in learning how to run a successful winery, with every second fulfilling my soul more than I ever imagined.
I close my eyes and stand still as minutes crawl to the start time, blocking out all the early festive chatter and breathing in the bouquet of clean Temecula Valley air paired with sweet wine whiffing from glasses encircling me. Opening my eyes again, I make sure to scan my vines—my vines!—and can’t help but walk a few steps over to them to feel my plump grapes, ready to be taken to the next level of their purpose. Having time alone with a cluster of my purple beauties, I run my fingers along their smooth skin, thanking them for continuing to produce and giving me the privilege of living my best life.
“Toni.” David’s voice breaks my daze as he walks toward me onto the soil. “Playing in the dirt again, huh?”
“You know it.” I tap the nearest leaf.
“Have you been taking my advice and playing music for the grapes?” He widens his eyes.
“Of course I have. I’m not taking any chances with disease invading my family again.”
He swallows a sip of his chardonnay. “Genodics may be the newest vineyard trend. You never know.”
“Musical vibrations are powerful, so they really may boost the vines’ immunity. Soon, I’ll have speakers spread throughout my land, but for now, there are only a few.” Combining my two loves and securing my family legacy leads me to sip on my own wine in jubilee. Pinch me.
“Hey, my Boyz II Men know what they’re doing with their wine brand, so I’d follow whatever they do from now on. Just sayin’.” David raises his glass as if cheering the grapes—and his band.
Being between sur-reality and reality, I’m giddy, barely registering David’s humor as I float in divine lightness. “The string trio I hired for tonight will start soon, but in the future, I want to have concert nights. I’ll play cello and ask some friends to perform. Will that satisfy your Boyz’ standards?”
He grins. “I think it might. They’d approve.”
For some reason, David not only makes me laugh, as usual, but is…extremely attractive. His gray chinos and white polo shirt shine in the evening light as the sun sets beyond the hills. The pink and yellowish-orange sky frame his silhouette, unveiling his bright-white teeth, radiantly matching his twinkling eyes.
Whoa. What’s that about? Quick, say something. “Have you played bocce yet? Looks like the court is free right now.”
He angles his head to the side and glances in that direction. “I’ll make sure to get in a game. It’s a great addition you made here.”
“Thanks, and I mean for everything.” I dip my head for a second before bringing it back up to catch his gaze. “I better get back to the crowd. See you later on?”
“You can’t lose me.”
I beeline to Flora, who just arrived with her date and a few other people I’m thrilled to see. No need to tell her about random thoughts crossing my mind, though. It’s normal to have those…
“Floraaaa.” I hug her with one arm, careful not to spill the red glory from the glass in my other hand.
She squeezes me in return, one-armed too, since she’s holding a hefty chunk of brie on a napkin with her other hand. “Toni. I’m so happy for you. This is unbelievable.”
“Yes, congrats, girl. You did it, and I knew you could.” Mary leans in to hug me as well.
“Amiga, you’re—” Ben puts his finger on my shoulder and makes a hiss sound. “Ouch.”
Releasing a belly laugh, I say, “Thank you! I couldn’t have done it without a lot of help.”
“We’re all here for you.” Flora glances past me. “Look, even Hudson is here.” She waves to our wine shop friend, and I follow with a smile, noticing the spinach quiches I need in my mouth sooner than later.
She continues, “And let me finally introduce you to Natalia Navarro.”
“Nice to meet my sister’s apple of her eye,” I say as I shake her hand.
Flora tilts her head in what seems like agreement.
“I hoped it would be earlier than now, but I’ve been a little busy,” I add.
“I can see that, so no worries,” Natalia says. “It’s nice to finally meet you too. From how much Flora talks about you, I feel like I already know you.” She pushes back one side of her long, thick, black hair, which glows under the white fairy lights strung on the beams of my patio.
“Aww, my sis.” I bump her side with my hip. “And I can’t believe you two flew from New Orleans to come.”
“We’ve gotta support new business owners. It’s all about community.” Ben gives a look to Mary that signals there’s deeper meaning behind his words.
“That’s right,” Mary follows up. “I just wish our partners could’ve come. Nate and Vic would love this opening. Mr. Grayson too.”
“I hope to meet them next time you visit, especially the famous Mr. Grayson the cat.”
“We’ll force them on the plane.” Ben touches his bicep.
“Mr. G. will have to sit in first class,” Mary adds.
“Clearly.” I show all teeth possible, thinking of her little guy. Nala would love to meet him, I’m sure. “Well, you’ll always have a friend in Temecula Valley, so come anytime—and often.”
I notice my parents in the distance, talking to Gio. “Excuse me,” I interject, slipping away though wishing I could clone myself to spend all night with every single person.
“Mom, Dad, Gio.” I set down my now almost empty glass on the teak table and go in for a group embrace.
“Look at this.” Dad’s electric eyes shift from one side to the other and he brings me into his arms for one more hug. “Oh, I love you so much.” Each of his words are emphasized.
“Yes, honey. You really produced something beautiful here.” Mom and Gio exchange a grin.
“I’ve thanked Uncle Roberto a million times already for contributing to making today happen. Too bad he wasn’t able to travel here to salute with us.” I grab my glass again, hold it up in his honor, then take a sip.
“He’s here in spirit, even though he’s probably sleeping right now,” Mom says.
“You made your family proud, Toni,” Gio adds. “And mine as well. Once friends, always friends, now family.” He rests his hand on the top of a sturdy chair as he crosses one ankle over the other. “Oh, Tess, Barb, and Kent all told me they’ll stop by later.”
“Good! They’ve been extremely helpful these last few months. I needed to rush my labels for today, and Barb knew just where to tell me to order.”
Gio nods. “We’re all one big family here.”
“Speaking of, there’s more family.” Nala meanders outside the open-air doors of the tasting room. “Ciao, principessa. I was just thinking about you.” I crouch down and snap my fingers to call her to us.
She trots by, allowing me to give one continuous pet on her back as she continues, loving her new outdoor life.
As I stand up, I catch a glimpse of someone who makes me freeze in position.
“What’s wrong, Toni?” Mom’s face looks like mine probably does.
“I…I’ll be right back.” My legs carry me to the man I spent the last decade with and never expected to see at my winery.
“Hi, Toni.” Christian sticks his hands in his pockets as his shoulders rise. “I wanted to come down here to see what you’ve done for yourself.” Oddly enough, his tone is not sarcastic.
Are there hidden cameras for some joke-ridden TV show or something?
“Hi. Uh, yeah. Here it is.” What the heck can I say? My lawyer has been chasing him to finalize the divorce papers for months, but he’s been ignoring her. Can I run to my office, seize the documents, and force his hand in the motion of his signature?
“I also wanted to say how sorry I am for how things ended up.” He inhales a large breath as he glances away then back at my face. “I really messed up, Tone Tone.”
“Christian, I appreciate that, but please don’t call me Tone Tone.”
He bobs his head in agreement. “Can we set up a time to talk?”
“About what? I think we’ve said all that needs to be said at this point.” My voice remains fluid, though warnings of protection start to trigger in my chest.
“I was thinking maybe we don’t have to get a divorce. Maybe we can work it out.”
I try not to laugh out loud at the thought of going backward. I’ve worked too hard to overcome the mind tricks and other remnants from the cycle of abuse. I know I have a ways to go, but nothing could make me live that life ever again. “Oh…”—my mouth crinkles to one side—“I disagree.” My body’s caution is on point.
“I’ve been going to counseling, and I realize how I used to treat you.” His eyes dip.
“I’m glad to hear you’re working on yourself. Good for you.” The strength I’ve gained over the past year is partly attributed to my own counseling. “I am too.”
His hands come out of his pockets, and he places them in a praying position. “Please, Toni. I don’t like life without you.”
“I’m sorry for that, Christian, but the answer is no.” Sometimes it’s okay to say sorry. My heart does ache for the pain he must be in—one I know too well from ending a marriage I thought would last forever. But tonight is my night, and I won’t let anything ruin it. The past is part of my story, but there’s a budding grape from the seed I planted in Vintage Vines that won’t be overshadowed tonight, and it needs my energy and attention. “I’m asking you, once again, to sign the divorce papers. Please get that done this week.”
If I could pat myself on the back and not look like a weirdo, I would. Standing up to Christian with full confidence has taken way too long, but since I started doing it, I’ll always stand my ground, not choosing to live in fear, confusion, or boredom. I choose happiness, peace, and most of all, I choose me.
Wind shifts my hair in a serene gust as if reassuring me I’m right where I need to be.
“I thought you wouldn’t change your mind but figured I’d give it a try. I understand,” he says.
My lips move inward and upward, filled with relief, for both of us. Maybe he has grown. “I wish you nothing but the best. Hug?” I extend my arms as a gesture of forgiveness. He’ll always be the man I once truly loved.
“Yes.” He moves in and gives me one last squeeze.
After we part, I add, “You’re welcome to hang around if you want. To enjoy the opening.”
“Nah, this is your thing. I’ll get going.” He aims his thumb behind him, to the parking lot.
“Okay. Bye, Christian.”
“Bye, Toni. Take care.” He adjusts his hair behind one ear and moves out of my view, among the cars.
I remain solid in stance a beat longer when I see his head pop back into focus. The flicker in his eyes could mean anything, but I hope it means this really is goodbye.
“When the idea hit me to open my own winery and revive my family’s history, I never thought it could actually happen and that all of us would be here tonight.” I address my family and friends with a few words I want to share, taking in every possible second of the setting. The deep-rooted vineyard behind me strongly supports my back as my shoulders carry dreams of Pietro and many other Italian immigrant vintners into the future. Staring at the gathered group in my cozy outdoor space—lined by thick, mature trees—I capture more grape-filled vines in my peripheral vision and can’t be more thankful for the moment.
“This night represents the ability for miracles to happen, and I don’t just mean that there’s still salame left after my dad has had access.”
“Ay!” he calls out, joining in on the fun.
I giggle and continue, “Seriously, everyone, I’m the luckiest lady in the world to have your support for beginning a new movement in my life, in more ways than one. And it’s only up from here. Just wait and see what plans I have in store for Vintage Vines.” My eyes meet David’s, and we exchange a gleam of excitement for what’s to come. You know I told him my ideas!
“Yes, I keep saying it, but thank you…and I love all of you. Now let’s raise our glasses.” As I hold my stem higher, the moonlight beams on the glass, brightening the hue of the red wine and matching my red sneakers. I can’t be more myself or more at home.
“To my old and new friends, family, and of course, Nala…amici e vini sono meglio vecchi. Friends, like wine, are best when aged. Let’s grow together and taste the treasures ahead. Salute.”
After my speech, Gio pulls me aside. “I brought you a present.” He hands me a box wrapped in brown packing paper and tied with rope string.
“You’ve done so much already just being here for me this last year. You didn’t have to do more.” The two violins’ and cello’s soothing sounds grace the atmosphere with a mix of classical and modern string trio music as I accept Gio’s box.
Upon opening it, Pietro’s and Santi’s faces stare back at me with the same level of pride as I feel on this night. “Gio, you made me a copy?!”
“That I did. You need this picture in your tasting room too.” He extends his elbow toward me. “Come on. Let’s put it up.”
We lock arms and enter my tasting room through the large entrance from the patio. A few people wander around, enjoying the merchandise wall of bottle openers, carrying cases—yup, including suitcases to bring home many bottles at a time, which are popular, according to Barb—and even my own winery T-shirts with my new forest-green double-V logo. The sight sends tingles throughout my body.
“Here’s a perfect spot.” I place the glossy silver frame on the sandy wooden shelf behind the counter so each time I pour glasses of love for customers, Pietro can witness it. Patting the P paper I made sure to carry in my jeans pocket tonight, I know he’s one satisfied angel. The family business lives again.
Once I get back to pouring myself more of my first night’s bliss in liquid form, I also give myself time to absorb my surroundings and all I’ve accomplished this year. Viewing my sacred land, I finally know my true gift—fully living and breathing with the realization that each day matters and refusing to waste a single second. Nothing tastes better than freedom.
Thank you for reading The Gift, Book 1 in the Vintage Vines series. I would be extremely grateful for a short review on your favorite website (even one sentence works!). Your kind words mean the world to me and help bring other readers to my books.
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