not. I’m so far from that, it’s laughable. I ignore that part of our conversation and focus on something safe.
“I remember that from high school. Not too many people could tell them apart. It was a superpower of theirs.”
“I forgot. You knew them in high school.” She leans forward eagerly. “What was that like?”
“Honestly, I only knew Brody. I was a freshman. They were seniors. Our paths rarely crossed, except on the football field.”
“Huh?”
“I made the varsity cheer squad as a freshman. Best and worst decision of my life. Brody and I were friends, close friends, but I never really talked to Asher or Cage.” I can’t keep my mouth from twisting on the bad memories.
“I sense a story there.”
“A long story and not a good one. Brody and I didn’t part as friends.”
“And now? If you’re going into business with him, how does that factor into things? Not to mention, you look pretty darn close for people who didn’t part as friends.”
“It’s complicated.”
“He seems acutely interested in you. I just assumed you were dating by the possessive vibe he’s throwing.”
“That’s why it’s complicated.”
Over the next half hour, I tell Evie everything there is to know about Brody, our history, our reunion, and how it’s all a complicated mess. She’s easy to talk to, like a sister, and listens to my woes with rapt attention. She helps with a bit of slicing and dicing for the salad, but I see why her kitchen skills are lacking. She nearly cuts off several of her fingertips before I rescue the mangled produce and relieve her of the knife.
We share stories, swapping tales of how we met our respective Trips.
“He rescued you from a forest fire?” I stare at her for a long moment, mouth gaping. “I don’t know what I would’ve done.”
“You already know this, but if you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything. A little over a year ago, I would’ve laughed if you told me I’d be an accomplished solo backpacker who worked my way across the country alone. I was a spoiled brat who never lifted a finger for anything, and honestly, didn’t know how to take care of myself. But life intervened. It places obstacles in your path to see what you’ll do. I decided to learn how to be self-sufficient. That began with a hike in the woods.”
“I never thought I’d be the owner of a winery. I’ve been learning a ton.”
“What did you want to do?”
“Actually,” I glance toward the noisy Trips, “work at the kind of company Brody works at. It was my dream before Mom got sick.”
“What was?” Brody’s deep voice sends a chill down my spine as he strolls into the kitchen. “How’s it going? Are we being exceptionally rude leaving you alone?”
“I’m going to go listen to Cage’s tall tales and give you two a moment alone.” Evie scoots off her stool. After topping off her wine, she winks at me and leaves Brody and me alone.
“We don’t need a moment…” But she’s already striding away.
“Thanks, Evie,” Brody calls out. “We’ll let you know when dinner’s ready. You think you can handle them for a bit?”
“Not a problem.” She takes a sip and makes her exit.
A chill works its way down my spine, followed by a wave of blistering heat as Brody closes the distance. He wraps me in his arms.
“I’m really sorry about this.” He draws me tight against his body. “Forgive me?”
“It’s my pleasure, and to be honest, it feels good to let myself go in the kitchen. I miss it.”
“It smells amazing.” He kisses my forehead. “Put me to work. Let me help out so I don’t feel like a total loser bringing my girlfriend home to cook for my family.”
Girlfriend?
“Um…” I take a quick inventory of all the dishes and where they are as far as being done. “Where do you guys usually eat? Is it casual; sitting in front of the television kind of thing, or more formal, like a sit down in the dining room thing?” My cooking works with either of those options, from casual to classically elegant.
“Actually, I was thinking outside in the garden. It’s too beautiful not to enjoy the outdoors, if that works for whatever you’re cooking up?”
“I’ve got everything handled in here, but if you could get the table set, that would help.” Honestly, he’s more in the way than any help to me at this point. I’ve got everything timed perfectly to finish together.
“Asher! Cage!” Brody shouts