at the counter swiveled in interest. With all eyes in near proximity on her, Joey swallowed. “I wasn’t. I was actually just barely holding it together. I still feel that way when I look at all I have on my plate. But”—she shrugged—“Becca makes it all feel better, and I guess I want to see where that leads.”
The men exchanged a glance and turned back, both dripping with sympathy.
Joey regarded them. “Look, I didn’t mean for you to feel bad for me. I’ve had plenty of that in life already, and it’s my least favorite place to be.”
“But we do feel awful for you. You’ve been through a lot,” Monty said.
“But not enough to get out of questioning,” Stephen added, holding strong. It really was sexy the way his hair curled a little in front like Superman. She wondered how they could use these guys in ads for the vineyard someday.
“I would never presume.” Joey held up a finger because another group of hers was mid-tasting and ready to move on to their next varietal. She quickly took care of the cheerful group from Seattle, who were staying at The Jade coincidentally enough, and returned to Stephen and Monty.
They jumped right back in. “What are your long-term goals?” Monty asked.
Joey considered the question. “Well, I plan to run Tangle Valley Vineyard for the rest of my life. It’s my legacy, and the place on earth I love more than all others. Outside that, some people would call me a mess. I can admit to that. I lost my mother to illness when I was eight.” She felt the emotion begin to rise uncomfortably in her throat. She resisted it with all she had. “My fiancée ditched me for another woman, and the whole town watched with popcorn and whispers. And now my father is gone, too. Something I never saw coming.”
“Who could have?” Stephen said, shaking his head.
“Now, I have a lot on my shoulders. Becca Crawford didn’t show up at the most opportune of times, but I also think that might have been by design, you know?” Monty nodded as she pressed on, trying to explain something she wasn’t sure she understood herself. “I needed Becca, and in a way, I think she needed me, too.” She sighed. “But if you’re asking for guarantees about anything, I have to be honest and say I don’t have any, guys. I’m operating at a one-day-at-a-time kind of place in my life, and it’s all I can do. But I know this. She matters to me.” She made sure to look each of them in the eye. “I’m not playing around with her heart, or leading her on, or just out for a good time. I’m earnest, and I’m trying. I just don’t have all the answers.” She lifted one shoulder and let it fall. “I’m doing the best that I can.”
When she finished, Stephen set down his mug, his eyes wide. “Well, that’s all any of us can do, right? I’m satisfied with that.”
“Sweetheart, I don’t know you,” the woman from Seattle said, leaning over, “but I’d let my son date you in a heartbeat.” The woman pointed at Joey and went back to her glass.
“Thank you,” Joey said, surprisingly touched by the show of support.
Monty smiled at her warmly. “I think you’re good people, Joey. You two want to come over to our place for dinner next week?”
She nodded and felt a smile blossom. Relief settled in her chest. She seemed to have passed the test. “I’ll bring the wine.”
“What is happening over here?” Becca asked loudly, standing behind the cowboys. “A couple of ruffians show up, and you’re serving them?”
“They mean business,” Joey said, pointing at them. “I got a good grilling on the side.”
Becca exchanged a wide-eyed, apologetic look with Joey. The cowboys looked like they wanted to shrink into their hats that now resided in their laps.
“Well, well. So this is what it’s like having surrogate brothers.”
“That’s exactly it,” Monty said, seizing on the characterization. “We care, is all. About both of you now.” A pause. “We’re also nosy. I can admit that.”
Becca put her arms around them. “I appreciate it, boys, but I think all is well. I’m a big girl.”
“So am I,” Joey said. “Well, most of the time. If you’ll excuse me, I’m needed down the bar.” Seeing guests in need of assistance, she set out to pour. As she discussed the wine, she stole glances of Becca, Monty, and Stephen as they laughed