The Vineyard at Painted Moon - Susan Mallery Page 0,60
thinking?”
She pressed her lips together. “Oh, she talked about wanting to have a share of the winery. It couldn’t possibly happen, and I told her to never ask again. It’s not my fault,” she added, knowing she sounded defensive. “James’s will is very clear.”
“There must be ways around that.”
Possibly, but why would she want to look for them? Instead of saying that, she murmured, “I’m not sure it would help.”
“Mackenzie’s alone in the world. It makes sense she wants to feel connected to something as wonderful as Bel Après. Perhaps a tiny percentage of—”
“No.”
“But my sweet—”
“Giorgio, no. She can’t have any ownership in the winery. That’s just how it is.”
“But you love her.”
“Not anymore.”
He drew back. “You don’t mean that. She’s the daughter of your heart.”
“She’s a lying bitch who wants to leave us.”
He studied her for a few seconds. “You’re still upset. I’m sorry—I shouldn’t have pushed you. Forgive me?”
“Of course. You’re not the problem, you’re never the problem. It’s Bel Après. Everything could be ruined.”
“Then focus all your incredible talents on finding a new winemaker. I would imagine there are dozens who would jump at the chance to work for such a prestigious label.” He leaned close and kissed her. “How can I help?”
“Just being here makes me feel better.”
“Good.” He pulled her into his embrace. “Sweet, sweet Barbara. We’ll get through this together.”
She nodded, because it was the kind thing to do, but knew in her heart that there was no “we” when it came to this problem. There was only her and finding a solution to a horrible situation.
Damn Mackenzie, she thought grimly. Damn her straight to hell.
fifteen
Stephanie was not happy to be summoned to her mother’s house, especially not on the day Mackenzie had told Barbara she was leaving. But the text had been specific enough that she couldn’t figure out a way to get out of going.
Be at my house at 7 p.m. I will accept no excuses.
Stephanie stared at her phone, hoping for a reprieve, but sadly the screen stayed dark. In fifteen minutes she was going to have to walk the too-short distance between their homes and deal with whatever crap her mother wanted to send her way.
She debated getting drunk before heading over. A coward’s way to deal, but she could live with that. Only there wasn’t enough time, and in the name of self-preservation, she should probably keep her wits about herself—as much as she could, under the circumstances.
“Mom?”
She looked up from her place at the kitchen island and saw Avery standing in the doorway. Her daughter was still a little pale and there were shadows under her eyes, but she seemed to be on the road to recovery. Oh, to be young again, and bounce back quickly, she thought. Stephanie, on the other hand, kept flashing back to the conversation from a few days ago when her daughter had matter-of-factly mentioned she knew about Kyle’s cheating and was doing her best not to be the fool her mother had been. Humbling, humiliating, but wise on Avery’s part.
“Madison invited me over to her place,” she said. “I’ll be back by eleven.”
Stephanie forced a smile. “I’m glad you’re getting out.”
“I heard from Alexander. He’s sorry and wants me to meet him tomorrow.”
“What are you going to do?” she asked, careful to keep her tone and expression neutral.
“I told him we were done and that I was blocking him on my phone.”
Stephanie relaxed. “You’re amazing. I’m so proud of you, sweetie.”
Avery nodded without much enthusiasm. “I know it’s the right thing to do, but it still hurts.”
Stephanie risked rejection and wrath by hugging her daughter. “I know it’s hard to believe now, but eventually you’re going to feel better. Then you’re going to find a great guy who treats you the way you deserve to be treated.”
Avery returned the hug before stepping back. “Am I? You never have. You don’t date or anything. Your whole life is here. You work for Bel Après, your best friend is your sister-in-law. Don’t you ever want a bigger life?”
Stephanie did her best not to flinch. “I have a good job and I spend my days with the people I love best.”
The words came automatically. It was only after she spoke that she remembered she hated her job and working for her mother, and that not saying that to her daughter was ignoring the truth and a chance to share an important life lesson.
“If you say so,” Avery murmured before walking to the back door. “See