by Kate Kisset
“Well, that feels like a bomb.”
Lulu shook her head. “No. Today is about you. I want to hear what happened.”
After two potent Bloody Marys, Danica recounted the morning’s events, painting Mr. Harvey in a more dastardly light with every drink. By two o’clock she called time-out for a nap.
Sneering down the bar at Michael, who was perched on the other side of Jamie, Luca swigged from his bottle of Pliny the Elder beer. Jamie had played go-between, just like always, insisting he and Michael meet at Norman Rose Tavern to talk.
Downtown Napa was an easy drive. The tavern had good food, beer, and the Giants game on a huge flat-screen, which was the only reason he agreed to come. Plus, he hadn’t needed to change out of his Foo Fighters T-shirt and jeans. So, after a half hour discussion with Jamie on the phone, he’d thrown on his Giants cap and left.
Still in his suit, Michael must have come straight from work. There wasn’t anything to talk about, really. Michael kissed Danica, and Luca knew enough about his older brother’s recent dating history to know Michael wouldn’t stop with a kiss. No way. They slept together. End of story.
“No point in getting Mom or Dad worked up about this.” Jamie propped his elbows on the bar and turned to Michael. “I can leave, if you want.” He shrugged at Luca. “So you can get everything out in the open, if that would help.”
Luca turned to the game over the bar in front of them. “Nothing to say.”
“Please, for the love of God, stop acting like a baby.” Michael said, loud enough for other patrons at the bar to hear.
Luca’s muscles tensed, pressing hard against the bar to get up. His bar stool’s legs shrieked against the tile floor.
“Whoa.” Jamie shot his hands up and backed his stool away from the bar, blocking Luca’s path to Michael.
Michael stood, brushing Jamie aside, and stared Luca down. He stuck his face close enough to Luca’s for an easy punch. “Bring it.”
“Not here.” Jamie forced his way between them, blocking Michael from the path of Luca’s fist, which badly wanted to connect with Michael’s smug face. “Hey, look at me.” Jamie gripped his shoulders, forcing him to pay attention. “We’re not doing this.”
Luca shrugged. “Fine.” He resumed his place at the bar and checked the score. The Giants had taken a beating from the Cardinals for two innings.
“Look,” Michael came around to the stool next to him. “We need to talk this out.”
Luca had a brother on either side, but still kept his eyes on the game. Michael put a hand on his shoulder, getting into his personal space. “You’re making too big a deal of this.”
Hunter Pence picked up his bat. Luca clenched his fists under the bar. “Nothing to say.”
Jamie flagged the bartender. “Another round, please? Send it there.” He ushered them over to bigger table several feet away.
If I just make him happy, maybe he’ll leave me the hell alone. Luca sat in the first chair he saw, clutching his beer.
Michael took the seat on his left and Jamie sat on his right.
“Over here, guys,” Jamie waved toward the door. Luca turned to see his brother Leo with the twins, Gianni and Nick, in tow. Perfect.
“Really, Jamie?” Luca shook his head over the audacity of having every single one of his brothers here, like this conversation needed a consensus.
A waitress took their orders and left.
Luca shrugged at their glum expressions. “Hey, no one is dying here.” He took a swig and tossed them a fake smile. “See? I’m good.”
Gianni and Nick gave him a thumb’s down. Although they didn’t look exactly like Michael, they were the closest in age. I’m sure they’ve already chosen Michael’s side. They always do.
A cute brunette waitress in a tight black skirt dropped off more beer.
Leo sat up straight. Here it comes... When she deposited a beer in front of him, Leo looked up with his eyes blazing. “Thank you so much.” He flashed his go-to smile and, right on cue, the brunette grinned back in a way that suggested she’d like to give him a lot more than beer. How does he do it?
All of his brothers sat stiffly upright until she left their table. Luca swiveled in his chair, turning his back to the table and watched the game.
“Thanks for coming, guys.” Jamie nudged him on the shoulder, and he ignored it. “I thought it would be best to meet in a neutral place.
“Luca, are you listening?” Nick asked. “You can’t let a woman get in between you two.”
Luca didn’t turn around, but heard the thunk of a beer bottle being set on the table.
“Luca, look at us,” Jamie brushed his shoulder again. Luca grudgingly turned away from the big screen and waited for Jamie to continue. “This is going to drive a wedge between you two, and I’m not letting that happen.”
“Why don’t you just call Sarah and ask her what you should do?” As soon as Luca said the words he wanted to take them back. Sarah was the best thing that ever happened to Jamie. After taking so many punches in his career, and after all of the lousy choices he made with women, Jamie finally seemed content, and the happiest he’d ever been.
Jamie just glared over his beer but didn’t respond, thankfully okay with letting it go.
“Talk to me,” Michael rapped on the table with his fingers. “What can I do to make this right?”
“Save the tone for the office. I’m not a deal you can make. There’s nothing you can do now.” You slept with her. Luca took another swig. “Damage is done.”
Gianni eyed him across the table. “I hate it when you act this way.”
“There is no damage, Luca. I told you.” Michael rolled his eyes and leaned back in the chair. “We hung out at a few events together, and there’s drinking at those events you know, and—”
“Would you stop. I don’t want to hear it.”
“Damn it, you are so thick-headed.” Luca enjoyed watching Michael twist in the wind grasping for words. “Nothing happened. You’re blowing this out of proportion. We did not sleep together! Jesus…”
“This is good. It’s very important to get it all out. Release all of your frustration and anger.” Jamie seemed to be channeling Dr. Phil. “Luca, now you speak directly to Michael.”
Leo nodded. “Tell Michael exactly how you feel.”
Luca glanced over his shoulder at the game and turned back to the table. When is this conversation going to end?
Michael let out a long exhale, and his shoulders relaxed. “You’ve been into Danica since you were a kid.” Even though the crack of the bat sounded from the TV, and he would probably miss a great play, Luca leaned closer to hear Michael over the noisy crowd. “I didn’t know how far things went with you two back then, and I certainly didn’t know you’d start things up with her again. Please cut me some slack.”
Luca picked at the label on his beer bottle. Condensation made it easy to peel back the corners. He was beginning to believe Michael. Maybe they didn’t sleep together, but why did she have to kiss him? Why did I trust her again?
He glanced at Michael. It wasn’t right to make him squirm, but he couldn’t help it. Michael made it so easy. Because he took being the eldest brother so seriously, and had an insatiable desire to manage everything. If any of his brothers weren’t getting along, it drove him insane.
“Are you mad just because we kissed?” Michael’s eyes got big and his body tensed. “Is that it? ’Cause I’ve kissed a lot of women. Seriously, I can’t even remember the specifics.”
That last line made him hold back a laugh. Michael’s head looked ready to spin off his neck.
“Just how many women have you macked on?” Jamie grinned.
The table erupted with loud jeers.
“Including aunts?” Michael laughed. “I’d guess at least twenty every family gathering.”
Luca waited a beat. “We’re not taking about kissing on the cheek.”
“It wasn’t reall
y much more than that with Danica, Luca. I swear to God.” Michael sighed, running his fingers through his hair. “Don’t let me get in the way of you and Danica. She’s a great girl, smart, and sweet, and beautiful. Who knows? She could be the one. Luca, don’t make the same mistake I did. Life is short.”
Jamie nodded. “Listen to the old man. You know what he went through. I’ve always thought you had something special with Danica.”
Over the next few hours, he and Michael managed to clear the air, and it felt good to kick back with his brothers. It was rare for all of them to be together on a weeknight, but Luca still wasn’t ready to pick things up with Danica.
Technically, there hadn’t been any major romance between her and Michael. They hadn’t slept together or even come close. His older brothers were right about one thing, though. He did have something with Danica Vargas. The same thing he always had. A freakin’ shattered heart.
“You okay? Dinner’s almost ready,” a whispery voice asked in the dark, cool room.
Danica flipped over on her back and rubbed her eyes, her pulverized head cluttered with foggy memories of the morning. Why did I drink all those Bloody Marys…
“Yeah, I’m good.” She peered through slits at Lulu. “I’ll be out in a sec.”
After splashing water on her face and brushing her teeth, Danica crept slowly to the kitchen, wearing the same comfortable, wrinkled shorts and top she’d slept in.
“Welcome back,” Sarah placed the silverware on the table. “Have a nice nap?”
The smell of baked bread, tomatoes, and basil filled the warm room.
Juliet crouched by the oven in her tank top and cutoffs and frowned at the glass door. “I think it’s almost ready. Cheese is bubbling, Lulu.”
“Perfect timing, but watch it,” Lulu said glanced up from the sink and shutting off the faucet. “The goat cheese goes from bubbly to burned fast. Take it out at seven thirty.”
“Will do.”
Danica eased into a chair at the table and rubbed her temples. “I can’t believe I slept so long.”
“You needed it.” Sarah wore her hair in a loose bun, and looked adorable in her yoga pants and Vine Café T-shirt. She pulled out a chair and, after giving the table a once-over, took a seat across from Danica.
Shiny white plates and crystal glasses gleamed on the linen cloth. Jelly jar tumblers filled with rosemary and sage mixed with votive candles in the middle of the table.
Lulu gently patted her head on the way to the wine cabinet. “Everything looks better after a little sleep.”
“It not only looks better,” Danica licked her lips, “it smells like heaven. Thank you.” She picked up the wine glass by her plate and waved it. “But no wine for me.” She gave Lulu a sheepish glance.
Lulu nodded. “We all pitched in. Juliet even helped with the tomato tart.”
“Hey.” Juliet popped her head up by the oven door. “You act like it’s the first time,”
“Yep, I’m off duty tonight.” Sarah leaned back in her chair.
“It’s ready.” Juliet grabbed the oven mitts off the counter.
“You can take it from here,” Lulu clutched the bowl of salad. “Remove it from the oven and let it cool on the counter while we have our salads.”
Using her tongs, Lulu carefully deposited a big scoop of glistening lettuce from her garden. Lemon and olive oil aromas floated up from the plate. She served Sarah next, and waited for Juliet to sit before doling out her portion, and finally serving herself. Lulu perused the girls around the table, gave a contented sigh, and smiled.
After they’d had a few bites, Juliet turned to Lulu, gesturing in Danica’s direction. “Are you going to tell her the news?”
Danica gulped, not sure she could handle anything else today.
“Well,” Lulu wiped her mouth with a napkin. “I did make a little call while you were sleeping.”
Danica zeroed in on her and held her breath.
“You know my dear friend Julie?” Lulu asked, without waiting for an answer. “Her daughter Cheryl works at The Wine Investigator, and they’re looking for writers. It’s just up the road, so you wouldn’t even have to drive.”
Lulu moved her hand to her pocket and pulled out her phone. “Cheryl posted an ad about a week ago, and I sent Julie your resume while you were napping.” She swiped the front of her phone. “Let me check…”
“I know Cheryl. I saw her last week at the Sargio Cab release. How did you send her my resume? It’s not complete.” Danica cocked her head at Juliet. “Did you finish it? I was still so drunk, I couldn’t see straight.”
Juliet shrugged. “Not a problem.” She stabbed a piece of lettuce with her fork. “But I still can’t believe you didn’t even have the Napa Sun listed. You need to keep it up-to-date from here on out.” She smirked before taking a bite.
“Julie sent it to Cheryl, and Cheryl just confirmed she received it.” The corners of Lulu’s mouth turned up into a broad smile. “Your articles are online, honey.” Lulu thumbed through her phone. “They love your work. You have an appointment tomorrow morning.”
“Just like that?” Danica asked, stupefied. “She doesn’t want to talk to me first?”
Sarah wiped her mouth with a napkin. “Think the tart is cool enough?”
Lulu scooted her chair back, readying to get up.
“Don’t move. I’ve got this.” On her way to the kitchen, Juliet paused and turned back. “Oh, Danica, by the way... She gave Danica a mile-wide smile. “Sarah and I have worked out an arrangement with Lulu. We’re all chipping in on your rent until you get back on your feet.”
The next morning, Danica updated her LinkedIn profile before her interview, and ended up spending half the day at The Wine Investigator, meeting the team. She was exactly what they were looking for, and after reading her Santino Winery story, they had already been considering hiring her away from the Napa Sun. Cheryl Williamson hired on the spot.
She would start her new job in two weeks, leaving Danica time to follow through on another idea. After calling Sarah, Juliet and Lulu with the news, Danica worked out the details of her other plan during her short drive home.
Bounding through the doors of Bella Villa, expecting it to be empty, she found Sarah and Juliet waiting for her in the hallway. They must have heard her car pull up.
As happy as she was, Danica would never find contentment on any level without tying up the loose ends with Luca. She couldn’t live with thought of him believing she’d slept with his brother, or that she ever had feelings for Michael. Regardless of whether Luca would return her feelings, he needed to believe how much she truly loved him. If nothing else, she owed him that.
“Anyone up for a road trip? Five days.”
Juliet’s face came to life. “I told you I hit my ratings, and I have a bonus to spend. I was going to take Monday and Tuesday off anyway, so I’ll ask for Wednesday, too.”
Danica and Juliet turned to Sarah.
“I can swing it.” She shrugged. “Just need to call Manny, but I’m game. Where are we going?”
“Eureka. The Crushers have an away game tomorrow, and we’re going to be there.”
Chapter Fifteen
A good night’s rest had eluded her. Instead, she mostly tossed and turned, with the image of Luca’s devastating smile and indigo blues scorching into her. All night she imagined the moment they’d see each other again and played out two scenarios. In one, Luca scooped her into his arms with forgiveness, in the other, he turned his back on her with disgust.
With the back of Juliet’s Subaru stacked with duffel bags up to the neck headrest next to Sarah, Danica ended up riding shotgun. Juliet pulled out of Bella Villa. Operation GLB (Get Luca Back) began at one o’clock on the dot.
Even though they were running late, Sarah chirped behind her, insisting they stop at Broadway Market to load up on junk food.
After making their pit stop, Sarah then had the bright idea to run by Th
e Vine Cafe to pick up chocolate chunk cookies, and maybe a few bear claws for the ride. Sarah promised they’d be well worth the extra time.
Danica bit her lip and did her best to stop fidgeting. It was her idea, after all, to invite her friends to come with her. It wouldn’t do any good to start complaining now, but she couldn’t stop worrying.
Finally, on the freeway cruising north up Highway101, they passed picturesque rolling hills studded with cows and charming old barns. The tranquility of the view did nothing whatsoever to quash the snarled ropes of nerves and excitement tangling in her stomach.
Her knotted innards could barely hold down water, never mind the Doritos Sarah and Juliet were chomping on like maniacs.
What if her big plan failed? What if Luca didn’t want to see her? She held her breath, not wanting to inhale the sharp cheese smell in the car, and kept checking her phone for news about the game, or any changes in the Crushers lineup.
After a few hours, they reached Laytonville and stopped to refill the tank. Danica stepped out of the car and leaned against the door. While she waited for Juliet and Sarah to make a potty run, the crisp air made goose bumps pebble over her bare arms, reminding her of how far they’d come, and how very soon they’d arrive at the ballpark.
She attempted to distract herself by halfheartedly checking for texts from Luca. She snorted to herself. Like that would ever happen.
“You,” Sarah pointing at her with a goofy grin on her way back from the restroom. “Back seat. Your turn.”
“I would’ve ridden in the back seat the whole ride.” Danica giggled getting into the car.
Juliet got back behind the wheel. “You wanna switch?” Sarah offered. “I can drive the rest of the way.”
“We’ve only got a few more hours. I’m good.” She held up her Romo and Juliet Morning Show-emblazoned travel mug. “Got a refill inside. Deep Roast Gut Rot.” She toasted the air. “Let’s get along, little doggies. Time to get a move on.”