“How did you get in then?”
“Derek was down near the entrance with the police and he told them I was okay. They let me in and I’ve been here waiting for you.”
Derek had let him in? She pulled away from Andrés and yawned. “It’s been a long day. You shouldn’t have waited.”
He took her hand and led her to the sofa. She sat down and found a bottle of Pinot Noir on the coffee table in front of her, along with a plate of food. Her stomach growled. Andrés laughed, and she cracked a smile.
“That’s why I waited. We had dinner plans, and I had a feeling that you’d be starving when I finally saw you.”
She hadn’t realized it until now, but she was starving. “What is all this?”
“I put together some Thai chicken wraps, a little ceviche, and some Spanish cheeses I had sent to me from friends in Spain. I know it’s a strange mix, but it’s a warm night, and once I knew what was going on here, I headed back to my place to pick up our supper. I’d been marinating the ceviche for a day, had the chicken and cheeses in my refrigerator, and knew that you of all people would have the lettuce for the wraps. I didn’t think you’d mind me getting into the refrigerator.”
He was right. Salad didn’t stick to the hips like her favorites—bread and cheese—so she made it a practice of stocking the fridge with rabbit food versus fun food. “How did you get in?”
He smiled. “You are not particularly cautious about where you hide your front door key. Come on, I thought for sure it would take me at least five minutes because I know what a smart woman you are. But”—he held a finger up—“in this case, not so smart.”
“What?”
“That’s right. Under the front doormat? What would your aunt Cara say?”
“I get your point. I’ll be sure to put it under a flowerpot next time.” They both laughed and the release of tension from the day felt good as it dissipated into the warm, musty air. Nikki could see Derek’s lights on across the pond that separated their two cottages. How was he doing? And, Simon and Marco? She’d wanted to call all of them and ask them to come over to be with her. At a time like this a woman needed her pals. Then, she looked at Andrés, his eyes lit by the candlelight from the table as he poured her a glass of the Pinot, and decided that sometimes a woman just needed one man.
They drank their wine and ate the wonderful food Andrés had made. She told him the horror of the day from pretty much the beginning to the end, sans the gut-wrenching feeling that welled up in her when she’d spotted him and Derek together. But everything else, including Detective Robinson and his weird behavior.
“He does have a point, Nikki,” Andrés said. “You do seem to get yourself mixed up in these things and it worries me. Maybe you should listen to the detective.”
She set down her dessert, a churro, which Andrés had also brought with him—her favorite dessert. “You’re not siding with him, are you?”
He touched the side of her mouth with a finger. “You have some sugar there. And, no, I’m not siding with the detective, but I don’t want you to get into this murder case. I think you should let the police handle it. I don’t want you getting hurt.”
Stubborn hairs stuck up on the back of her neck. “I’m not going to get hurt.”
He set his wine glass down next to hers and caressed her face with one hand. That started to melt the freeze that had come over her seconds before, when her defenses had gone up. He then kissed her gently on the corner of her mouth. “You still had some sugar there.”
“Mhhm. I did?”
“Yeah, and here, too.” He kissed her lips. Her body warmed. “Yummy.”
“Yeah,” she said almost breathless, when he pulled away.
“I have something to tell you.”
She sat up. Uh-oh. “Okay. But wait, weren’t we just kissing? Do we have to talk now?” She giggled.
“Yes, but this is on my mind, and especially with what happened here today, I want to talk to you about it now.”
Hmmm. “All right. What’s this about?”
“You know the business I had in the city today?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“I was meeting with my financial advisor, and I’ve built a bit of cash flow. Quite a bit, and I’ve invested in a vineyard.”
“You have? Wow. That’s wonderful. Where is it? Here in Napa, or Sonoma, or wait, did you find something up in Healdsburg? I know you love that area.”
He took her hands. “I don’t have quite that much to invest, Nikki. My vineyard is back in Spain.” His hands tightened around hers.
“Oh. Well, that’s great. Spain is your homeland, and I know you still love it, and you know the people there who can grow your grapes and manage the vineyard. I think that’s wonderful!”
“Sí. I do know the people who can help, but I need to go back for a while, and make sure things are operating smoothly and are underway.”
She slumped into the sofa. “Oh.” She tucked back a piece of stray hair that had fallen out of the ponytail she’d tied earlier. “For how long are you going back? When?”
“Probably six months. I’d like to see the first planting done, and make certain I have the right people for the job there. I didn’t plan to go until next month, but I need to settle some of the transactions with the bank in Spain and I have to be present to do that. I’m leaving Saturday.”
“You’re what? That’s only a week away. What about Spaniard’s Crest?”
“I have an excellent assistant. You’ve met Samuel. He can handle it while I’m gone. And, the staff knows what needs to be done.”
“So, you’ll be back?” Her heart raced.
“Of course. As I said. I haven’t made retirement money. Spaniard’s Crest pays well, and when I do go back to Spain I’ll have the recognition here in America to promote my wines from Spain. I’m hoping my employers at Spaniard’s Crest will want to do a joint effort with the wines.”
“Then you plan on eventually moving back to Spain?” Not only was her heart racing, but she could hear the blood flowing through her ears, as if trying to drown out his words. He nodded slowly. “What about Isabel?” Nikki asked, referring to his sister, one of her closest friends, who lived in Yountville a few miles away and owned the five-star restaurant Grapes.
“My sister is independent now. She doesn’t always need a big brother hovering over her. You’ve heard her tell me that over and over. Besides, I won’t be leaving for Spain for good for two or more years. You know as well as I do that it takes vines several years to produce wine-making grapes, and it’ll take another couple of years to get our first vintage. Sure I’ll have to go back and forth to make certain things are running right. But my loyalties for now remain at Spaniard’s Crest.”
“Oh.” It was all she could think of to say.
“Nikki, I want you to come to Spain with me for the next six months.”
“What? I can’t do that. My job. It’s here.”
“I know. I spoke with Derek today, this morning before everything happened, and told him I wanted to ask you to come with me, but that I knew what this job meant to you. He said that he felt he could spare you for six months and that you would always have a job here. He won’t replace you.”
“He told you what? You did what? Wait.” She stood up and crossed her arms.
“What’s the matter? I thought I was doing the right thing. I want you to come with me, and I thought you would want that, and so I spoke to Derek.”
“To get his permission, like he’s my father? Did either one of you factor me into this? What I might want or think?”
“That’s why I’m asking you now.” Andrés stood and walked over to her. She moved away from him and turned her back to him. He moved in again and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Nikki, I’m falling in love with you. I am not afraid to tell you that. We have been friends for some time now, and dating for almost three months.”
“Two.”
“Three.”
Had it been that long?<
br />
“I want to take our relationship further,” he continued.
“No. You want to take me to Spain.”
“Yes. I do. I want to show you my culture. Where I’m from. My dreams. I want you to be a part of those dreams. Won’t you come with me?”
She turned around to face him. Hot tears burned her eyes. She didn’t even quite understand what they were all about. All she could say was, “I don’t know.”
He shrugged. “At least it’s not a no. I’m sorry I went behind your back to talk with Derek. I wanted to surprise you, have everything taken care of.”
Her tone softened. “Andrés, I don’t need anyone to take care of everything for me. I actually like doing things on my own, for myself. And, talking to Derek about a decision like this would have been one of them.” It bothered her that Andrés had done this. What were his motives, really? Were they as simple as he claimed? That he was trying to make it easy? For whom? Himself? Did he feel Derek a threat, and did jealousy come into play? And, what about her boss? Being so willing to let her go for six months? Ugh. Men.
“I know you don’t need me to take care of things for you. Maybe I wish you did. I’m sorry. Will you think about my offer?”
“I’ll think about it.”
He kissed her again, only this time on the cheek. “I know after today you must be tired. Please keep your doors locked, and find a better place to put the key.”
“I will. Besides, I have a bed buddy to take care of me.”
Andrés raised his brows. Nikki pointed at Ollie.
“Let me clean up for you.”
“No.” She almost said it too curtly. “I mean. I’m tired and I really kind of want to settle in. There isn’t a lot to pick up. We’ll talk tomorrow.”
He nodded and she watched as he went to his car, his head low. Maybe she should have been nicer, but dammit if she wasn’t peeved at both him and Derek. And, Derek . . . Now really, what was up with that? Saying she could take off for six months. She managed this place. They needed her. Didn’t they? Maybe Derek didn’t need her after all. And, Spain? Beautiful country. She’d never been there but had heard, and Aunt Cara was on her extended tour through Europe. The tour that was only supposed to last six weeks, but had now lasted two years and a handful of boyfriends. Yes, her aunt was enjoying retirement, and she could see her if she went to Spain. She missed her something terrible.
And, Andrés. Was she falling in love with him? Oh God. Could you fall in love or be in love with one man and still lust after another? Sure you could. What was the saying—you can look at the menu, you just can’t order? Hmmm. Her stomach fell as the questions within deepened. But could a woman love two men at once? Maybe. No. No. She didn’t think so. Not in her case, anyway.
She took the dirty dishes into the kitchen, Ollie at her heels hoping she’d drop a scrap from dinner. There was nothing left to drop. It had all been so delicious. Andrés could cook, and he was fun, and sweet, and handsome—all of those things. But was he just too much of a good thing, or was he the good thing she really wanted? She set the dishes into the sink and turned on her stereo. Bono belted out a line from “Tryin’ to Throw Your Arms around the World” about a woman needing a man like a fish needs a bicycle.
Ten minutes later, her head spinning from wine and too many unanswered questions, she got into her favorite jammies—men’s boxers and an oversized T-shirt—and plopped down on her couch, still listening to U2. Her feet propped up on her distressed wooden coffee table, a pillow underneath them, Ollie resting his head in her lap, surely wishing he were small enough to climb into it. He always tried and she always had to explain to the giant oaf that it was impossible. He’d have to be content with a headrest.
She closed her eyes and let her tired body and mind drift to sleep. She didn’t know how long she’d been like that when Ollie’s incessant barking woke her, along with a loud knock at the door. She got up, rubbed her eyes, and with Ollie pacing at the front door, she peered out. Seeing who it was, she opened the door. There stood Janie—Georges’ Janie—rolling suitcase at her side. She was a mess, her face tear-stained and smeared with mascara, her eyes puffy and swollen. She didn’t look a lot like the golden girl she’d been earlier that day. “Janie?”
She let out a sob. “I’m sorry. I know it’s late, but I couldn’t reach Trevor. His cell must be dead and I know he had to go to a study group tonight for his final on Monday. He doesn’t even know about today. I was with the police until an hour ago, and then I didn’t know where to go. I don’t want to be in my room. I’m scared and I’m . . . Oh God, I don’t know what to do!”
“Come on. Sit down. You’re welcome here.”
“Thank you.” Janie pulled her suitcase in. “I just . . . I don’t know what to do. I know she’s going to try and frame me. I know it, but I can’t tell the police.”
“What? Wait a minute. Who’s going to try and frame you, Janie?”
“His ex-wife. Georges’ ex. Bernadette. She will. You watch. I know she had this done, and it’s so insane because she thinks Georges and I were sleeping together. Can you believe that? God, she has no clue. I wasn’t sleeping with Georges. That’s sick. But no one knows. I mean, I just found out two days ago, but I never even thought of Georges that way, or any way other than as my boss and a good friend and now I know why.”
Nikki shook her head, rubbed her tired eyes, and held up her hand. Was she dreaming? “Stop. Okay? Take a breath. You’re confusing me, Janie. Why would his ex-wife frame you? And what are you talking about? What did you just find out?”
Janie sniffled and ran her fingers through her long blonde strands. “Georges. Bernadette thinks we were screwing around.” She made a disgusted face. “But I knew. I knew he didn’t think of me like that. You know? And, he was so cool about me and Trevor. I knew about the honeymoon and the wedding he wanted to give us. And, I know why. Nikki, you can’t tell anyone this. I’m so scared of what the police will think or do. But I have to tell someone and I can’t even tell my husband. Not until I see him. I was waiting until he came out here on Monday. He’ll totally freak.”
“Okay. I promise. What is it?” Nikki was about to freak herself on the hysterical young woman.
Janie wiped away her tears and closed her eyes. When she opened them she blurted out, “Georges was my dad.”
Ceviche and Thai Chicken Wraps
with Orogeny Pinot Noir
On a warm summer night with the one you love, or at least think you do—remember the song, “Love the One You’re With”—break out a nice bottle of Orogeny Pinot Noir, whip up some Thai chicken wraps, and have a bowl of ceviche. It makes an excellent summer dinner and the wine melds well with the variety of flavors. Orogeny Pinot Noir is a gem of a wine. It has a nice blend of floral flavors, plums, cherries, vanilla, and spice, which works well with the spice added in these two recipes. The finish on the wine is full and clean.
Ceviche is fish pickled in lime juice. There are many ways of making it; some let the fish marinate in the lime juice before adding the other ingredients, some marinate the lot together. Fresh yellowtail and tuna are both delicious prepared this way, and sole, sea bass, and red snapper are other common choices. You can also use shrimp or scallops.
CEVICHE
2 lbs fresh fish
2 large onions
3 medium-sized, fully ripe tomatoes
5 Serrano chilies (optional)
1⁄2 cup cilantro
5 limes
salt and pepper
Cut fish into approximately 10-15mm cubes. Slice the onions into rings; chop the tomatoes, chilies, and cilantro as finely as possible. Squeeze the limes. Mix together, season with salt and pepper to taste, and let stand for at least an hour at room temperature, turning frequently to ensure that the fish is evenly treated by the lime juice, which “cooks” or pickles it. Refrigerate until ready to serve. It will keep overnight with no problem, though 24 hours is probably the limit. Pour off any excess lime juice before serving with to
rtillas or tostadas, on salty biscuits, in tacos, or with avocados. Enjoy.
THAI CHICKEN WRAPS
CHICKEN FILLING
3 (6 oz) chicken breasts
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp grill seasoning
Heat a grill pan over high heat. Toss chicken with soy sauce, oil, and grill seasoning and grill 6 minutes on each side.
VEGETABLE FILLING
1⁄2 seedless cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise
and thinly sliced on an angle
2 cups fresh bean sprouts
1 cup shredded carrots, available in pouches in
produce department
3 scallions, sliced on an angle
12 leaves basil, chopped or torn
3 tbsp (4 sprigs) chopped mint leaves (optional)
1 tbsp sesame seeds
2 tsp sugar
2 tbsp rice wine vinegar or white vinegar
salt
Combine cucumber, sprouts, carrots, scallions, basil, mint, and sesame seeds with a generous sprinkle of sugar and vinegar. Season salad with salt, to taste.
SPICY PEANUT SAUCE
1⁄4 cup room-temperature chunky peanut butter,
soften in microwave if it has been refrigerated
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice wine vinegar or white vinegar
1⁄4 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 head of butter lettuce
Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, and cayenne together. Stream in vegetable oil, continuing to whisk till thoroughly combined.
Slice cooked chicken on an angle. Toss with veggies and herbs.
Tear off leaves of lettuce, wash and dry.
Pile chicken and veggies in lettuce wraps and drizzle liberally with spicy peanut sauce before rolling.
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