Coming Home

by Judith Keim

  Ah, thought Cami. Bernard and Jacques were not able to settle their disagreement about how the vineyard should be run. Brothers, they were as different as they could be. Jacques was a serious, hard-working man. Bernard was the schmoozer, the salesman.

  She eyed her former boyfriend. Realizing how stupidly in love she’d been with Bernard, she knew she had a lot of soul searching to do before getting involved with anyone else. Her judgement in men was obviously lacking. It was a good thing she and Drew were merely friends.

  Drew handed her a bottle of wine. “You said we’d need a white wine for dinner. I thought you’d like this pinot grigio. It’s from a California vineyard I like.”

  “Ah, but you need a wine from France,” protested Bernard.

  “Thank you, Drew,” said Cami, accepting the bottle he offered her. “Give me a chance to call the inn.”

  She quickly placed the call and then turned to Bernard. “You’re all set. I have a complimentary room for you, which includes dinner for tonight. I think you’ll enjoy the food. Darren does a nice job.” Cami walked to the front door to show him out. She knew she was being incredibly rude, but at the moment it suited her. Bernard had ended their relationship online.

  At the door, Bernard kissed her on both cheeks in the French way and said, “I’ll get you to change your mind about me. I promise. À bientôt!”

  Cami saw him off silently. At one point in time, she’d given her heart to him. But now? How could he think it could happen again?

  She shut the door and turned back to Drew. “Sorry about that.”

  “No problem. Like I said, I could’ve left you two alone and come back another day.”

  “I’m glad you didn’t. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a glass of wine,” she said. “It’s been a tough day.” That, she told herself, was an understatement. It had been one hell of a ride.

  She opened the bottle and handed it to Drew. “Why don’t you pour while I serve up the canapés I brought over from the inn. Let’s relax in the living room.”

  “Sounds good.” He grabbed the bottle of wine and two glasses and carried them into the living room. Cami followed with the hors d’oeuvres.

  They took seats on the couch facing the fireplace. The flames inside spread an orange glow that softened her mood.

  Drew poured the wine and handed her a glass. Lifting his in the air, he said, “Here’s to ... whatever makes you happy.”

  She smiled and clicked her glass against his. “And for you!”

  They gazed comfortably at each other, took a sip of wine and settled back against the seat cushions, staring at the fire.

  Into the quiet, he said, “So that was the guy from France you told me about? The one who broke up with you?”

  She faced him. “The one and only.”

  “He seemed real sure of himself.” He arched an eyebrow at her.

  Warmth crept into her cheeks as she recalled that brief moment she’d wanted to welcome him back into her life. From the warning look Drew gave her, he knew it too.

  He reached out and patted her arm. “My serious girlfriend and I broke up so many times I lost count. The thing I learned is that you can’t go back. Doesn’t mean you can’t go forward, but it has to be something you both want to do.”

  “I’m sorry. That doesn’t sound like fun.” Cami vowed not to get caught up in a bad relationship. Bernard might think he could change her mind, but even though she knew him well enough to know he wouldn’t give up trying, it wouldn’t happen.

  “My first priority now has to be to Rafe,” said Drew. “He’s spending a lot of his time teaching me how he wants things done at Taunton Estates.”

  “You like working for him?” Cami asked.

  He grinned. “Yeah, he’s the best. Someday, I’d like to have my own small winery, and I need to know all I can about running it. Classes in school are important, but it’s the real-life stuff that makes a big difference.”

  Cami couldn’t help her smile. He didn’t know about Rafe’s plan to give him some land of his own.

  ###

  During the meal of fondue and nibbling on salad, conversation continued easily between them. After Drew told her more details about his mother taking off when he was a young age, Cami better understood Drew’s devotion to both his uncle and to Rafe. She’d taken enough psych classes to know that trust of women might be an issue for him. She told Drew about Rafe coming to get her in Africa after her mother died and how Nonnee had always been a role model for her.

  “Guess it proves there are many ways to have a home,” she ended. “One thing missing for me is not knowing who my father is. I don’t want to interfere in his life; I just want to know who he is.”

  “Yeah, I get it. I’ve sometimes wondered what I’d do if I met my mother. I don’t remember anything about her, to be honest.”

  “I was six when my mother was killed, but I remember how beautiful she was, how much people liked her. I sometimes felt as if I were in her way, but then I had Karabo, who was much more than a housekeeper. She was a second mother to me, the one who told me stories and sang to me at night.” Tears sprang to Cami’s eyes. “Karabo’s gone now. I went back to Africa to see her after I graduated from college. We had a lovely visit.”

  “Nice.” Drew’s smile was a bit sad, reminding her how lucky she was to have so many good people in her life.

  She rose from the table. “Shall we finish our wine in the living room?”

  “Sure.” Drew followed her into the living room and sat in the brown-leather chair beside the fireplace.

  “Dinner was delicious. Thanks for having me. It can’t be a late night, though, I’m going over some PR plans with Rafe tomorrow morning.” He paused. “And you know what an early riser Rafe is.”

  Cami laughed at the way he’d rolled his eyes. “I sure do. Living with him here, I learned that in a hurry. As he ages, he sleeps less. He tells me it’s because Nonnee doesn’t share his bed anymore.” She sighed. “When the time is right, that’s the kind of love I’m looking for.”

  “Theirs was a rare relationship.” Drew took a sip of his wine.

  “I know, but with the right guy, I believe it will happen.” She chuckled. “A romantic’s dream, I guess.”

  Drew studied her but didn’t respond. “Rafe told me he’s going to train you to accompany him to wine shows. Right?”

  “Yes. Now that I’ve got the inn in order, it’s time. He wants me to learn about the shows and to handle the online activity for both Chandler Hill and Taunton Estates. You’re doing some of that, too, I guess.”

  “Yes, it’s easier to do it than try to explain it to him.”

  They looked at each other and laughed. Newfangled things, as Rafe called them, remained a mystery to him.

  CHAPTER NINE

  The next morning, Cami awoke and stretched in bed recalling the evening with Drew. It felt great to be able to talk to him as a friend, to get a guy’s perspective on things. Growing up, she’d been surrounded with plenty of Nonnee’s female friends and workers. But aside from Rafe, who was so much older, she hadn’t had the opportunity to learn things in the same way a girl might from a father, brother, or an uncle.

  Her thoughts turned to Bernard. How arrogant he was! She hated confrontation, but she was going to make it clear their past relationship was over for good. And she’d tell him there was no work for him at Chandler Hill. She was sure Rafe would feel the same way about not hiring him, but, to be sure, she’d call him.

  She lifted Sophie down from the bed. “C’mon, girl. It’s a busy day and you need to go outside.”

  Sophie gave her an annoyed look at having her sleep disrupted.

  Laughing, Cami rubbed Sophie’s ears. “Let’s go!”

  Later, sipping coffee and gazing out the window at the rows of vines empty of grapes, Cami decided to call Rafe.

  “Hi, sweetheart. What’s up?” he said cheerfully.

  She explained the situation with Bernard. “I’m going to tell
him he can’t work at Chandler Hill.”

  “As well you should. The guy’s an ass. I don’t want him working here either.”

  Cami let out a sigh. “I was hoping you’d say that. It would be uncomfortable for me if he were involved in any way with my business. He’s a clever salesman, but it was his brother who ran the vineyard in France.”

  “That’s an ironclad reason for me not to hire him. On another topic, I’ve been thinking of taking that river cruise Lettie planned for me sometime next fall. What do you think?”

  “Nonnee would be very happy for you. She told me how disappointed she was she couldn’t travel with you, that she wanted to give you the wings she could never find for herself.”

  “I wish we could have done it together.”

  “I do too. But it’s the kind of trip that can be comfortable for a single person because of the group activities.”

  “I thought it would also be a great way to test how Drew runs the winery when I’m away,” admitted Rafe. “I need to slow down.”

  “Are you okay?” Cami asked, her pulse racing at the idea that he might be sick.

  “I’m fine. Just getting old and tired. Don’t worry. I don’t plan to leave you for a long time.”

  “I’m glad. I couldn’t bear to lose you.”

  “I’ve got to go,” said Rafe. “Drew’s here. You know how early a riser he is.”

  Cami laughed. “Talk to you later.”

  Feeling better about how she’d handle Bernard, Cami finished getting ready for the day and headed out to the inn.

  When she arrived, Imani and Becca greeted her and followed her into her office.

  “What’s going on?” Becca said. “I thought we were working together on the inn. Now, Bernard Arnaud is here, telling me how he’s going to help us.”

  “He told me I need to dress differently, wear a uniform of some kind,” said Imani. She brushed a hand over her brown slacks and straightened her print top.

  Cami held up a hand. “Hold it! Bernard arrived unexpectedly last night with the crazy idea we were going to get back together. That’s not going to happen, and he’s not going to work here at the inn or at Taunton Estates either. I haven’t had that discussion with him, but I will.”

  “Whew!” Becca let out a long breath. “I thought I was going to have to deal with him on a daily basis. As much as I love Chandler Hill there’s no way I could work for that egotistical prick.” She gave Cami an apologetic look. “But I can see how you’d fall for him. He’s handsome, and I’m sure that French accent of his can be seductive, especially when he’s being charming.”

  Cami pressed her lips together. “Well, his charm is long gone. He was never this way in France except with his older brother. I should have paid better attention to that trait.” She turned to Imani. “Will you try to find him and let him know that I need to see him?”

  “Sure,” Imani quickly responded.

  “Thanks. By the way, your outfit is perfect.”

  Imani’s smile brightened her face as she left the office.

  Cami turned to Becca. “Has Bernard done any damage with our guests?”

  “I don’t know, but I’ll check.”

  After Becca left, Cami sat down at her desk and made a list of items to be done that day. Justine Devon and her groom, George Dickinson, were scheduled to arrive that afternoon, and she wanted to put together a welcome package for them. All guests received one, but for a bride and her party additional things like soaps, lotions, and a Chandler Hill cookbook were added.

  Cami was on the phone with one of the staff at The Barn when Bernard strode into the room.

  “You wanted to see me?”

  Cami held up a finger to stop him and continued her conversation. Hanging up, she turned her attention to Bernard who was standing at the window looking outside to the garden.

  “Bernard. We need to talk. Please sit down.”

  He grinned. “Change your mind already?”

  Cami forced herself to speak calmly. “As a matter of fact, I have. After you left, I had time to settle my thoughts. You’re not welcome here, either as a friend, a staff member, or a guest. You had one free night’s stay as a matter of courtesy, but that’s it.”

  “What? But you know I have a background in winemaking. I can help you.” The look of shock on his face made Cami certain of her decision. The guy didn’t get it.

  “My staff is like family to me. Another valid reason for you to leave. Do you realize that the word ‘sorry’ hasn’t been uttered by you since you’ve been here? Even then, saying the word and meaning it would never make up for the hurt you caused me. My grandmother, the person I loved most in the world, was dying, and you didn’t care.” Remembering the pain, Cami’s stomach curled.

  “Mais, Chérie ...

  Cami raised her hand to stop him. “Enough. I want you to leave now.” She rose from behind her desk and indicated the door with a sweep of her hand.

  A scowl crossed Bernard’s face, changing it from handsome to ugly. “You’ll be sorry.”

  “I am, believe me. I thought we had a special relationship. Adieu, Bernard.”

  Bernard slammed the door behind him.

  Knees shaking, Cami took a seat at her desk and buried her face in her hands. She’d been so stupid not to realize how shallow he was. Had the wine, the cheese, the bread, and all the joy of being in France hidden that from her? She lifted her head with fresh determination to stay away from any serious relationships until she had a better sense of who she was and what she was looking for.

  ###

  That afternoon Cami was going over the inventory sheets for The Barn when Imani buzzed her. “Justine Devon and George Dickinson are checking in.”

  “Thanks.” Cami left her office and hurried to the reception area.

  “Hello and welcome to the Chandler Hill Inn,” she said, striding toward them. “I’m Cami Chandler.”

  Justine was a tall, attractive brunette with sparkling green eyes that stared at her with something like shock. “Oh, my word! For a moment I thought you were my friend Lulu with a different hairdo.” She held out her hand, and they shook hands. “Hi, I’m Justine Devon and this is my fiancé, George Dickinson.”

  Shaking hands with George, Cami beamed at them both. “We’re so happy to have you here. I think you’ll find it’s the perfect place for a May wedding.” Cami reminded herself that if this wedding didn’t go well, it might ruin their whole wedding season.

  He grinned. “I’m just here for the ride. Justine is the one who knows how she wants things. All I have to do is show up and say ‘I do.’”

  The three of them laughed together.

  Justine elbowed George. “Doesn’t Cami look an awful lot like Lulu?”

  George studied her and nodded, his blue-eyed gaze resting on her face. “Yeah. It’s uncanny. But then there’s that old saying that everyone has a twin somewhere.”

  “Lulu is my maid of honor,” Justine explained. “Wait until you meet her. She’s a hoot!”

  Justine and George grinned at each other. They were a cute couple. George, with his blond hair, blue eyes, and husky build looked like a college football player in contrast to Justine’s appearance.

  Cami decided she’d wait for a guy who looked at her like George was looking at Justine.

  “Let me show you to your room, and then, whenever you’re ready, I’ll give you a tour of the property.”

  “Okay,” said Justine. “I want to see how everything looks in the daylight.”

  “The grounds will naturally be a lot different in May, and so will the lighting. But we can talk about how you want things to look. And while you’re here, be sure to check out the food and our spa.”

  “Can’t wait!” said Justine.

  George winked at her. “I can’t wait for the cake tasting.”

  “You’ll love all of them,” said Cami with confidence. “Our pastry chef is a recent transplant from San Francisco, and his creations are spectacular.”

>   Becca approached them. “Sorry, I’m late. I got tied up in a meeting.”

  Cami indicated Becca with a fond smile. “This is Becca Withers, my assistant manager.”

  Justine and George introduced themselves and listened while Becca assured them that if they needed anything, to please give her a call.

  “Do you want to go ahead and take them to their room?” Cami said to her as she noticed Bernard coming through the entrance.

  “Sure.” As Becca led them away, Cami hurried to intercept Bernard. The scowl on his face was ominous.

  He stormed over to her. “What do you think you’re doing?”

  “I don’t know what you mean,” Cami replied, her voice low so other guests wouldn’t hear. “Come to my office. We can talk there.”

  He stood glaring at her.

  “Please,” she said, and walked away. When he followed her, she let out a sigh of relief. The last thing she wanted her guests to see was her arguing with him. He’d only get louder, angrier.

  In her office, she closed the door, turned to him, and stood. “What’s going on?”

  “I went to Taunton Estates to see if I could find work there, and the old guy there practically threw me off his land. I know enough Spanish to know what he called me. What have you done? Told everyone not to hire me?”

  “That old man is my grandfather, and as you might guess, there’s no way he’d ever hire you after the way you hurt me. But, no, I haven’t been talking about you to others.”

  “You’d better be telling the truth,” he said, glaring at her.

  “I am. But you’re on your own. I still don’t understand why you don’t go back to France.”

  “It’s Jacques ...” his voice trailed off.

  In the past, Bernard had kept her laughing at the antics between him and his brother. “You and your brother are always fighting. Go back, say you’re sorry, and take advantage of what you have there.”

  Bernard shook his head sadly. “I can’t. Not after what I said to him. He kicked me off the property.”

  “I’m sorry. I’m not going to help you here, but neither am I going to step in your way. It’s over between us, and that’s how I want to keep it.”