by Jen Talty
“Don’t go getting any ideas. Just because we’re holding hands, and I’m letting you stay at my cottage, doesn’t make us a couple.”
“Did you just invite me to spend the night again?”
“Since your siblings stole my morning orgasm, yes,” she whispered in his ear. “But you better make it worth my while, or I’ll just revert back to my vibrator.”
“I’m so much better than hard plastic.”
“I might have to agree.” She followed him through the main part of the library and into the local history section. There were only about ten people in the library, outside of the person sitting behind the desk. And of those patrons, most were parents with their kids getting ready for story time. Her cheeks flushed. Having kids hadn’t been something she’d thought too much about. It wasn’t that she didn’t want them—because she did—but she’d never stayed with a man long enough to feel as though marriage and a family were in the cards.
And then in the last few years, she had been taking care of her grandfather and then her father and just didn’t have time for men or any room for thoughts of a future outside of finding the right path for her career.
Once she figured that out, maybe she could settle down, find a man, and have a few little rugrats.
“The book should be right over here.”
“What makes you think we’ll find any insight into the situation in a book written by a woman who might have known the truth and wanted to cover it up?”
“We’re looking for clues. And I also want to check out some of the other history books from that time.” He bent over and pushed a few hardcovers to the side. “Huh. It doesn’t look like it’s here.” He went to the next shelf and continued browsing the titles. “I still can’t find it.”
“How many copies are in the library?”
“Just the one that I know of.” He glanced around. “And I’ve never known it not to be here.” He pressed a hand to her lower back and guided her back toward the front of the building.
The woman at the desk glanced up from her computer screen. “Oh, Malbec. How are you?”
“Hi, Tina. Long time, no see,” he said. “How’s Greg? The kids?”
“Everyone is great.” She leaned back and patted her very round belly. “We’re expecting number five in two months. I told Greg this is absolutely the last one. And you want to know what he said?”
“Not until you give him a goalie?” Malbec laughed. “There are five skaters. He needs that sixth person.”
“You’re not allowed to see him if you’re going to encourage him like that.” She tucked her hair behind her ears. “You must be Eliza Jane. I’ve heard a lot about you. I hope you’re enjoying our lovely little town.”
“I love it here,” Eliza Jane admitted. “It’s such a quaint place. And working at the winery is a dream come true.”
“Even with Weezer being your boss?” Tina asked with a lightness in her tone that indicated she was teasing. For a town that acted as if Weezer were some kind of force to be reckoned with, they all seemed to really like and respect her.
“She’s half the fun of the job.”
Tina laughed. “So, what can I do for the two of you?”
“I’m looking for that history book written by my grandmother. Malbec kept his arm wrapped around Eliza Jane’s waist.
“Oh. I’m sorry. It was checked out the other day.” Tina’s smile turned to a frown. She brought her fingernail to her lips. “By Racheal.”
“My ex-girlfriend, Racheal?”
Tina nodded.
“Shit,” Malbec mumbled. “When is it due to be returned?”
Tina tapped at the keyboard. “Next Tuesday.”
“Did you see her?” Malbec asked.
“I did,” Tina said.
“Did she say anything? Do you know how long she was in town?” Malbec asked. “What about where she’s staying? This is such a small town, I’m surprised people weren’t talking about the congressman’s wife being in Candlewood Falls, especially with the news of her infidelity.”
Tina’s eyes went wide. “I didn’t think anything of it, and her parents live here so I just thought she was visiting them. Plus, I didn’t want to bring the press to their doorstep. They have been through so much, what with her dad having cancer and all that.”
“It’s okay. I understand,” Malbec said. “Thanks for your help.” He guided Eliza Jane back out into the cool fall air.
She welcomed the slight chill and shivered, staring at the array of colors dangling from the trees. She wasn’t quite prepared for autumn, and though she loved every second of it, this current situation put a damper on her mood. “Do you think she could know something?” Her heart lurched to the back of her throat. For selfish reasons, she wanted this little piece of heaven to be where her great-grandfather had created his very first wine. She knew that wouldn’t necessarily be a good thing for the River family, but she didn’t want to steal the winery from them. If their great-grandfather had won it fair and square, then all she wanted was her equal share.
The question became what did that look like? Was it half? A quarter? Did they split it equally among the River kids and her?
All those thoughts gave her a headache because whatever was brewing between her and Malbec would take a big hit and not in a good way.
“I don’t know how that would be possible. I mean, my family guarded that secret with their lives. My siblings didn’t know anything about it for years.”
“Why is that?”
“I was the only one who was supposed to know because I was meant to take over the winery. It would then be up to me to tell my siblings as they came on, if I thought it was necessary.”
“And you just thought it was about tax evasion?”
He shrugged. “Something else has been bugging me, and I can’t shake it.”
“What’s that?”
“What on Earth would my great-grandfather bet that was of equal value to the winery?”
Eliza Jane opened her mouth but snapped it shut. That was a good question, and one she hadn’t ever thought about or asked. “Did he have money?”
“According to my mother, he wasn’t poor since he was able to buy the land, but we now know that wasn’t true. And, as you know, our so-called family heirloom is a fake, but he didn’t know that. Actually, no one did until my grandma had it appraised.”
“Yeah. That story cracks me—holy shit.” She grabbed him by the biceps. “At first glance, you’d think that crest was real, not some cheap knockoff. What if that’s what your great-grandfather used to bet.”
“But why would anyone take that bet?”
“Because my great-grandfather was a greedy bastard. If he thought it was worth money, he’d go for it. He thought he was that good of a card player. But get a few drinks in him, and he thought he was a gambling God.”
“The stories my grandfather told didn’t paint my great-grandpa as the kind of man who would do something like that.”
“Of course, not. Why would he? Your family had to protect the secret.”
“We still don’t know exactly what that secret is.”
“There’s Merlot with your mom and dad.” Eliza Jane pointed across the street. “Looks like we’re about to find out.”
Malbec
Malbec sat at the table in front of the coffee shop and stared out into the street. He really wanted to talk with his mother alone, but she insisted that Eliza Jane be part of the dialogue.
That told Malbec that his suspicions were true.
His mother stepped from the building with his father, carrying two large cups. She set one down in front of him while his father pulled out the chair, helping his mom into the seat. “Eliza Jane is waiting for some food with Merlot.”
“Where did you send Zinfandel off to?”
“She’s checking in with her reporter friend and trying to get a location on where Racheal might be and find out what she’s really up to,” his mother said. “That little bitch is a piece o
f work.”
“Wow. You’ve calmed down a lot in the last hour,” his father said with a dash of sarcasm.
“Like you don’t agree with me on all counts, including trying to shield our youngest children from this shitshow.”
His father lowered his chin. “That’s going to be impossible, but you’re right. Zinfandel doesn’t need to hear this right now. And as far as Racheal goes… She is about to stir up some bullshit trouble, but that’s just it. What she’s trying with Merlot will blow over because it’s not true. And we’ll be able to prove it. All of it. Even the shit in the past.” His father opened the top of his paper mug and poured in some cream and sugar.
Malbec followed suit. Even though he’d already had two cups, he could use more caffeine, and he needed something to concentrate on. Part of him felt as if everything going down between Merlot and Racheal was his fault. Had he been a better brother and not had a stick so far up his ass, maybe Merlot wouldn’t have gotten suckered by the likes of Racheal.
“I hope you’re right,” his mother said.
“Trust me. I’m going to take care of Racheal and what she’s doing to Merlot. If she’s not careful or crosses a line, I’ll slap a lawsuit on her so fast it will make her head spin.”
“I’d love to make her pay for some of the crap she’s put us through.” His mom let out a long sigh. “But why would she take out that book your grandmother wrote? It doesn’t make sense. How could she know anything?”
“She knows there was a secret,” Malbec admitted.
His father dropped his hands to his lap and glared.
His mom gasped.
“Oh. for fuck’s sake. I dated her for four years. We lived together in the cottage for two summers. I thought I loved her. Hell, at one point, I thought I was going to marry her.”
“At least your taste in women has gotten a whole lot better,” his father mumbled.
“What does she know about our dirty little secret?” his mother asked.
Malbec laughed. “Nothing because I know nothing. Jesus, Mom. Eliza Jane knows more than Racheal does.”
“Do you tell every woman you sleep with that we have a secret?” His mom cocked her head.
“No,” he said with a fair amount of defiance.
“So, you admit you’re sleeping with Eliza Jane.” His mother folded her arms across her chest and smiled like a proud mother bear. “I knew the two of you were perfect for each other. I’m always right about these things.”
Malbec closed his eyes for a long moment and shook his head. He’d walked right into that one. Not that his parents hadn’t already suspected, considering they didn’t know where he’d spent the night.
“Did you tell her before you slept with her or after?” his father asked with a stupid grin.
“I’m not answering that,” Malbec muttered. He lifted his gaze, meeting his mother’s head-on.
“You like her. A lot. I can tell.” His mother had always been able to read his emotions. And from the get-go, she’d told him that Racheal would break his heart. And every girlfriend he’d brought home after that, she’d made sure that he knew they weren’t the one.
He’d always thought she just believed that no one was good enough for her boy.
But she didn’t believe that with Eliza Jane. Nope. His mother thought Eliza Jane was his one and only.
He wasn’t ready to believe that, but he was certainly willing to find out.
He cracked a smile. It was impossible not to. “That’s not even the point, and you’re giving me whiplash with this conversation.”
His father slapped his leg. “All we want is for you to be happy.”
“And you want me back in Candlewood Falls,” Malbec said with his heart stuck in his throat. He had to admit, the concept didn’t suck. But only if that meant Eliza Jane would also be here, settling into his hometown and making great wine with him in what appeared to be both their families’ winery.
Merlot and Eliza Jane stepped outside. Merlot carried a plate full of breakfast pastries, while Eliza Jane handled a couple of mugs of coffee.
“Sorry that took so long,” she said.
“Your timing couldn’t be more perfect.” Malbec stood, pulling back the chair next to him. He rested his arm on the back and let his hand fall to her shoulder. He squeezed gently.
An awkward silence descended over the group.
Malbec knew this wouldn’t be easy for his mother, especially in front of a non-family member, but she was the one who’d insisted that Eliza Jane be present, and Malbec had to agree because this did affect her future. “Well, I think we need to address the elephant in the room.”
“We’re outside,” his mother said.
He chose to ignore the comment. “It’s time to tell all of us what Grandfather told you. No more avoidance. No lies. We deserve to know what the secret is.”
Tears filled his mother’s eyes. It was rare that she ever showed that kind of emotion, especially so quickly.
His father scooted closer. “Sweetheart. It’s time.”
“I know.” She nodded. “You must know that your father just found out part of this the other day.”
“I don’t think that matters,” his father said.
“I don’t want our children mad at you for something that I hid from all of you.”
“We’re not going to be mad,” Merlot said. “I think we’re all just tired of whatever great-grandpa did that made you push all of us away.”
His mother nodded. “Eliza Jane. I want you to know that I don’t know all the particulars, and I didn’t know about your family’s involvement until I already owned the winery.”
“Okay.” Eliza Jane squeezed Malbec’s thigh. Hard.
He massaged her neck, hoping to erase the growing tension in her muscles.
“Why don’t you backtrack and then show Eliza Jane what was left to you,” his father said.
His mother wiped the tears that had fallen down her face. “I was told that my grandfather won the winery during a poker game. That alone is no big deal. Right?” His mother picked at an apple fritter. “My grandfather and father informed me that Elijah James Blue owed a ton of back taxes and that he was gambling to try to come up with the money to pay for it, but he was losing—and badly. My grandfather had been looking for land for months, and he had his sights set on Candlewood Falls, but all of the best pieces of property were already taken. When he saw Elijah James losing his shirt, he took advantage.”
“So, he did win the winery in a poker game,” Malbec said with some relief.
“That’s what I thought.” His mother held up her finger. “But he did so using our fake heirloom. That is the first secret.”
“Mom. That’s not the worst thing in the world,” Merlot said. “I’m sorry.” He glanced in Eliza Jane’s direction. “I realize it’s not really cool to bet with something of lesser value, but that doesn’t make my great-grandfather a total snake.”
“You’re right. It doesn’t,” his father said. “Because if he’d lost, it wouldn’t have cost him anything. But it cost Elijah James his entire life. And that burden was too much for your mother to handle. It was a struggle for her at the age of fourteen when she first found out. And it was hard on our marriage. But that’s not even the shit kicker in all of this.”
“What is?” Eliza Jane asked.
“Sometime after Riesling was born, I learned that my grandfather, my children’s great-grandfather, not only took advantage of your great-grandfather, but that Titus William River cheated during that poker game. I don’t know how. But my grandfather left me a confusing note, and that is the secret I didn’t want to burden my children with and is why I so desperately wanted you to come here and make your wine. It’s also why I wanted you to have a small piece of the pie.” His mother smiled. “Or, better yet, fall in love with my son—which it seems might still be something in the making.”
“Mother. Stop.” Malbec let out a long breath. He glanced at Eliza Jane. “Are you okay?” he w
hispered.
“I don’t know,” she admitted. “That is a lot to take in. On the one hand, this all could have been mine.”
“Yes. It could have,” his mother said.
“I don’t mean to be rude, but your great-grandfather was willing to gamble it all away,” Merlot added.
“I’m well aware of that, too.” Eliza Jane blinked a few times. “We always believed he lost it. Not that it was stolen.”
“I wish I knew how my grandfather cheated. But I don’t,” Malbec’s mother said. “I also wish I’d tried harder to find the answer to that, but I was always too afraid. Once Eliza Jane’s dad and grandpa came through here, that’s when I realized I had to do something. By the time I had come up with a plan, they had both died, so I had to readjust.”
“And what exactly was that plan? Because I’m still not sure about it,” Malbec asked.
“It was kind of simple but brilliant.” His mother smiled. “And it’s working.” She waved her hand between the two of them. “Look at you. You’re both glowing with sexual satisfaction.”
“Mom. Really. You need to be quiet,” Malbec said behind gritted teeth. Sometimes being Weezer’s son had its perks, and other times, it was just plain difficult and embarrassing.
“You have to understand that I don’t want to give up what I’ve worked my entire life to give to my children.” His mother pushed her coffee and apple fritter aside. “I know that what my family did was wrong. And I’m trying to make it right on some levels. I want you here at the winery, and I want you to have a small piece of it. But just like you shouldn’t suffer because of the mistakes of your ancestors, neither should my kids.”
Malbec had to admit, he agreed with his mom. The question became, how did that look?
“I’m content with our agreement,” Eliza Jane said.
“You mean the contract that I saw yesterday?” Malbec questioned and then swallowed. That seemed too small a piece of the pie now that he knew the truth. “I think we need to go back to the drawing board on that.”