Entangled

by Melissa Brayden

  Becca had a reputation as a go-getter with a stellar history of running one financially successful hotel after another. She planned on The Jade being her most successful assignment yet.

  “I’ll take this autumn wreath,” Becca said to the brunette behind the counter. She wore a name tag that said Brenda Anne and had a pretty smile.

  “Aren’t these adorable?” Brenda Anne said. She lit up entirely, which made Becca light up entirely. “We got these in from one of the women in the neighborhood across the way. She does such great work. We’ve ordered a Christmas batch that should be here by mid-November, she said.”

  “I’ll have to come back for one then. I just moved in and am rebuilding my holiday decoration stockpile.”

  Brenda Anne’s eyes lit up. “You’re a new local? I had you pegged for a tourist to our small town.”

  “No, I’m here permanently.”

  “Well, that’s the best news I’ve heard since Thursday.” Becca didn’t ask what had happened Thursday, but she was now intensely curious. “What brings you to Whisper Wall?” She pressed her finger to the side of her cheek. “Let me guess. You’re independently wealthy from a recently dispersed trust fund and want to spend your days drinking wine and staring out at the best views in the United States. You’re hoping to snag a dashing farmer and settle down with your money.”

  “No,” Becca said in apology. “But that was a very specific guess.”

  “I like to write short stories, so sometimes my brain gets to motoring on ahead of me.” Her eyes went extra wide as if to say: Can you even believe it? “Stick to reality, Brenda Anne,” she said, chastising herself in a voice that was not her own. “That’s what my mama always said.”

  “Well, I, for one, am impressed with your imagination. But the truth is that I’m here because I’ve taken the position as general manager of The Jade, going up not too far from here.”

  She watched as friendly Brenda Anne’s smile faltered slightly. “Oh. You’re with the big hotel chain? Oh no.” She looked a little crestfallen, but Becca swallowed that and plowed ahead.

  “Yes, and so excited to get to know everyone in Whisper Wall. I love it here already.”

  She accepted Becca’s credit card for the wreath and winced as if she had bad news to report. “Lots of folks in the area aren’t so happy about the hotel going in. It’s all the talk these days. They’re…concerned.”

  Becca resisted the urge to correct hotel to resort, which is what The Jade was. Yes, she’d heard the murmurings about The Jade and had, of course, read the emails forwarded to her by corporate from the less than excited citizens. Many of the vintners in the area were up in arms about the size and commerciality of The Jade and the damage they felt it would inflict upon their out-of-the-way, rustic vibe. They didn’t want anything commercial in their midst. It didn’t shock her. But they were overlooking the long list of positives a resort like theirs would bring to them. She decided against having that debate with Brenda Anne, however, in fear of ruining their potential friendship. “I completely understand how they feel. It’s my hope that once we’re up and running, people will change their minds. We have the potential to attract lots of new visitors who wouldn’t come to the area otherwise. Our client base is huge.”

  Brenda Anne didn’t appear convinced but remained polite. She handed Becca her cute little two-handled bag containing the wreath. “I wish you all the best with that. There’s a meeting about it next Monday, you know.” She frowned as if to sympathize.

  Becca paused, mid bag handoff. “A meeting?” People still had those things? What happened to just complaining on the internet?

  “Yeah. Where everyone gets together and talks about issues that involve all of us. There’s a microphone and the opportunity to sign up to speak.”

  “And that’s happening about the resort?”

  Brenda Anne nodded enthusiastically. She grabbed a flyer and handed it off to Becca, who gaped. “Next week at the event center. I’m bringing the cupcakes. Double chocolate with a little dash of espresso. I’m so excited about them. Food and conflict pair well together.”

  “How wonderful,” Becca said, keeping her careful smile in place. They were meeting about the resort? Really? Her spirits dropped, and she let the bag fall to her side. After that, annoyance took over. Why did the locals not understand that this could be a very valuable partnership? She lifted her purchase, refusing to let any of this bleed over onto perky Brenda Anne. “Thanks for the wreath. I’ll definitely be back.”

  Brenda Anne waved. “Looking forward to it. Happy you’re here. Kinda.”

  Becca hit the sidewalk and demanded her weary smile hold strong. She hit up three more shops in the heart of town, and her reception was the same at each: enthusiastic hospitality until she introduced herself and explained what brought her to Whisper Wall. She watched as each smiling face morphed into one of polite tolerance. It angered her as a businesswoman and hurt her feelings as a human being who was excited to make connections and friends in her new community.

  Lost in her thoughts and probably not looking where she was going, she shoulder checked a woman walking in the other direction.

  “Oh, God. That was on me,” Becca said, turning back and holding a hand out to make sure she’d done no damage.

  “Not to worry. I’m still alive and a little more awake, so thank you.” The woman was smiling and she was…striking. Pretty. Blond hair, crystal blue eyes. She wore a knit cap on the back of her head. That’s when Becca noticed the package she’d knocked clean out of the woman’s hands.

  “Let me get that.”

  “I got it.” The woman bent down, too, and they laughed about the awkwardness of both kneeling to retrieve the same package. Becca beat her there and handed off the bag. “I’ll try to be more alert going forward.”

  “Citizens everywhere thank you.” She dropped to sincerity and added, “Seriously, though. No harm at all.” She stood, as did Becca. “Enjoy your day, okay?”

  “You, too.” She stood and watched the blonde head down the sidewalk. Part of her wondered where she was off to. Another part wanted to go with her. Something in her energy snagged Becca’s attention.

  She returned to her new home feeling dejected, and wishing she’d finished unpacking the remaining boxes that dotted her open living room and kitchen combo. Becca loved her new place, though, in spite of the boxes. Almost entirely white with exposed dark wooden beams traveling up to a point atop the two-story ceiling in her living area. The house was spacious, full of natural light, and just rustic enough to fit in nicely in wine country.

  “Well, I’m home,” she announced with a small smile to her empty place. No response, though she knew that would be the case. Sometimes simply speaking her thoughts to inanimate objects like her house made Becca feel a little less lonely, not that she was unhappy. She thought about getting herself a dog, imagining snuggling up with a little guy or girl might be nice. She shrugged, feeling a little solitary. Oh, well.

  It was relatively chilly out today and the sun was just beginning to fall behind the trees. She watched the beautiful color stream in through her large picture windows at the back of the house. “Looks like the perfect night for chili to me,” she said to exactly no one. With a little Corinne Bailey Rae on Pandora, she tossed together the ingredients, knowing she could feast on that glorious pot of chili for the next few days. Oh! And cornbread would be a nice addition. She would do that next.

  As the chili simmered, Becca decided to spend the day poring over résumés both from in town and beyond. She’d need managers, team leaders, trainers, clerks, and much more. Maybe if she got enough accomplished this week, she could visit the neighbors she was most excited about, that adorable little vineyard with the logo of the tangled vines. She could practically walk there and looked forward to exploring not only their wines, but the tasting room itself.

  Becca wasn’t sure why, but she had a sneaking suspicion she was going to fall in love with that place.

  * *
*

  It had been a month since Madison had accepted the position of winemaker for Tangle Valley, and at long last, she was on her way. Joey sat on the wooden steps in front of the Big House and waited. They should be arriving any minute. She ran her palms across her thighs, smoothing her jeans with nervous excitement.

  She’d opened a couple of bottles and set them out to breathe, wanting to welcome the new members of the vineyard family appropriately. Around here, that meant with a good glass of wine. Loretta had put out a beautiful cheese board that would complement the wines in their variety, and set up a private table for them off to the side in the tasting room. It hadn’t been an especially busy day for foot traffic, but then it was midweek. In fact, their visitor rate was something Joey hoped to improve now that she was at the helm and the chief decision-maker. Her father had always been more interested in the wine, which made sense as it was his passion. But the time had come to think big picture.

  When Madison had taken the job, she’d suggested her good friend Gabriella, who also happened to be Madison’s ex-girlfriend, as someone who might be a perfect fit to open a restaurant on site. She’d served as head chef in multiple spots in the Finger Lakes, but she’d cooked under many well-known chefs in New York City as well. According to Madison, who she trusted as much as she trusted herself, Gabriella knew food like no one she’d ever known. Better yet? Gabriella was looking to turn a new page and itching for a change of pace. Madison introduced them over the phone, and Joey couldn’t believe how well she and Gabriella hit it off. After their chat, Gabriella sent along her very impressive résumé and her ideas for the restaurant, which she envisioned to be Italian, and even had some marketing plans of her own. Joey was impressed but wanted to have a heart to heart with Madison before sealing the deal.

  “My only concern is that she was your girlfriend, you know?” Joey said. She’d stood in front of the microwave in the Big House, where she’d been staying in the extra bedroom, which she’d now redecorated and made into her very own master. Every bit as spacious as the original. “Don’t you think that might make things a little extra dicey?”

  “Oh God, no,” Madison said without delay. “We were together for four months and both agreed it was the most ridiculous of arrangements because we make way better friends. We haven’t had an awkward moment since.”

  “Okay.” Joey nodded, feeling lighter. “That’s good to hear.” If Madison felt that confident, who was she to overrule her? She was still friends with Simone, after all, and she’d left Joey at the altar. She closed her eyes at the still potent memory from just three years prior. Luckily, she had come to understand that it had all been for the greater good, as they weren’t the best match. She could pass Simone in town and have a more than pleasant conversation these days. That said a lot. “If you’re comfortable with the arrangement, I’m ready to move forward and offer Gabriella the job. She and I talked through the logistics. The restaurant will be part of the Tangle Valley Vineyard but she will maintain creative control for as long as she’s head chef.”

  “I think you’re making a great decision, and you’re going to love Gabriella. I say that because, well, everyone does. It’s kind of astounding. As a scientist, I’ve actually tried to figure it out, but really, she’s just very likable, and that’s all there is to it. Everyone’s sweetheart with a side of sass.”

  “I can get behind that combination but am definitely hoping for low drama between the exes.”

  “Trust me. You have nothing to worry about. Unless she brings up Christmas from two years ago—then all bets are off.” Joey took a hard swallow. “I’m kidding,” Madison said, with a quiet laugh. “I just enjoy imagining that deer in headlights look you sport when someone says something even mildly alarming.”

  “I’m not doing the deer look,” Joey said with a scoff.

  “Oh, and now you’re scoffing, aren’t you? The deer-scoff combo.”

  The outrage hit. “I am not, Maddie-strange-pants. You don’t know everything.”

  “Oh, the childhood nicknames are out. Is a headlock next? I think I still have the move.”

  Ah, memories. Joey laughed. “I dare you to try.”

  “I have a feeling if we’re working together, we’ll get there eventually. You sure you’re up for this? I have a lot of opinions when it comes to wine. Don’t get me started on destemming practices.”

  Joey didn’t hesitate. “That’s why I want you. You know grapes. You anticipate the way they’ll unravel their flavors. I like your instincts. Your precision. I will find a way to deal with the headlocks.” She knew Madison was someone who craved autonomy in her work, and she would do her best to give it to her. “We’re a team, here, yes. But when it comes to the wine, I will always put your opinion ahead of mine.”

  A pause hit the line. “Can I confess something to you?” Madison finally asked.

  “Always.”

  “I’ve loved Tangle Valley since the first day I came over to hang out in fourth grade. I can’t wait to get started.”

  Joey felt the pressure that she’d been carrying on her shoulders slowly melt. She wasn’t sure quite how, but it felt almost ordained, the way things were working out. Everything seemed to be happening the way it was meant to. She couldn’t help but wonder if Jack Wilder had a little something to do with it. He was taking care of her and Tangle Valley from afar. Maybe her mom was, too. It was a nice thought.

  As she sat on the front steps, waiting on Madison and Gabriella to arrive from their cross-country journey, she went over the last touches she’d made to their housing. Madison would take the Sunrise Cottage closest to the Big House, decorated in gray, soft orange, and white. Joey had hired Angela Peters to redecorate the whole place, making it contemporary, yet still rustic enough to fit in nicely on the property. A little farther down the road would be Gabriella’s Spring Cottage, which Angela had decorated with touches of sage and yellow. It was warm, welcoming, and came with a fully updated chef’s kitchen, which Joey felt was important for Gabriella to have at her disposal. Now all she needed were her new coworkers.

  Moments later, a U-Haul followed by a blue pickup truck with a white stripe down the side appeared just on the horizon. Joey stood, placed her hands on her hips, and felt herself beam for the first time in weeks. She waved excitedly as the vehicles pulled to a stop just shy of the Big House.

  An absolutely beautiful woman with thick brown hair and soft brown eyes hopped down from behind the wheel of the U-Haul. When she hit the ground, Joey saw that she was petite in stature, a few inches shorter than Joey’s average height, but she’d handled that truck like a pro.

  “Hi, there! You must be Joey,” she said warmly and came around the front of the truck with a great big smile. “Gabriella Russo.”

  “So great to meet you in person.” Joey held out her hand, as Gabriella approached and ignored it entirely, instead opening her arms and pulling Joey into a hug. “Sorry, but this occasion seems big and I’m a hugger.” She released Joey. “Do you mind? I guess it’s a little late to ask.”

  Joey laughed. “Not at all.” She paused because up close and personal, she realized how beautiful Gabriella was. No. Stunning. With big, wide-set eyes, flawless olive skin, and dark hair that fell in thick layers past her shoulders, she could see why Madison’s interest had been piqued years back.

  “Stop all the fun until I get there,” a voice shouted. Joey laughed and turned to see Madison hop out of the truck. “You two look like old friends already.” Joey’s heart swelled at the sight of her best friend, here at last.

  “Maddie,” she said and held open her arms. Madison LeGrange with all her curly brown hair streaked with blond from the sun hadn’t changed much over the years. Her blue eyes twinkled when they saw Joey. Their friendship had always been stronger than any she’d ever known, and it was clear that connection persisted.

  Madison scampered the rest of the way and pulled Joey into a tight embrace. “I can’t believe I’m here. I’m back. Can you believe it?�
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  “You’re not back. You’re home,” Joey said, banishing the tears that stung her eyes. This was a happy occasion, and she was not about to get over-the-top sappy. She released Madison and shook her head. “We’re working together. Can you believe it?” She included Gabriella in the declaration, but she was already lost to the conversation, seemingly mesmerized by the beauty of Tangle Valley. Joey had to admit, if you’d never seen it before, it was something to behold. Rows and rows of beautiful vines that extended for acres until you saw their green and the blue of the sky meet. The air was fresh. The temperatures were mild. Joey couldn’t understand why everyone didn’t live in Willamette Valley. The wine industry was certainly taking on the big guys from California and Europe, and people were slowly giving the area credit for the quality wines they were turning out year after year. There was no denying that Oregon wine was climbing steadily in popularity, and Tangle Valley was right there in the center of it. It was an exciting time to be in the wine business.

  Gabriella shook her head. “The photos don’t come close to doing this place justice. Wow. I live here?”

  “You do now,” Joey said, coming to stand next to her.

  “Well, I’m impressed and floored.” Gabriella exhaled. “You have no idea how much I need this…serenity. My life’s been feeling a little scattered lately.” The exuberance had receded from her voice and been replaced by quiet sincerity.