“I don’t think this is common knowledge yet”—Becca dropped her voice and turned her back to the outdoor celebration—“but they filed bankruptcy and quietly ceased operation last week.”
“No.” Joey could hear her own heart beating. She turned in the direction of the neighboring vineyard. “What happened? Were they really mobsters, and this was all a front? It would explain their lack of knowledge when it comes to good wine.”
Becca laughed. “You’d think mobsters right off, I get that. But no, I think they tried to get too big too fast. And I had nothing to do with the offer. Corporate coordinated with Bruno on what local wines were selling in the restaurant and which were favorably reviewed by guests. The dollar amounts told the story.”
“They want us to be the wine of The Jade. We’re the house wine if I say yes?”
“You would be. You’ll have a call coming your way on Monday.”
Joey smacked her own forehead and then launched herself into Becca’s arms with a laugh. “That’s amazing. It’s like the end of a movie when the good guys win.”
Becca gave her a squeeze and set her back down. “It seems only fitting. I’m so happy for you. This place has earned it. You all have.”
“What are we happy about?” Madison asked with a slice of pizza on her plate.
Joey leapt in. “That deal with The Jade—it’s happening.”
“We’re promoted?” Madison set her plate down in happy mystification.
The implications were huge. They’d paid a lot to buy the grapes they needed for the fall, and this would soften the blow. The restaurant would be much easier to finance, and for once, everything looked like it might be okay. Joey could breathe. It felt good.
Gabriella hurried over in her white chef’s coat with a curious look on her face. “I’m missing out on something fun.” She made the hurry-up gesture. “Include me.”
“We’re partnering with the evil empire.” Becca elbowed her and Joey made a show of correcting herself. “Sorry, The Jade, my favorite resort ever. We’re their house wine now.” She smiled sweetly at Becca, who rewarded her with a kiss.
“What? Ah!” Gabriella erupted in a grin and hop combo that made the others laugh. “I better finish up with lunch, but when I’m through, we’re all having wine. We might get tipsy. Prepare yourselves.”
“We would never start without you,” Becca said. “You’re the most fun tipsy person I know.”
“Plus, who would feed us if we wronged you?” Madison asked.
Gabriella pointed at her. “And don’t you forget it.”
“Well, look at that.” Joey stood taller as a guest approached. “Speaking of the restaurant, here comes Ryan. I invited her so she could get a feel for the place.”
“Excuse me, what?” Gabriella stared, lips parted. Ryan’s dark hair was down and a little wavy today. She wore aviators, jeans, and a navy V-neck T-shirt, which truly showed off her physique. “That’s Ryan? The contractor?” she squeaked.
Becca laughed. Madison rolled her eyes. Joey nodded. “That’s her. She’s something, huh?”
“You think?” Gabriella swallowed and shook her head as if her life had just been changed. “Holy hell.”
Joey tapped her lips and exchanged a look with Becca. “You know, I think this project is going to be a little more interesting than I anticipated.”
Becca nodded. “Could make for a memorable year ahead.”
About the Author
Melissa Brayden (www.melissabrayden.com) is a multi-award-winning romance author, embracing the full-time writer’s life in San Antonio, Texas, and enjoying every minute of it.
Melissa enjoys spending time with her family and working really hard at remembering to do the dishes. For personal enjoyment, she throws realistically shaped toys for her Jack Russell terriers and checks out the NYC theater scene as often as possible. She considers herself a reluctant patron of spin class but would much rather be sipping merlot and staring off into space. Coffee, wine, and donuts make her world go round.
Books Available From Bold Strokes Books
Entangled by Melissa Brayden. Becca Crawford is the perfect person to head up the Jade Hotel, if only the captivating owner of the local vineyard would get on board with her plan and stop badmouthing the hotel to everyone in town. (978-1-63555-709-1)
First Do No Harm by Emily Smith. Pierce and Cassidy are about to discover that when it comes to love, sometimes you have to risk it all to have it all. (978-1-63555-699-5)
Kiss Me Every Day by Dena Blake. For Carly Jamison, wishing for a do-over with Wynn Evans was a long shot, actually getting one was a game changer. (978-1-63555-551-6)
Olivia by Genevieve McCluer. In this lesbian Shakespeare adaption with vampires, Olivia is a centuries-old vampire who must fight a strange figure from her past if she wants a chance at happiness. (978-1-63555-701-5)
One Woman’s Treasure by Jean Copeland. Daphne’s search for discarded antiques and treasures leads to an embarrassing misunderstanding and, ultimately, the opportunity for the romance of a lifetime with Nina. (978-1-63555-652-0)
Silver Ravens by Jane Fletcher. Lori has lost her girlfriend, her home, and her job. Things don’t improve when she’s kidnapped and taken to fairyland. (978-1-63555-631-5)
Still Not Over You by Jenny Frame, Carsen Taite, and Ali Vali. Old flames die hard in these tales of a second chance at love with the ex you’re still not over. (978-1-63555-516-5)
Storm Lines by Jessica L. Webb. Devon is a psychologist who likes rules. Marley is a cop who doesn’t. They don’t always agree, but both fight to protect a girl immersed in a street drug ring. (978-1-63555-626-1)
The Politics of Love by Jen Jensen. Is it possible to love across the political divide in a hostile world? Conservative Shelley Whitmore and liberal Rand Thomas are about to find out. (978-1-63555-693-3)
All the Paths to You by Morgan Lee Miller. High school sweethearts Quinn Hughes and Kennedy Reed reconnect five years after they break up and realize that their chemistry is all but over. (978-1-63555-662-9)
Arrested Pleasures by Nanisi Barrett D’Arnuck. When charged with a crime she didn’t commit, Katherine Lowe faces the question: Which is harder, going to prison or falling in love? (978-1-63555-684-1)
Bonded Love by Renee Roman. Carpenter Blaze Carter suffers an injury that shatters her dreams, and ER nurse Trinity Greene hopes to show her that sometimes love is worth fighting for. (978-1-63555-530-1)
Convergence by Jane C. Esther. With life as they know it on the line, can Aerin McLeary and Olivia Ando’s love survive an otherworldly threat to humankind? (978-1-63555-488-5)
Coyote Blues by Karen F. Williams. Riley Dawson, psychotherapist and shape-shifter, has her world turned upside down when Fiona Bell, her one true love, returns. (978-1-63555-558-5)
Drawn by Carsen Taite. Will the clues lead Detective Claire Hanlon to the killer terrorizing Dallas, or will she merely lose her heart to person of interest urban artist Riley Flynn? (978-1-63555-644-5)
Lucky by Kris Bryant. Was Serena Evans’s luck really about winning the lottery, or is she about to get even luckier in love? (978-1-63555-510-3)
The Last Days of Autumn by Donna K. Ford. Autumn and Caroline question the fairness of life, the cruelty of loss, and what it means to love as they navigate the complicated minefield of relationships, grief, and life-altering illness. (978-1-63555-672-8)
Three Alarm Response by Erin Dutton. In the midst of tragedy, can these first responders find love and healing? Three stories of courage, bravery, and passion. (978-1-63555-592-9)
Veterinary Partner by Nancy Wheelton. Callie and Lauren are determined to keep their hearts safe but find that taking a chance on love is the safest option of all. (978-1-63555-666-7)
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