“Paloma.” Remi embraced the older Hispanic woman. “It’s so good to see you.”
“You as well.” Paloma smiled warmly, holding on to Remi’s hands. “I was so sad when I heard the news about Gerard. I’m so sorry. Such a sweet man. He was always very nice to me, considerate and warm.”
“Thank you, Paloma. He loved you like family. You and Bas.”
Sebastian, Paloma’s son, had been very fond of Gerard. The two of them had spent many hours together—talking, fishing. Bas had been like the son Gerard never had. They’d grown close over the summers in Napa Valley. Gerard had encouraged Bas to attend Harvard in the first place. College hadn’t been on his radar at all, but when Zoe helped him to apply for scholarships the summer before their senior year, it showed him that college was affordable, even at an Ivy Leagueschool, so he reconsidered. He applied at Harvard and was accepted.
“He was devastated when I told him.” Paloma shook her head.
“I’ll bet. They were really close.”
Paloma lowered her eyes, almost became misty. “He graduates next year.”
“Gerard would’ve been so proud. He would’ve been at that graduation and the loudest one in the audience.”
Paloma nodded a yes. “He’s home for the summer.”
“Zoe will be happy to see him as well. She’ll be here in a few days.”
“I’ll tell him.”
“Those two and their summer adventures.” Remi shook her head; a smile crept into the corner of her mouth. She remembered Bas and Zoe—inseparable, wild-hearted—spending endless hours at Sonoma Beach, coming home sun-kissed, forever missing curfews. They had always partied too much and lived like summer would never end.
Paloma giggled, held on to Remi’s hands for a moment. Remi’s eyes found Bianca.
“Pardon my rudeness. This is my best friend, Bianca,” Remi said. “Bianca, this is our beloved Paloma. She takes care of the place while we’re away. And she takes care of us when we’re here. She and her son, Sebastian—um, Bas—are like family.”
“So nice to meet you, Paloma.” Bianca reached out her hand. “You’re a woman who wears many hats. Kinda like me.”
“Nice to meet you as well,” Paloma shook Bianca’s hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Oh no! Don’t believe a word of it.” Bianca laughed.
“It was all good things.” Paloma offered a light smile. “Remi has told me all about her bestie and how you’ve been like sisters since childhood. What a blessing.”
“Yes, she is literally one of my greatest blessings,” Bianca said, and then started roaming through the house, peeking into closets and cabinets.
Paloma smiled sweetly. “I took the liberty of putting fresh linens on the beds for you. And if you don’t mind, I’m going to borrow your kitchen for a bit. I’m making my Spanish seafood stew. Figured it’d be easier to do it here.”
“Don’t mind at all.” Remi’s eyes softened. “And oh how I love your seafood stew.”
“Seafood anything sounds wonderful,” Bianca called from the pantry. “I might watch you, see what all you’re throwing in that pot.”
“Feel free.”
Paloma and Remi both giggled.
“I see that the contractors have already begun work on the winery.”
“Yes, just the floors and walls,” said Paloma. “I’m so happy that you’ve decided to maintain much of its original character.”
“It’s already a beautiful space.”
“The old building has been on this property—in our family for years. I know you’ll do it justice.”
“I’m grateful for it, Paloma.” Remi hugged the woman, then collapsed in her arms. “Thank you for giving me such a great deal and allowing me to make it my own.”
“Of course. I’m excited aboutJoie.” Paloma hugged her tightly. “And you, my dear, are family. It’s just been sitting there doing nothing. It’s wonderful to see it being put to use.”