“We’re just going to get settled in.” Remi let her go and then turned to Bianca. “Let me show you to your sleeping quarters.”
“It was great meeting you, Paloma. I’ll be back for my cooking tutorial.” Bianca threw a hand into the air as she followed Remi.
“I’ll be starting soon.” Paloma smiled.
Remi led the way to a staircase just off the kitchen and up a short flight of stairs and down a hallway lined with gleaming hardwood floors that creaked softly. She paused in front of a spacious room, then pushed open the door to reveal a bedroom bathed in late afternoon light.
At the center stood a king-sized Victorian bed with an ornate headboard, its wood aged. A matching antique dresser rested along the far wall; delicate carvings etched into its surface. The walls were painted a soft peach color, casting a warm glow into the room. Above the bed hung a large portrait of a ballerina in midpirouette—graceful, as though she might twirl right off the canvas.
Bianca drifted toward the window and gently pulled aside the lace curtain. Below, the garden stretched wide, bursting with color and life. A proud magnolia tree stood in the center, surrounded by rose bushes in full bloom and vibrant wildflowers. At the heart of it all sat an iron bench, half shaded by leaves, inviting stillness and reflection.
Bianca sat on the edge of the bed. “Thank you for inviting me to come here, Rem. I love it. I wish I’d come sooner, when you invited me before. I just …”
“It’s okay. You were busy living life, building your own business. I completely understand. Thankyoufor coming this time. Life is different for me right now, and I really appreciate you helping me get some normalcy back.”
Bianca stood up and hugged Remi. “I love you, sister.”
“I love you more.”
“What a day, huh?” Bianca asked. “I could use a glass of wine before dinner.”
“Makes two of us. Let’s unpack and then open that bottle.”
Bianca walked toward the door. “I’ll meet you downstairs in a minute. I’m just going to grab my bag and freshen up a bit.”
“Sounds good.”
What made the house so unique, Remi thought, were all the little hideaways—quiet nooks and cozy crannies, tucked into so many corners of the house. The sunporch was her favorite, by far, especially this time of day. It was the perfect spot for a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc before dinner.
She stood at the window, gazing out at the majestic California mountains. Inside, Kenny G’s “Summer Song” drifted softly through the speakers, the mellow sound of the saxophone curling around the room, embracing it. From the kitchen, the rich, savory aroma of Paloma’s Spanish seafood stew had already begun floating through the air.
Remi’s phone buzzed and she answered.
“Well, I’m going to assume that you made it to Napa safely,” Zoe said in a motherly tone, as if Remi was the child and not vice versa. She gave Remi a light smile as her face appeared on her phone screen.
“I’m so sorry, sweetheart. I meant to call, but it’s just been such a long day. We’re just getting settled in.”
“That’s good. I’m headed there as soon as I finish my last final on Thursday.” Zoe, with Gerard’s eyes, Remi’s skin and cornrows in her chestnut brown hair, said, “Mila and I get into San Francisco around the same time next week, so I’m just going to wait for her. We’ll just rent a car and drive up together.”
“That sounds good, honey. I can’t wait to see you both.”
“Can’t wait to see you, Mom. Are you doing okay?”
“I’m okay. What about you?”
“I get sad at times, but these finals are a good distraction. I know we have a long road ahead of us. What’s your distraction?”
“Bianca’s here, and we’re going to dive into the business of the winery, maybe do some antique shopping, and we’re going to drink lots of wine. I have plenty to keep me busy.”
“I’m glad Aunt Bianca’s there, but not too much wine, Mom. It’s dangerous to drink too much during this time.”
Remi laughed heartily at Zoe’s lecture. “I’m not going to become an alcoholic.”
“I’m just saying.”
“Don’t worry too much about your mother, sweetheart. Focus on your finals. We will get through this.” She said it aloud but wished her words and heart were aligned.
“Okay, Mom. I will. I have to go now. Love you.”