Bianca’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “That mural is freaking fabulous,” she said, stepping back outside. She poured herself a glass of wine. “Do you love it?”
“I absolutely do,” Remi said, smiling. She took a sip of her wine. “It was worth every penny.”
“She captured all of this so perfectly,” Bianca said, sweeping her hand across the view in front of her. “It’s uncanny.”
“I love how everything is coming together. The winery … the first tasting.”
“I’m sure it’s all pretty exciting,” Bianca said. “Whereveryou need me on Saturday I’m there. If you need someone to greet guests, pour wine, or keep the caterers in line. Whatever.”
“I appreciate that,” Remi replied. “And I’m sure there will be plenty to keep you busy.”
There was a comfortable silence between them as they sipped wine and took in the breeze and scenery.
“Have you heard from Mila?” Remi asked.
“Just a quick text. She made it safely to her dad’s.” Bianca smiled softly. “But Ihaveheard from Harry. Quite a bit, actually.”
“What? Really?” Remi turned toward her with raised eyebrows.
“Yeah … we’ve just been chatting,” Bianca said casually, but Remi detected something more.
“Interesting.” Remi grinned. “You’ve got unresolved history with Harry. Maybe now’s the time to finish it.”
“Maybe,” Bianca said. “But right now my focus is on my health, building a new life, and, hopefully, connecting with my daughter.”
“All good things to focus on.”
“The house is on the market,” Bianca added. “There’s already quite a bit of interest. Fingers crossed.”
“Fingers crossed.” Remi crossed two fingers. “Things are moving fast. Are you sure you’re ready?”
“I’m ready,” Bianca said, and meant it. “Tomorrow morning I’m going to fly back to New Orleans for a couple of days. I’ve already hired movers to pack up what I want to transport. Get rid of everything else. Tie up loose ends. Ship my car. I’ll be back before your tasting.”
“That’s sudden. You’ve got your work cut out for you.”
“It’s necessary. This is the start of something wonderful.”
Remi raised her glass to Bianca’s. “To new beginnings, then.”
“To new beginnings.” Their glasses clinked.
Remi lifted her glass again, smirking. “And to new conversations with ex-husbands.”
Bianca laughed, a sparkle in her eyes. “Ha ha.”
Their conversation moved easily throughout the evening, as if there had never been a pause in their friendship. Laughter came naturally, the rhythm between them unforced—familiar.
It almost felt like old times, but Remi wasn’t ready for it to feel this way—not just yet. There was comfort in the closeness, yes. But also caution.
Some wounds needed more time to breathe.
Chapter Thirty-seven
Bianca
As the Lyft pulled away from the curb and she stepped onto the porch, she was consumed by the Louisiana heat. It was smothering. She used her key to open the door and step inside. She stood in the foyer for a moment—listening. The only sound was that from the central air unit making a whirring noise as it kicked on.
The house smelled stale, and she would light a candle as soon as she was done checking things out. Leaving her luggage at the door, she made her way to the bright yellow kitchen. From the drawer next to the stove she pulled out her pink .45 pistol, cocked it. She made her way through the house peeking into the downstairs bedrooms and then went upstairs to the master bedroom. She looked around. Everything was just as she’d left it when she left for Napa.