After the server disappeared, Remi sipped her drink and studied Bianca over the rim of her glass. “How was your appointment?”
Bianca hesitated for a moment. “It was fine. Dr. Lee will call with the scan results in a few days. Hopefully there will be good news.”
Remi reached across the table and touched Bianca’s hand. “It will be. And until then, let’s eat up some stuff.”
Bianca nodded.” Exactly. The French toast is calling my name.”
“Think I’m going for an omelet,” Remi said.
They laughed and talked like old times, while another round of mimosas appeared without them asking.
“So,” Remi said, sipping her drink, “tell me the truth … how are you really doing with all of this? You have a lot going on in your life, girl.”
Bianca looked down at her lap, then at the river. “I feel better than I have in a long time physically, but having to take these tests … this waiting to see the results … just really takes me back to a dark place.”
“Try not to let it.”
“I guess fear just kinda takes over and—”
Remi nodded, her expression softening. “Try not to let fear steal your joy. I’ve seen you happier than I have in years. When you found your perfect home in Bodega Bay something in you was bursting with life. Live your life, B.”
Bianca’s eyes welled unexpectedly. “It’s like when I take one step forward, I’m always yanked one step back.”
“I get it. I know it seems that way,” Remi said. “You’ll get through it, one step at a time.”
Their food arrived, and for a while they ate in silence.
After a few bites Remi leaned in and said, “Do you want to talk about Harry?”
Bianca paused, fork halfway to her mouth. The tears dissipated and a light smile brightened her face.
“Oh wait, what is that smile?” Remi asked.
“There’s nothing really to talk about. I think we’re just becoming the friends we never were. I’m enjoying the conversation,” she said. “We went to dinner while I was in New Orleans.”
“Really?” Remi placed a finger underneath her chin.
“It was nothing special, just my favorite little Cuban place in Mid-City.”
“Oh my God. Not that place.” Remi giggled. “You used to eat there so often.”
“It’s my fave.”
“Don’t I know it,” Remi said. “You really should broaden your horizons.”
The women laughed heartily.
Chapter Thirty-nine
Remi
The tasting room was wrapped in soft, golden light. The huge windows overlooked Paloma’s family vineyard, with its rows of sun-warmed lines. It was just before sunset, and light filtered in gently. Doors were open allowing the inside to spill out into the garden. High-top tables, adorned with white tablecloths, were arranged throughout both spaces. Tasting cards with handwritten notes were placed at every setting, along with crisp white napkins and wineglasses with long stems. Small arrangements of wildflowers, freshly cut, sat in small vases.
Guests were greeted with a sparkling rosé,Joie’s signature wine, to sip on while mingling. Jazz played softly throughout. Remi moved through the space, chatting with guests. She wore a linen pantsuit with embellished sandals. Bianca worked the room with Paloma, refilling glasses, answering questions. There was laughter and light conversations throughout.
There were several industry professionals in the room, some of them from as far away as the Bay Area. John Gabriel, the man who she’d met at previous networking events—who’dtaken an interest inJoie—wore blue slacks and a crisp white shirt with sleeves rolled up. He smiled when their eyes met. Remi raised her glass, hoping they would have a chance to chat before the night was done. Her marketing team, Pinnacle Strategies, mingled with other guests.
When Leo appeared in the doorway wearing white linen and a straw hat, he nearly took her breath away. She couldn’t take her eyes off of him as he shook hands with a man he knew. He reached for a glass of rosé and sipped—and his eyes finally landed on her. His grin was wide and beautiful. He gave her a wink. She blushed.