He stepped closer, his expression softer, more serious. “Like … you still love me.”
She tilted her head, teasing. “That’s all you heard?”
“That’s what stuck with me,” he said. “Because—”
“Because?”
“Because I never stopped loving you, Bianca.”
Her heart leapt at his words. They were unexpected. Thetruth of them slipped into her chest and warmed her heart. She didn’t respond right away, just let herself feel it for a minute. She just wanted to bask in the presence of him. Watching as the light of the morning beamed through the windows.
Then she looked at him fully and said, “I know.”
Chapter Forty-one
Remi
End of Summer
Remi sat in her office, resting in the comfort of the leather chair, allowing it to draw her in as she reviewed inventory lists and skimmed through budgets. The quiet rhythm of paperwork balanced by the liveliness just beyond her walls. She smiled at the sound of familiar commotion—the chime of the front door as customers came and went, their voices raised in laughter and conversations.
A private tasting was underway in the tasting room next door—a group of women celebrating someone’s birthday. Conversation and light giggles filled that room. From farther back she could hear Paloma’s voice carrying through the hallway as she led a small group through the barrel room, giving them a tour, pointing out vintages, offering the history behind the wines and the Ortiz vineyard.
The winery was alive in every room. It had been busy since the day she opened the doors for the first time. Their schedule was booked through December with tastings, tours, and private events. Poetry nights had become a regular thing; onThursdays people faithfully gathered in the barrel room, wine in hand, to hear local poets spill their rhymes. The energy on those nights was electric and intimate. And Friday nights belonged to jazz. Couples and strangers alike filled the garden, drawn from as far away as San Francisco and Oakland. Under the strings of white lights, saxophones and bass guitars serenaded guests.
Joiewasn’t just a business anymore. It had become home to some, a regular hangout, and a cozy retreat for others.
When her phone rang she glanced at the screen. Zoe’s face lit it up, framed in curls—she’d taken down her braids. Remi’s heart was warmed as she swiped to answer.
“Hello, sweetheart. What’s going on?”
“Mom, how are you?”
“I’m good,” Remi said, leaning back into her chair. “Busy but good. We have a full tasting today and the Friday night setup starts in a couple of hours. Jazz tonight.”
“Oh, the usual trio?”
“Yes. People love them. And we have a food truck coming in to set up—good food,” Remi said. “What about you? How’s school?”
“Chaotic. My professor just pushed our project deadline up two days, so I might not get any sleep for the next forty-eight hours.”
Remi smiled. “You’ll be fine. You always are.”
There was a pause, and then Zoe said, “I saw the pictures online—seemsJoiehas a lot going on these days.”
“It’s been busy,” Remi said. “Have you seen Mila on campus?”
“All the time. She’s making new friends. Seems to be doing okay.”
“That’s good to hear.”
“How’s Aunt B?”
“Good. She comes down at least twice a week to help outat the winery. She’s looking for a new retail space right now. Hoping to bring Chic Threads to California.”
“Wow, that’s amazing.” Zoe smiled. “Mila has been working part-time at the one in the French Quarter. I might apply for a job during Christmas. I could use some extra cash. Take the weight off of you, Mom.”
“Don’t you worry about me. Whatever you need, you let me know,” Remi said. “Though getting a job is not a bad idea. Nothing beats a hard day’s work.”