Page 28 of Summer with the Single Dad

Heat flooded Justine’s face. “Sorry. That was just really good.”

“Don’t apologize. I take your response as a compliment. And it was quite subdued compared to some people. I get a glimpse into a lot of people’s “O” faces here.”

Snickering, Justine took another sip of the prosecco before placing the glass back on the flight board next to the rest. Her phone lit up where it rested on the counter indicating her mother was trying to call. Justine canceled the call, then turned off her phone.

The weight practically melted off her shoulders at how good it felt to actually make herself completely unavailable and just live in the moment.

“I spied the word Mom,” Naomi said with a half-smile. “Because I’m a nosy bitch. Trust me, girl, you’re not the first person to duck their mother.”

Justine’s face heated up a little. “I’ve told them I’m on vacation and they just don’t seem to get the clue that I want some space.”

“Overbearing?”

“I suppose that’s one way to word it. Just … controlling. Judgmental—at least my mom. And I’ve made some pretty big changes in my life in the last little while that I’m just not ready to share with them yet.”

“For fear of the wrath?”

Justine exhaled. “Yep.”

With a face of total understanding, Naomi reached across the bar and squeezed Justine’s hand. “My advice? Drink wine.”

Justine chuckled. “It’s good advice.”

Grinning, Naomi picked up another bottle. “Next one is a sparkling moscato. You’ll want to try it with a piece of sweet fruit. I recommend a strawberry, piece of pineapple, or grapes. The wine does well emphasizing the flavor of the fruit, not the sugar. Although it can be on the sweeter side, I don’t find it overpowering. It strikes a beautiful balance. I like drinking this one on the deck in the evening just as the sun is setting, while diving into a bowl of mango sorbet or something cool and equally refreshing.”

“You definitely know how to sell your wares,” Justine said, picking up the second glass and grabbing a rich-red strawberry from the plate. She took a bite, then a sip, humming in delight at the kaleidoscope of sweet notes and the way the wine made the strawberry taste even juicier. It was like the first day of summer in her mouth.

“What’d I tell you?” Naomi said with a grin. “Refreshing, right?”

“Very.” Justine finished the moscato. She probably shouldn’t have, but it was just so delicious. She popped another strawberry, then a piece of pineapple, in her mouth. Both fruits went exceptionally well with the wine.

“Moving on. Next, we have a beautiful dry rosé.”

“Mmm.”

“Now, some cheeses go better with white wine, and others pair perfectly with a tasty red, but in my opinion—and my opinion usually matches the opinion of the masses—”

Justine snorted a laugh. Naomi was already grinning.

“Rosé goes well with almost all cheese. It has the acidity of a white wine and the fruit character and depth of a red. It’s perfect for any time of year and can go with nearly any meal—if you’re not into deep, dry reds with your steaks.” Her smile turned sassy.

“Not a big red meat eater, so it’s all good.”

“Rosé also goes well with grilled fish, fresh salad, and—” she pointed at the board of snacks, “a plate of charcuterie. I recommend a piece of prosciutto, a slice of melba toast, and a piece of aged parmesan or provolone. Add a fresh fig or a slice of cantaloupe and—” She did a chef’s kiss with her fingers. “An orgasm in your mouth.”

Salivating just from the poetic description, Justine grabbed a slice of melba toast, a small piece of prosciutto, and the provolone Naomi pointed out. Then she placed a small slice of melon with it all and took a bite. Alone, it was delicious, but when she sipped the rosé, it really was a mini orgasm in her mouth.

“Told you,” Naomi said with an unveiled arrogance that had Justine chuckling around a full mouth. “Who needs sex when you have this kind of wine and food pairing?”

Justine opened her eyes, pinning them on Naomi.

Naomi chuckled and shrugged. “Maybe I’m just projecting. It’s been a while. I eat a lot of wine and cheese these days.”

Justine chewed and swallowed, taking another sip of the rosé to wash it all down. “That was incredible. And definitely better than some of the sex I’ve had in my life. Though, I’m also in a bit of a dry spell.”

“Well, let’s fix that dry spell with a dry red,” Naomi said, then she paused. “That doesn’t really make sense, does it?”

Justine giggled. “No, but I get, and appreciate, the attempt.”

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