Page 83 of With Wine Comes War

“I guess you haven’t talked about it yet then?”

No Grant, we haven’t, I thought as I was visually trying to erase what I knew from my mind so I could get excited about her project.

“Nope. Definitely haven’t been able to concentrate yet. It’s weird, ever since lunch, I’ve been preoccupied with some new information.” I hope that he could hear the sarcasm except I didn’t want him to get pissed. He was laughing at least.

“Yeah, sorry about that. I never wanted to have to tell anyone, but I trust you with that information and I trust you with Alex. That’s saying something. One day I’ll have to tell her, I know that, but for now it’s just not in her best interest. I heard the two of you are having dinner with the Santoros tomorrow night.”

I took a deep breath and closed the lid to the toilet and sat down with one hand holding up my head. “We sure are.” I mumbled. “They asked me if I would do the renovations for their winery.”

Another introduction I could’ve gone a lifetime without.

“That’s great. I know you’ll do an amazing job. I’ve seen your work. It’s impressive. The first time Alex was at your penthouse she sent me pictures of the place. I didn’t know it was your place at first. I thought she was listing it.” He laughed, but right now I was thinking maybe I should put it on the market and disappear.

“She really seemed to like the place, that’s for sure. I’ll talk to her about the new idea she’s got and maybe I can help her out this time.” Grant was very appreciative and seemed like a good guy. It was just a little unnerving knowing what I know about him now. In all honesty, he didn’t tell me he’d done anything illegal or immoral, so I should focus on that instead. We got off the phone and I threw some clothes on and headed back out to the living room to let Alex tell me all about her new idea.

***

ALEX

After hanging up with Grant, I sat back on the chaise with my glass of wine and turned on some music. I was relaxing in my new digs keeping myself on a high with thoughts of the new project I was hoping to implement soon. Finally, Roman came out of the bedroom wearing sweats and a tee-shirt. He laid down on the couch and put his head in my lap.

“Do you feel better now?” I ran my hand through his damp hair, and he sighed and snuggled close. “Tell me what happened today that’s got you so, I don’t know… not you."

He mumbled into my stomach, “It's nothing really. I think it’s just everything that’s going on and then trying to get you to move in with me. You said yes, and now I’m going to have to share my closet and dresser and bathroom—”

I started laughing and said, “You’re such a bad liar.” He buried his face in my lap and moaned.

“I know, but I’m serious, there's just been a lot going on this week, that’s all.”

I didn't really buy any of this.

“Okay, if that’s all it is.”

He nodded with his face still buried in my lap.

“Now for the exciting news I’ve been wanting to tell you since I got home. I found my project. I found the neighborhood where we can relocate the residents.”

He rolled over and looked up at me with a smile on his face.

“Are you sure I don’t already have a bid on it?”

I picked up a pillow and held it over his face.

“If you do, you won’t.” He started laughing and I thought I heard him say‘the apple doesn’t fall far’.I wonder what that was about.

He hurried up and covered it up by saying, “I don’t think I do, though.”

“Well, it’s a neighborhood in Matt’s district that he and Grant were researching. Since neither of them said anything to me about anyone having any dibs on it, I doubt you do either.”

He sat up and got comfortable as he started to really pay attention now.

“Tell me what your plans are, and we’ll see if there’s anything I can do to help you with it.”

I got excited again when I started thinking about what I wanted to do. “I want to start by talking to all of the residents and see who’s willing to take the money they get from the sale of their current homes and use it or part of it to purchase a home in this community. They’re rundown, but not unlivable. Then I want to take the money you allocated for the project and do renovations on those homes first, so they can have a nice place to live. After that I want to start a nonprofit and renovate the rest of the neighborhood and the houses in it. I’d like to make a community garden and a park. I want it to feel like a safe place to live. More friendly, you know?”

He looked surprised. “Well, damn, that really does sound like a great idea. I know that I told you I only do big projects and not home renovations, but this is an entire community. It’s something I’ve never done before but I’d love to help you with this. I have a great architectural team, and they have some new architects who would be more than excited to help out with a project like this. I could donate some money to help get your nonprofit started, too. I’ll even introduce you to some investors who may be willing to donate as well.”

Now this is what I was hoping for the first time I went to him with an idea.

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