Page 88 of With Wine Comes War

ALEX

I held Roman’s hand as we walked to the backyard. Right as we got back there the sun was at the perfect height. The whole sky was a brilliant mass of reds, oranges, pinks and yellows. One of the kids asked us to turn around so they could take a picture of all of us in front of the sunset.

We stood there admiring the view when lights turned on all over the yard. It was so ethereal. I loved it as much as I loved Roman’s parents’ house. This was like a dream. What could they possibly do to make this anymore spectacular? As usual, I was lost in a landscaping wonderland, and Roman had to snap me out of it.

“Sorry, it’s a habit apparently.” They all laughed.

Alessandro asked, “So Alexandra, were you envisioning something?”

“I was actually wondering what else you could possibly do to make this any more wonderful?”

“Roman, do you have any ideas?” He turned to Roman who was staring at me.

“Actually, I do.” He winked at me. “This place is amazing and beautiful, but you have plans to make it a vineyard too, right?”

“Yes, we do.”

Roman continued, “Well, you’re going to need to open a lot of the area for the grapes, but they can be off in the distance past the rolling hills. You’ll need a winery and I’m assuming that’s going to be where that other building is over there, correct? I believe it was an old barn or stable maybe?”

Alessandro looked at him admiringly. “Roman, I’m surprised with your research. Do you know anything about wineries and vineyards?”

I was interested to hear the answer to this as well. He was really into this.

“I’ve been to my fair share of them. I enjoy them immensely.”

Why haven’t I heard about this? “I’ve been on many tours and have really fond memories, even to Italy.” I was now wondering if he was talking about times he’d been with other women and I was starting to get a little jealous, I think. That’s a new feeling. I think he noticed my demeanor.

“My mom is a connoisseur of wine, but my dad isn’t. They brought us with them when we were younger, but then just mom and I would go when I was old enough to drink. We’ve been to wineries around the US, Europe and Australia.” Interesting. His mom saved me again.

“You’ll have to bring your mother over to try our wines.” Lucia and Alessandro were so gracious and kind.

Roman said, “Yes, I will. She’ll love knowing this place is here, so close. She loves Italian wine.”

We talked and walked before having dinner on the stone patio overlooking the entire yard— what would soon be a vineyard.

“Roman, do you have an architect that knows anything about vineyards?” I was curious.

“I have an architect for just about everything. I’m looking forward to being hands on with the design for this one.”

I was so excited for him. This place was incredible. I couldn’t wait to see it come to life.

After dinner, the kids went inside, and we had another glass of wine with the Santoros before saying goodnight. Roman made me talk to him the entire ride home to make sure I was ok. Yes, we have to have a conversation about this. He’s way too overprotective and I like to listen to music while I’m driving and not talk on the phone.

I pulled into the garage right behind him and we rode the elevator together. As soon as we got inside, I threw my purse down and kicked off my shoes right by the door.

“Ok, buddy, have a seat. We need to talk.” He put his head down and walked over to the couch trying not to laugh.

“Oh no. This is not a laughing matter. This is serious. You’ve lost your mind.” I threw my hands up.

He burst out laughing again before he said, “I’m sorry, don’t hurt me.” But he just kept laughing.

“Roman, you can’t possibly think this is cool. You can’t keep acting like this. I don’t need a chaperone. I don’t need a bodyguard. I don’t need another dad. I don’t need a fucking tracker, and I hate talking on the phone while I’m driving.” My hands were balled up in fists at my side as I yelled at him.

He laughed as he tried to say “sorry,” but kept on laughing. What the hell was going on with him?

***

ROMAN

---