Page 121 of Gone With the Wine

They both laugh softly.

“‘Wine brings to light the hidden secrets of the soul,’” Ana recites. “‘Gives being to our hopes, bids the coward flight, drives dull care away, and teaches new means for the accomplishment of our wishes.’”

“Horace,” I murmur. “I’ve always loved that.” I hold up my glass to study the garnet liquid, replaying the lines.

Wow. Those words are…powerful.

And teaches new means for the accomplishment of our wishes.

Maybe I need to think about that.

“For what it’s worth—we’d love it if you stay here, too,” Millie says.

Ana nods. “It’s been so great having you back here.”

They want me to stay, too. At least I know they love me.

Chapter27

Jansen

When I walk into the Golden Cougar, I’m immediately met by Eugene, who I now know is the owner.

“Don’t start any brawls,” he says.

“What the fuck? I didn’t start anything! You were here, you know that.”

He grins. “Yeah. I’m just yanking your chain.”

I shake my head, then spot Miles and Nolan over at a table against the wall. I head that way. “Hi, guys.”

“Hey,” Miles says. “How’s it hanging?”

“Low and to the left.” I take a seat.

He laughs and lifts his beer.

Nolan eyes me. “You look lower than a snake’s belly in a wheel rut.”

“Funny.”

“Seriously.” He pauses. “So you and Bianca have been riding the wild baloney pony.”

I give him a long look. I guess I don’t need to ask how he knows that. Does Bianca tell her friends everything? Jesus, they probably know my cholesterol levels from the check up I had last week. I sigh. “Yeah.”

“But it’s more than that,” Miles says.

“You guys wanna explain it all to me?” I ask dryly.

“Sorry, man. But you talk about her all the time. I can tell you’re crazy about her.”

The waitress arrives and I order a shot of Jose Cuervo.

“So.” Nolan taps his fingers on the table. “Do you confirm or deny that you’re crazy about her?”

I throw my hands in the air. “Okay, sure, I care about her.”

Miles hoists an eyebrow accusingly. “Does Bianca know that?”

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