Page 22 of Pour Timing

“So I’m guessing that’s more champagne than OJ?”

“Hmm. She reminded me that the only one I have to please is myself. And if others don’t like it, they can kiss it.”

I guffaw. “Sounds like something Kathleen would say.”

“I needed to hear it. For years, I did what I wanted, and then for the last couple, I’ve done what makes others happy first. And I’m not quite sure why.”

“You’ve always tried to make others happy first, Ky. That’s nothing new.”

She smiles softly. “My sister said the same. I guess making others happy made me happy before.” She pauses. “But making Patrick happy was making me miserable. And I had to hop off that train, ya know?”

I think back to my marriage with Gina. I was doing the same thing. Putting my happiness last just to keep things on good terms for my son. But that wasn’t doing him any favors. And I realized it the first weekend we were back in Starlight Bay. His smile and belly laughs were something I hadn’t seen or heard in quite some time. And it wasn’t until I made a decision that benefited us both that I saw it.

“I know exactly what you mean.”

She claps her hands. “I have an idea!”

I bark out a laugh. “Uh oh, I’ve heard that come out of your mouth a time or two. It usually ended with us in trouble or naked.” The second that word leaves my mouth, my eyes go wide and I bite my lip. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean—” She bursts out into laughter, and a moment later I follow, and it continues until tears run down our cheeks. “Fuck. I’m sorry, Ky.”

She shakes her head, getting herself under control. “Don’t be. I needed that laugh.” She grabs my arms and spins me back toward the winery. “Come on. Like I said, I have an idea.”

Chapter11

Matt

Kylie grabbed my keys and hauled me to my truck. “Call your dad and let him know you’ll be gone for the day. He can cover the front house. And I’ll let Sadie know she’s on her own as far as the event. I’ll catch up with her later to go over anything we may have missed.”

“The day? Who’s going to run the place?”

“Your dad is.” She turns to me, softening her voice. “Matt, he’s been doing it with your uncle for the last few years.”

“Really? I didn't know that.” My voice is low and I don’t know why mom didn’t tell me. “I mean, I knew he was helping out and doing most of the corking.”

“This winery is a family place Matt, everyone’s been pitching in for years.”

Everyone but me.

We climb into my truck and I send a text to my dad letting him know I’ll be in later this evening and asking if he could hold down the place for a while. I got back a thumbs up; man of few words.

“Where to?”

“The school. We’re taking Liam out early.”

I furrow my brows. That’s definitely not what I thought she’d say. And it makes me a bit nervous if I’m honest. Kylie is sweet and genuine and she and Liam hit it off right away, but the more she looks to spend time with him, the more he’s going to want to spend time with her. And if that’s not where she and I are heading, I can’t do that to him again. “Are you going to be the one to tell Mr. Love?”

She titters in her seat. “Mr. Love will get over it. And if he doesn't, I’ll send my sister to fight for us.”

I eye her. “I’ve a feeling we’re not talking about an early dismissal?”

“He wouldn’t have gotten anearly dismissalif he would have learned how to use my sister's passion to work for him instead of using it to make her mad.”

I chuckle. “I knew there was more to him and your sister! What happened?”

“They both like to argue. And they both like to be right. The difference is, Danny knows how to concede where my sister does not. And I think he felt pushed aside by her need to always be in control.”

I chuckle. “What he told me makes sense then.” She looks at me questioningly. “Let’s just say he pushed her buttons to get a reaction. The only time she let her guard down was when she was angry.”

She giggles. “Oh yeah, hate fucking is a favorite of hers.” I nearly choke hearing those words come from her mouth, but she just lifts her chin to me. “Call the school.”

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