Page 27 of Pour Timing

She raises a brow. “Fruit?”

I try to hide my snicker. “Mhm. Grapes actually.”

“What kind of grapes?”

“Crushed grapes.”

She tilts her head, waiting for me to come clean.

“Wine! Okay? I had wine. Lots and lots of wine.” I down the remaining liquid, then twirl my empty glass by the stem.

“And why are we drinking?”

“Because I’m in love with Matt!”

She grins and falls onto the couch next to me. “You never fell out of love with Matt.”

I shake my head. “What do I do now? I don’t know how much longer I can go on being friends. And I think I would die if I saw him date.”

I lift my empty glass to my lips and that’s when my sister takes it from me. “You finished that already.” She places the glass on the table. “He doesn’t want to bejust friendswith you, Kylie.”

I’m caught off guard, not by what she said, but by how certain she sounds, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “How do you know that? He didn’t want me last time. He hated me so much he never came back to Starlight Bay. It took a death in his family to bring him home.”

“That is not true and you know it. After what I saw today, I’d say it’s just a matter of time.”

“For what?”

“For him to tell you he wants you.” I shake my head, trying to make sense of what she’s saying, but she goes on. “Kylie, he spent the day with you and his son. He should have been working, prepping for the weekend, but you know what he told me? He said he knew something was wrong when you came to the winery this morning, and when you told him about Patrick, he was happy to take you out for some fun.”

“Hm, just fun?”

“Yes, fun,with his son,that you planned, by the way. I mean, open your eyes! The man is still in love with you.”

I lean my head back on the couch, close my eyes, and allow myself to dream of what could be. I feel my sister move from the couch, cover me with a blanket, and kiss my forehead.

“I love you, big sis, and I'm happy that you’re happy.”

I drift into sleep as I hear the front door close and dream about a future with Matt.

Chapter14

Kylie

“Happy National Wine Day!”

Grape Expectations is packed, and I couldn’t be happier. We were all here last night, making the outside yard the most beautiful and majestic scene ever. I’m so proud of the work we put in and more so for Matt. I know this has been a hard transition. While his mom and I were stringing the lights, I filled her in about Patrick and me. She hugged me and told me I made the right decision and her validation meant everything to me. She also teased me about my ice cream date, saying Liam couldn’t stop talking about it. It made me feel so good to know I brought a smile to his face.

“Mrs. Byrne! Liam!” Sadie and I wave as they find us in the crowd. “This is amazing! Look at everyone!”

“I know. This is one of the biggest turnouts we’ve had here in quite some time.”

I smile at Mrs. Byrne. “Did you get everything ready?”

“Yes, Phil is picking it up now and going to drive it in.”

Sadie gasps. “I can’t believe you guys got that car up and running in a matter of days!”

I interject, “There was nothing wrong with it. It just needed a good wash, some air in the tires, a new battery, and a lot of love.”

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