Page 32 of Secrets, Scandals and Baby Shoes

“I wondered where you went,” she said, running her fingers through her wet hair.

“I got breakfast.” Elliot was so relieved to see her still there that he crossed the room, set the plates on the desk, and gave her a quick kiss. “However, I may have told Monica that we were working on her presentation, and in truth, we’re no further on that than we were back in New York. We need to add some personal touches from our trip, stat.”

Lucy was already nodding. “We can do that. Grab your laptop and let’s work.”

A few minutes later, they were in bed together. This time, they both wore hotel robes, and Lucy held the laptop on her legs with the presentation open. One of her ankles was on top of Elliot’s, and that small contact was enough to make him smile.

“So, from what I’ve seen, Monica doesn’t really wantmoreclients, except perhaps in the off-season,” Elliot said. “Maybe, instead of focusing on how Borderless can bring in more clients, we should focus on how we can chain experiences, for instance, by suggesting other Pura Vida vineyards to guests who enjoyed their stay here.”

“That’s great,” Lucy said, already typing. “That shows that we understand Borderless’s unique approach while also highlighting how we can bring in more profits.” She paused, tapping her lips with one finger. “What if we also suggest a way to make experienceslessunique?”

“I don’t know what that could mean, but I’m sure you’ll tell me,” Elliot joked. Lucy glared at him playfully for a moment before turning back to her computer.

“For instance, one of the highlights was the grape stomp, but Monica said they can only do that during the harvest season. What if Pura Vida vineyards offer small-scale stomps year-round, using stored grapes or ones shipped from other vineyards? Instead of making those grapes into wine, since they might not be the right quality, they could be used as fertilizer for the fields, which Monica mentioned they sometimes do. That would draw guests outside of peak harvest times.”

“Perfect. And what if we suggest connecting even more with other local businesses? Monica already said they use local art and produce. What if the vineyards offer art weekends, special dinners in collaboration with local farms, and tours of the surrounding area? That would help highlight how each Pura Vida vineyard is unique, as well as providing more off-season traffic. Plus, it would encourage longer stays since there would be more to do in the area.”

“I love it.” Lucy was already typing. Then she paused, turning to Elliot. “I guess, once we put aside our differences, we’re not that bad at working together.”

“I think our success comes from last night,” Elliot said. He winked, and Lucy blushed. “Working together in one way leads to working well together in other ways, too.”

“Maybe you’re right.”

Together, they put a few finishing details on the presentation. They ate bites of their breakfast and took sips of tea and coffee as they worked. Once everything looked just right, they headeddownstairs in time for their meeting with Monica. This time, instead of cutting each other off or taking opposite sides, each point built on the last as they traded back and forth in perfect harmony. Lucy enumerated the benefits of drawing repeat clients to different vineyard locations, while Elliot added how they could underline the unique characteristics of each location. When they clicked to the last slide, Monica sat in silence for a moment. Then her face broke into a smile.

“That was exactly what I wanted from you,” she said. “I knew you had it in you. Innovative ideas, a unique spin, and an understanding of exactly what Pura Vida is about. Clearly, this visit has been very beneficial.”

“Please do let us know if you’d like any changes,” Elliot said with a grin. “We can take constructive criticism, too.”

“I know, but I don’t have any. I had a few reservations about working with Borderless after the last presentation, but they’re gone now. Truly, this was exactly in line with what I wanted. I’ll speak with my board members, but let’s plan to have a signing meeting within a few weeks back in New York City.”

“That’s wonderful news.” Lucy reached out to shake Monica’s hand. “Thank you for your time and hospitality this weekend.”

“We really appreciate it,” Elliot added, extending his own hand.

“It was my pleasure. I know you need to be heading back to the airport, but please accept a bottle of wine each to take with you.”

They thanked her again, then exited the meeting room. As soon as they were outside, Lucy turned to Elliot, her blue eyes sparkling. She bounced a little on her toes.

“Can you believe it?”

“Of course I can, because you’re amazing.” Elliot opened his arms. His heart felt full to bursting when Lucy leapt into them, letting him spin her around in celebration before planting a kiss on her cheek.

“We need to go now, don’t we?” Lucy asked as Elliot set her down. She looked around the vineyards, her expression turning sad. “I’ll miss this place.”

“I’ll miss grape stomping and wine tasting, too,” Elliot admitted.

“Not just that. This vineyard gave us the space and time to remember how we felt about each other.” She looked up at him, one pink lip tucking between her teeth. “How we still feel.”

Elliot nodded. “How we still feel,” he repeated. He could have said more — that his feelings for Lucy had returned, stronger than ever; how he never wanted to let her go again; how he was certain that Dominic wouldn’t have minded them dating if he knew how they felt. Yet, for now, it was enough just to be together. Lucy kissed him again, and in that moment, Elliot felt that all was right with the world.

“You know,” he said when they separated. “We have a little time before we need to go back to the airport.”

“What do you have in mind?” Lucy asked, eyes sparkling.

Elliot took her by the hand. “Just trust me.”

So, they went back to their rooms to quickly pack up. After bidding a fond farewell to Monica and the hotel staff, they headed to their rental car. Elliot slid into the driver’s seat as Lucy got in beside him. This time, when she turned on the radio, they both sang along to the classic rock song that came on.

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