Page 39 of Love Beyond the Illusion
“I would expect nothing less. Besides, I need more flavor in my life. Cheese is boring. I like mushrooms, pepperoni, bell—”
“Jack Bradley?” The man with the family in front of us turns around. He looks familiar, but I struggle to place him.
With my eyebrows knitted together, studying his face. “Cole Hopper?” I ask, still a little unsure.
“Yes! How the hell are you, man?” he greets me enthusiastically before sticking his arm out to shake my hand.
I haven’t seen this guy since high school. I would love to say I’m surprised to run into him here many years later, but I’m not. Most people who grow up in Dupara County never leaveDupara County.
“I’m doing well. It’s nice to see you.”
“This is my wife, Annie, and my son, Levi.” Cole gestures toward his family. “Jack and I went to high school together,” he tells his wife.
“Hello.” His wife glances at Piper and me.
“Nice to meet you both,” I say, then dip my head down to Piper and wrap my arm around her. “This is my girlfriend, Piper.” The fact that Piper’s face flushes when I introduce her as my girlfriend doesn’t go unnoticed. Heat prods at my cheeks and stings my ears after I see her reaction, and now I bet I look red too.
Piper smiles. “It’s so nice to meet you both.” Then she bends down to Cole’s son, Levi. “It’s good to meet you, Levi. How old are you?”
“I’m five and in kindergarten,” he answers Piper and flashes us a smile with his two bottom teeth missing.
“How exciting.” Piper stands and slides back under my arm. My muscles flex, tightening around her. Thank god this interaction is slightly more natural between us.
“Are you up here visiting? Last I heard, you were still living in Arizona,” Cole asks, lifting his son into his arms.
“You know my dad passed away over the summer, and with that sudden loss, I’ve decided to move back to run the winery,” I explain.
“I heard about your dad, and I’m so sorry I couldn’t make the services.” I open my mouth to thank him, but he continues, “But I thought Preston was going to take over?”
My jaw clenches, followed by irritation flying up my back at the mention of Preston or that people think he might take over my dad’s business.
Cole’s wife takes his son. “It was so nice to meet you both, but it’s our turn to order,” she says, shifting her focus back to Cole.
“Alright, you guys order, and I’ll meet you at the table,” he says as she and his son head to the counter to place their dinner order.
“What would make you think that?” I ask in an accusatory tone.
Cole crosses his arms at his chest. “That’s what the word around the town is.”
As if sensing my frustration, I feel Piper’s tiny hand slip into mine. She calmly intertwines our fingers and gives them a gentle squeeze.
Adrenaline starts coursing through my veins. “Interesting.”
“I think because everyone thought you weren’t going to come back. You’ve been gone for so long,” Cole tries to explain his admission.
“Yeah, well, I am back. I have every intention of taking over.” I hope my old buddy Cole takes it upon himself to spread more accuracy among the community—one which I still feel bitter toward.
“I think it’s our turn,” Piper sweetly interrupts.
“Yes, we should order.” I force a smile. “It was great seeing you, Cole. Your family is beautiful.”
“You too. I hope I didn’t upset you. Hell, I bet people would rather have you as a leader in the community than Preston, anyway. But that’s my opinion.”
I pat him on the back. “Don’t worry about it, man. We’ll see you around.”
Piper’s hand stays locked in mine until we leave. It wasn't until I started carrying out two medium that she released her grip.
“Who is Preston?” she asks as we walk through the parking lot of the villa’s property.
