Page 49 of Love Beyond the Illusion
“I know. You’re just doing a really good job at it.”
She puts her hands on her hips. “I don’t know how. I’m barely even saying or doing anything.”
“It’s your presence. That’s all. It’s nice having you here.” I sigh. “What do you say we continue this Bradley Family tour, huh?”
Piper lets out a dramatic exhale. “Sure.”
I spend the remainder of the afternoon showing her around the rest of the property. Our winemaker, Rob, gave her a personal tour of the caves and barrel rooms. Piper wanted a taste of everything she could get her hands on—and, of course, Rob obliged by indulging her with anything she asked for. He also gave her a crash course in the chemistry and farming behind winemaking.
I looked on with pride because it all fascinated her. She was so excited and eager to learn. Whenever Rob shared an interesting fact, her eyes lit up. For a brief time, I wondered if she was playing the part or if she was genuinely interested. I hope it was the latter.
Once in a while, in the middle of one of his mini-lessons,Rob would look over at me and mouth the words “she’s great” and “love her,” deepening my affection toward her. After a few glasses, her giggle captivated me, reminiscent of our night in Vegas. Whenever Rob would get into the science behind growing and fermenting the fruit, Piper would purse her lips together and chew on the side of her cheek. I couldn’t stop staring at the way she moved them. I made it my mission the entire afternoon to study every feature of her delicate face.
When we return to the main house, it’s about dusk, and Piper’s a little drunk from all the wine sampling.
“Can you stop with all the giggling?” I loop my arm around her waist to help her walk up the stairs to the front door.I love it.
“I’m sorry. It’s not my fault that Rob basically let me taste every varietal known to humans.”
“Look at you putting your new vocabulary words into action,” I smirk. “I’m so proud.”
Her lavender-scented locks right into my face. “At least I’m doing what you’re paying me to do, right?”
I breathe it in. “Like getting wined up?”
“No, being friendly and irresistible.” She winks at me.
I run the back of my knuckles across her soft cheek. “You don’t need wine for that. That’s just you, my love.”
“Always flirting with me.”
“I can’t help it.”
Piper stops on the second step before reaching the door and fumbles through her purse as her phone vibrates. She holds the screen close, and then I watch as the flicks of light in her eyes go dark. Her expression and shoulders fall at the same time. I get hit with an uneasy feeling.
I bring my hand to rest on her arm. “Is everything okay?”
Piper’s eyelashes flutter a few times before she answers. “Yeah, fine. It’s just my mom again,” she tells me, shoving her phone back into her purse.
Unsure of her response, I vaguely remember her getting a phone call in Vegas that also completely changed her demeanor. “If it’s your mom, you should get it.”
“No, she calls a lot. It’s alright,” she objects.
I wonder if it was her mom who called in Vegas too. She had almost a mirrored response and refused to answer then as well. It’s none of my business, and I don’t want to pry, but this seems odd.
“Are you sure?” I press.
“Yes. This is what she does. She is fine, trust me,” she gently snaps.
I nod respectfully, not pushing her again.
Piper plasters what I can now tell is a fake smile on her face. “Shall we?”
I smile back, hoping she’ll tell me about these phone calls at some point. Sucking in a deep breath, before blowing it out, I slide my arm under hers and reach for the door. “Gemma, we’re going to eat on the third floor,” I yell toward the kitchen, assuming Gemma hasn’t gone home yet.
“Of course,” Gemma raises her voice as she turns the corner into the foyer.
“Gemma!” Piper shrieks, stumbling away from me and into Gemma’s waiting arms.
