Page 48 of Mr. Aster
“Studying people?” he chuckled, taking another sip and reclining back on the patio sofa across from me where he sat. “That’s a very interesting way of looking at it.”
“Well, it’s true,” I smiled at him. “I find the wealthy lifestyle very intriguing. It seems all of you, even though youarehuman, act like you’re demigods forced to live amongst the rest of us.”
He rolled his eyes and propped an ankle over his knee, “I guess I can see how someone like you would believe that.”
“Someone likeme?” I arched an eyebrow at him, thankful for my tequila buzz. If it weren’t for that, I’m confident I would’ve shot right back at him for that remark. “You see, that’s what I’m talking about. It’s like you people look down at us. Your comment proves that.”
“No,” he simply stated, “you’ve already put yourself in a position beneath me by categorizing me as someone who believes they’re a god because I have been raised with money, and I know how to utilize the power it gives me.”
I narrowed my eyes at him, “Exactly, you utilize that power to give yourselves a god-like complex. However, not all of you are like that. Some are powerful and savvy businessmen, but they don’t carry themselves on that high of a pedestal.”
“I imagine you’re referring to your friend, Jim Mitchell?”
“That’s exactly who I’m referring to, and some others in that circle.” I studied him briefly but was loosened up on tequila, so I didn’t overthink what I wanted to say, “You and Jim seemed to hit it off rather well tonight.”
“Jim is a good guy,” he said. “I admire him, and I always have. Though we have never been close friends, we are very similar in business. I respect that.”
“That’s not what I was talking about. I was just surprised by how—I don’t know,” I said.
“Are you referring to me not being an asshole to him like I have been with you at the mention of my wife?” he asked, practically pulling the question out of my head.
“Yes, actually, I was. I don’t want to overstep or anything, but if you haven’t been able to talk about all of that, your tragic loss, maybe it’s something you should do.”
“And you think that would help me be anicerperson to you?” he teased, and I knew he was only reacting so casually because of the booze.
“Not just me, but everyone around you. And no, you don’t have to talk to me about it. That’s not what I meant. I just saw that it almost seemed like a relief for you to have that moment. Maybe Jim’s concern about your unfortunate situation was a catalyst to relieve some of your burden.”
“You live in your head too much,” he chuckled, “and by that, I mean you fabricate things that aren’t exactly true. Perhaps that is why you have made me out to beEl Diablo,the horrible man who stalks around this place, looking to insult you at every turn.”
“That isn’t in my head, though,” I said. “That’sexactlywhat you’ve done since you arrived here. And how would you know that I refer to you as El Diablo?”
“I’ve overheard you call me that to anyone who will listen—Antonio, your parents, and Ines.”
“Well, that’s not creepy at all,” I said, eyes wide and wondering if the man had hidden cameras around this place because Iknowhe wasn’t around when I talked about him like that.
“Your voice carries when you’re pissed off,” he answered my thoughts again for me. “And you’re quite adorable then, too. I think that may be half the reason I provoke you.”
“I’m glad that keeping me pissed off can entertain you,” I laughed in disbelief.
“It’s not that it entertains me,” he grew more serious, “or perhaps it does. I have no idea. However,” his eyes held mine as I watched him search for words to explain what was on his mind, “I will be honest when I say that I haven’t felt this alive since my wife died last year. You’ve kept me on my toes, Darcel,” he said.
“Ah, for fuck’s sake. Just when I almost thought you were handsome,” I rolled my eyes. “Hey, we got fake relationship rules, pal? And one of those rules is never to speak that name.”
“We’re not in a fake relationship right now, so I can call you whatever I want,” he said with a cute smile.
It was the same bashful smile I saw at dinner tonight when I grabbed his knee in a ticklish spot. His expression lightened as his nose wrinkled somewhat in humor, and his lips twisted together in a way that showed he was trying not to laugh. It was a good look for him.
“Well, if you don’t want to continue to drink out here alone, I would suggest you cease calling me that name.”
“Very well, but can I ask if there’s a story behind it? The name? Is it a grandmother’s name of yours or something?”
“You have met my parents, right?”
“Yes, and they are definitely what I would refer to as modern-day hippies,” he said with a laugh. “I mean no offense by that either. They are just veryeasy-breezyand do not take life seriously at all.”
“They are not ruled by the craziness of the world. My dad only hangs onto the winery because he loves doing it. It makes him and my mom very happy. They aren’t in it for the money, which is why you saw he was pretty much giving away the farm for free. He loves being a giver.”
“Well, that giving spirit was about to have everything taken from him,” he answered, still lighthearted and not with his usual dick tone. “I can tell he’s very passionate about making wine and loves to watch others enjoy it. However, the business must runfor him to continue to produce the wine he wishes to share. Once everything here is set and in order, I believe he will be happier than ever as he watches more clients taste and enjoy his wine. He’s really an exceptional winemaker.”
