Page 35 of A Little Bit Whiskey
“Oh my God. Noir. How are you and your family holding up?” Anna pushed through the crowd. She stood at the table, clutching that damn oversized bag of hers. “I can’t imagine what you must going through. Or feeling. I’d be so freaked out if I found… found… I can’t even say it.”
Wonderful. Kind and caring Anna. Noir had only seen that side of Anna twice.
When Riesling’s ex had taken half the town for their life savings and left her and her daughter high and dry.
And when Chablis’ medical records had been compromised and shared with the world.
Outside of that, Anna always stirred the pot and manipulated any situation to get whatever it was she desired, especially if that meant putting his mother in her place.
“We’re all fine, thank you.” Noir didn’t think it would be wise to be anything other than nice with Alison sitting less than ten feet away.
“Fred couldn’t get into the details when he got home this morning. I couldn’t believe it when I saw the morning news,” Anna rambled on. “I tried calling your mom, but she’s not answering. I know everyone on the Holiday Showcase committee is so worried about what this will mean. Please tell her to call me back so we can discuss this.”
And there you had it. That’s all Anna cared about. The stupid fucking showcase. She and Mrs. Cummings were plotting how to have it change venues once again—and it was only a week away.
But that wasn’t happening. Not unless the police department shut them down, and then if that happened, it would be canceled for the first time in a hundred years.
“I’m sure she’ll return your call as soon as she gets a chance,” Noir said. “It’s still early in the day and when I left this morning, she was knee-deep in conversations with the staff about the decorations. There’s nothing to worry about.”
Anna scoffed. “Seriously? There was a grave site found on your property. One that shouldn’t be there. I’d say that’s cause for concern.” Anna hugged her purse. “Maybe I should stop by. Weezer’s taking on too much. We can’t afford for this showcase—”
“Weezer has it covered,” Dax said. “If anyone can tackle this under adversity, it’s my mother-in-law.”
“I’ll second that.” Caleb smiled. “We’re really looking forward to it this year. It’s always so awesome when it’s at The River Winery.”
Noir appreciated his friends’ support, especially now that half the room had shifted their gaze to their table. “I need to get back to work. I’ll see you two later.” He stood. “Would you like me to give a message to Tamsyn? I’ll be seeing her this afternoon.” He shouldn’t dig at Anna that way, but oh, it felt so good.
She pursed her lips. “No. I will be talking with my daughter later.” Anna turned on her heel and marched right back where she came from.
“God, she’s exhausting.” Noir snagged his coffee. “I really do need to run. Thanks for hanging out with me for a bit.”
“Anytime, man,” Caleb said.
Dax glanced at his watch. “I have to get to CWF Prep. I’ll walk out with you.”
“Worried Anna’s going to ambush me outside?”
“More concerned with the fact that Alison started packing up her bag and is now following us,” Dax said. “Right to our cars and drive away fast. Do not pass go. Do not collect two hundred dollars.”
“I think that statement should be more like: don’t get arrested by my girlfriend for saying or doing something stupid.”
“That woman certainly is good for you.” Dax slapped him on the back. “She kind of reminds me of a cross between Zinny and—well, I’m not sure. But she’s got some fire in her belly, and she’s a good egg.”
“Don’t ever compare my girlfriend to my sister again.” Noir laughed. “That’s just gross.”
Tamsyn
Tamsyn wasn’t sure what was worse. Being summoned by Fred and Anna.
Or Carter and Weezer.
Both were equally disturbing in different ways considering Tamsyn’s relationship status and the current situation at The River Winery.
She took the glass of wine that Weezer offered and stared at the family portrait hanging over the fireplace that had been taken at Weezer and Carter’s second wedding. Everyone, including Talbot and Merlot’s son, Corbin, had been there.
“The only person missing from that picture is you,” Weezer eased back into the rocking chair.
Tamsyn nearly spit out her wine. She coughed and gagged, hoping nothing came out of her nose. Now that would be truly embarrassing.
