Page 56 of Clued in to Love
“Well, let me tell you, in the world of wine, we are in a highly unique growing region in Oregon. Our colleagues in France are envious of our dry, arid soil. It’s absolute perfection for growing old-world French grapes, better known asVitis vinifera.”
Marissa wanted to gag. Parker’s exaggerated French accent and her affected tone were an attempt to elevate her status even more. It was hardly necessary. The woman owned a vineyard and apparently spent extensive time in France, so much so that English was challenging when she returned home.
Marissa stifled a giggle.
Parker gave her a sharp look. “Do you find something funny about our pinot?”
“No, not at all.” She took a sip of the wine and responded truthfully. “This is delicious.”
“You should taste notes of oak. We double age all our wines in wooden barrels.” She swept a manicured hand to the wall of barrels. “This glass is about as close as you can come to tasting ancient French wines.”
“It’s good.” Marissa took another sip. She wasn’t sure what else to say. William had brought them here, supposedly, to see if Parker could provide input on the next clue. She hadn’t expected they were going to be doing a private tasting.
“Try it, Wills. You haven’t been out here at all this season. I would love your tasting notes. This is one of—if not our best—pinot in years. We had a couple of rough seasons with wildfiresmoke, but last year was a dream for the grapes. A cold winter, wet spring, and dry, hot summer.”
William took a small sip and swished the wine in his mouth. “Nice.” He caught Marissa’s eye and must have sensed her irritation because he set his glass on the distressed wood bar and got to the point. “We were hoping you might be able to give some insight into our next clue in the scavenger hunt.” He took his phone from his jacket and showed Parker the photo of the mural.
Marissa couldn’t be sure, but she thought that Parker’s face held the briefest flash of disappointment.
“What do you think I can tell you?” Parker asked after giving the photo a cursory glance.
“It seems like the next clue involves something with the Starlight Parade, and since you’re a sponsor, I wondered if there might be a connection with the vineyard.”
Parker laughed. “You think there’s a clue buried at the bottom of my wine bottles?”
“No, but that’s not a bad idea for business.” William raised his eyebrows. “Are you doing a float in the parade again?”
“We are.” Parker nodded but didn’t elaborate.
“And do you need help with the float?”
Parker chose her words carefully. “I do not need helpherewith the float.”
“But you might need help somewhere else?” William offered.
Parker studied him with a knowing smile as she sipped her wine and batted her long, fake lashes at him. “Perhaps, but only for you, Wills.”
William looked at Marissa.
Marissa wanted to escape. Watching Parker fawn over William made her want to throw up.
“But you don’t have anything for us here?” Marissa asked through clenched teeth.
“I do not.” Parker shook her head. “Like I said last night, Wills, why are you playing this silly game?”
“I have my reasons.” William reached into his jacket. “What do we owe you for the wine?”
“Darling, it’s on the house.” She flicked her wrist and tipped her head coyly. “Always. You know that.”
“I’ll be back in a few,” William said to Marissa. “Have to hit the bathroom before we go.”
Marissa considered following him. The last thing she wanted was to be stuck with Parker alone.
“So you and Wills are hitting it off on your little quest?” Parker rinsed a wine glass in the sink.
“I wouldn’t say that. We’re teammates. We have a common goal.”
Parker turned off the water and walked up to the counter. She lowered her saccharine voice and plastered on a fake smile. “Can I offer you some advice, woman to woman?”
