Page 33 of The Off-limits Grump Next Door
I froze, my heart sinking. Not knowing what was coming made me nervous.
“I’ve said all I can,” I growled, pushing through the crowd.
As I reached my car, a hand grasped my arm. I turned to see Anne, a slightly apologetic look on her face.
“Antonio, off the record,” she whispered urgently. “Do you know who’s behind the leaks? Is it someone close to you?”
I shook my head, peeling her hand off. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. And the next time you grab me like that, you won’t like the legal repercussions that follow.”
She stepped back, anger flashing in her eyes, but I didn’t care. Besides working on a promotional piece for the winery, Anne had made advances at me. I’d made it clear time and again that I wasn’t interested, but she wouldn’t let it go.
As I drove away, the reporters’ shouts faded into the distance. My phone buzzed with incoming calls and messages. I ignored them, my mind reeling.
I gripped the steering wheel tightly, the phone’s incessant ringing grating on my nerves. I’d ignored the calls, but the persistence was wearing me down. Finally, I snatched the phone from the console.
“Hello?” I growled.
“Antonio, it’s been days. Why haven’t you been taking my calls?” My mother’s voice dripped with annoyance.
I rolled my eyes, frustration boiling over. “I don’t owe you an explanation, ma’am. I don’t owe you anything.”
“Fine. Be that way,” she snapped. “I want to discuss the winery’s future. Your father’s being obstinate, refusing to listen to reason.”
“What do you want?” I barked, accelerating through a yellow light.
“I want to make a deal with you, Antonio. After all, the empire will be yours soon enough.”
I slammed on the brakes, narrowly avoiding a collision. “Why are you doing this? What happened to loving Father, to being my mother?”
Her laughter sent a shiver down my spine. “Grow up, Antonio. I’m not here to cuddle you or baby you. This is business.”
“Business?” I repeated, incredulous. “You’re tearing down what Dad built for decades, and it’s just business?”
“Emotions cloud judgment, Antonio. I’m only looking out for myself… only doing what’s necessary to thrive.”
I clenched my jaw, anger simmering. “Necessary? Destroying our legacy, hurting everyone you once called family... that’s necessary? You know what, don’t answer that. What do you want with the winery? What secret does—”
“Enough!” she cut in. “Meet me, and all your questions will be answered… only the important ones.”
I hesitated, curiosity warring with resentment.
“Where?” I spat, resignation etched in my voice.
“The vineyard’s east wing. Tomorrow, 10 a.m.”
As she hung up, I tossed the phone onto the passenger seat, rage consuming me.
The city lights blurred together as I navigated the roads. I was initially headed home, but suddenly, I felt an overwhelming urge to see Kendra. With a quick swerve, I turned the wheel and changed direction, the tires squealing in protest.
As I pulled into the studio apartment’s parking lot, a sense of calm washed over me. The soft glow of the building’s exterior lights enveloped me. I sighed deeply. This place always had a way of taking away the stress I felt… seeing Kendra always made me feel better.
The lights in her apartment were on, so I knew she was in.
I grabbed my keys and stepped out into the crisp night air. I quickened my pace, eagerness coursing through my veins. My footsteps echoed down the hallway as I made my way up the last couple of stairs.
As I turned a corner, my gaze drifted to Kendra’s door. A warm light spilled from the gap beneath it, calling out to me.
Lost in thought, I failed to notice the puddle of water on the floor. My feet flew out from under me, and I landed with a thud, my elbow cracking against the tiled floor.
