Page 28 of Rare Blend
Her eyes focus over my shoulder.
“His ears must’ve been burning.” She smiles and then shoots me a wink.
“Ethan, come say hi.”
My back goes rigid. I knew I was going to run into him again, but it didn’t occur to me that I would see him here.
CHAPTER 11
Ethan
WAITING FOR ME TO FAIL
My mom is working the tasting room, something she rarely does these days. But we had two call-ins, and she was available to fill in on short notice. When I get to the tasting room to check on her, I see she’s happily chatting away, totally in her element.
It’s not until I’m on the other side of the bar, standing next to my mom, that I realize who she’s talking to.
It’s Marisa. Marisa and Jenn. And I’m completely unprepared.
Marisa’s eyes flick to mine and then flick away, as if she’s unsure of how to act. That makes two of us.
My mom clears her throat, rousing me from my stupor. “You remember Jenn.”
I blink a few times to try to gather my bearings.
Pull it together.
“Yes,” My voice croaks like I’m going through puberty so I clear my throat, trying to mask it. “Good to see you.”
Jenn and my mom have been friends for years, but it’s been a while since I’ve seen her.
“Everyone is so happy you’re back,” Jenn says.
I give her a nod. The last thing I want is to talk about that shit, least of all in front of Marisa.
Marisa’s brows furrow, but she doesn’t say anything. Instead, she brings the wineglass to her lips and takes a delicate sip. My eyes can’t help but track the movement, watching as her throat bobs. How a droplet of red liquid lingers on her bottom lip before her tongue darts out and swipes it off.
My mouth dries, and I swallow roughly, feeling the acidic burn all the way down.
“Has Ethan given you a tour of the grounds yet?” my mom asks, looking between Marisa and me.
Marisa shakes her head and sets down the glass. “No, he hasn’t.”
The back of my mom’s hand smacks my chest. “Show her around. That’s your job.”
I fail to see how CEO and tour guide fit under the same umbrella. “I think she’s more than capable of walking around herself.” I didn’t mean for it to come out like that, but I would prefer to not spend any more time with Marisa than necessary. If that makes me appear rude, then so be it.
My mom snaps her head at me. To an outsider, she looks perfectly pleasant, but I can tell she’s seething. Her flared nostrils say it all. She gives an awkward laugh. “Harvest is so busy, he barely has a moment to himself. I’m sure once things calm down, he would be more than happy to show you around. The estate is a lot larger than it looks.”
Marisa’s smile falters, and she dips her head, noticeably avoiding looking at me.
Pulling the attention away from me, my mom sighs contentedly and leans over the bar counter toward Jenn and Marisa. “Do you guys want to snack on a charcuterie or anything?”
Jenn eagerly nods, already reaching for the menu on the bar top.
Marisa’s shoulders lift. “I’m still pretty full from lunch, but I could do a light snack.”
“Did you grab lunch while you were in town?” Jenn asks Marisa.
