Page 22 of Boyfriend Material
“I don’t think I’ve heard of those.”
Geo snorted. “I’m not surprised. You don’t look like you drink a lot of wine.”
Theo knew the man was trying to get a rise out of him. He’d be damned if he’d let him, and intended to keep his promise to Livie. Just because he couldn’t punch the idiot didn’t mean he couldn’t take him down a peg or two.
“I’ve had my share. When I was on assignment in Italy, I spent a bit of time in Tuscany. It’s lovely there.” Theo held in his chuckle at the surprise on their faces.
“It is beautiful. I took Helen there on our honeymoon,” George said from the back seat.
“That sounds like an amazing trip,” Theo said.
“It was. I know you mentioned you’ve been seeing Olivia since September. How serious are you?” George asked.
“We’re not ready to get married. If that’s what you’re asking. I care about Livie. Her happiness is important to me. We’re both busy, but we find time for each other. Although, I figure it’ll get worse once she starts her residency.”
“So, you’re going to let her go through with the doctor crap?” Geo scoffed.
“Let her? I wouldn’t dream of stopping her. It’s her lifelong dream. Do you even know why she wants to be a doctor?”
Geo met his father’s gaze in the rearview mirror. He’d bet a month’s salary they didn’t have a clue.
“It doesn’t matter. She’s letting the family down,” George grumbled.
“Really? I don’t know what it takes to run a winery, but between your employees and the rest of the family, can you truly not function properly without Livie? Because that seems ridiculous.”
“I won’t justify myself to you. It’s not like you’re going to give up your career to bring her home. She needs to find a nice local man and settle down. Stay near her family.”
Geo slowed the car as he pulled into the driveway next to a sign for Peachtree Vineyards. The name sounded familiar. He wondered if he’d had their wines at some point.
“If that was what Livie wanted, then we’d talk about it. We’re certainly not at that stage in our relationship. I’d never decide for her, though. I respect her too much for that.”
George harrumphed again but kept quiet as Geo continued driving through the vineyard. It was larger than he’d expected. He’d love to see it in the summer. It was dormant this late in the year. Eventually, Geo stopped in front of a large barn-like building.
“Let’s go inside. We’ll show you around.” Geo parked and shutoff the ignition. “C’mon, Dad. Maybe after he sees everything, he’ll realize why this place means so much to our family.”
Theo doubted that looking at the inner workings of the winery would make a damn bit of difference, but he’d keep an open mind. As he told them, Livie was his focus. Their relationship stopped being fake last night when he held her in his arms as she slept.
George let Geo do most of the talking as they gave Theo the grand tour. He had to admit he enjoyed seeing the large climate-controlled cellar. It was like a giant warehouse loaded with barrels. The operation was impressive.
Theo asked, and they showed him how they checked the barrels. Explained why the temperature was extremely important. They also clarified about the different barrels for the different wines.
It was easy to see that they loved the winery. It was in their blood. Theo understood since the Navy was his life. He couldn’t imagine following in his parents' footsteps and becoming a teacher. It would have killed him, just like Livie couldn’t stay here and do this. Somehow, he needed to help Livie find a way to make them understand.
As they were leaving the cellars, Geo put a hand on Theo’s arm to stop him from following his father upstairs.
“Are you coming?” George called.
“Yup, be right there, Dad.”
“What’s up?” Theo asked, crossing his arms over his chest. He didn’t know what to expect from her brother. He’d been borderline rude since they met, except during the tour.
“You said it’s Livie’s dream to be a doctor?” Geo looked surprised. “I thought she was using it as an excuse.”
“Really? You realize that medical school is no cakewalk, right? It’s expensive as hell. Your parents aren’t helping her. She’s paying her way on her own. That’s why she’s working in the bar.”
“I didn’t know. But I probably should have, I guess.” Geo ran his hand through his short auburn hair. “Why does she want it so bad?”
“It’s not my story to tell. Maybe you should ask her yourself?” Maybe he’d misjudged Geo.
