Page 75 of Something Old

Live her life? What was her life? It had been so long since she’d thought of herself. It was all about survival and her family. What did she want? She had her promotion and now her freedom. Why did she feel so empty?

* * *

Shortly after her mother left, leaving more questions than answers, the phone buzzed.

“Delaney? You have a visitor. Shall I send her to your office?”

Delaney agreed and stood, smoothing her dress, expecting Caroline, recently home from her honeymoon, to come storming through the door, demanding why she had broken up with Ethan. The door opened and a blond pixie stepped in the office.

Cami Spencer.

Now that was unexpected.

After a few pleasantries and awkward greetings, the women sat, Delaney behind her desk, needing the separation for strength. Cami took the chair opposite her, her hands twisting in her lap momentarily.

She caught Delaney’s gaze and laughed. “Sorry. I’m a little nervous.”

“Why should you be? The new girlfriend confronting the old one. I’m sure we’ll see more of each other at museum fund-raisers, with the Van Owen family as one of our most prominent supporters.”

Cami looked puzzled for a moment, then relaxed. “I think you have the wrong impression. Ethan and I were never together, just casual dating for events and family things.” She shrugged. “It was easier for both of us. Protected us both, really. But it wasn’t working for either of us anymore. Especially not when he’s still in love with you.”

Delaney blinked but called on her years of society training to not show a reaction. “I think you’re mistaken,” she said smoothly. “Ethan and I are not together. That’s the past.”

“It didn’t look like it at Caroline’s wedding.” She leaned forward. “I hope I’m not presuming too much. We barely know each other.”

“We don’t know each other at all,” Delaney replied stiffly.

Cami pursed her lips. “True. But I love Ethan. As a friend. And he deserves to be happy. And I think he can only be happy with you.”

Delaney sighed. “Maybe at one time. But not anymore. I’m leaving Houston.” The words surprised even her, the decision not given voice until that moment. A sense of rightness settled on her shoulders, freeing her as nothing else had ever done. She repeated the words more forcefully, owning them. “I’m leaving Houston.”

Cami looked surprised, then pleased. “You’re going to Ethan?”

Delaney furrowed her brow. “No, he’s in Houston. I’m not sure where I’m going, maybe Arizona.”

Cami jumped up and leaned across the desk, grabbing Delaney’s hand and gripping it tightly. “No, you need to go to Hermitage Vines. Ethan left his father’s firm. He’s staying at the vineyard permanently. This is perfect!”

Delaney carefully extricated her hand, burying it in her lap, much as she buried the sudden leap of hope she felt at Cami’s words. “I don’t see how this is perfect. Ethan will never want to see me again. Trust me.”

Cami grinned broadly, not at all cowed by Delaney’s cool attitude. “You’re wrong. Even his father told him to come see you. Actually, Ethan wanted to come to see you, but he didn’t think he’d be welcome. So, he talked to me.” She perched on the edge of the seat, leaning on the desk. “At least talk to him before you leave. Give him that chance. You owe him that.”

Delaney refused to let her hope shine through, remaining cool and collected. After several minutes, Cami gathered her purse and left with one parting shot. “You broke his heart. At least let him have his final say.”

Like that would inspire her to drive to the vineyard, to hear Ethan vent his anger with her.

But the more she thought about her decision, and her options, the more the grapes called to her. Ethan called to her. She had to give them one last chance.

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