Stephanie tried not to wince. “They make it and sell it. They’re artisans. I know it’s not wine, but going into that business feels like cheating or something.” She took back the phone. “I haven’t told Mackenzie.”
Four’s eyebrows rose. “That’s almost more surprising than the interview itself.”
“Yes, well, I’ll tell her after the fact.” Her shoulders rounded as she hunched forward. “It’s just she’s so damned brilliant at what she does. I think about that and I feel like a failure.”
“Everyone is gifted in their own way.”
“I’m not. I’m ordinary. Worse, I’ve settled. She has her wine, you’re an amazing artist. If I don’t have a special talent, at least I can be brave and get off my butt and do something.”
“Then, yay cheese.”
Stephanie laughed. “Thanks. I’m doing a lot of research on the industry and coming up with a few marketing plans. It’s time I actually used my degree, you know?”
“You’ll be brilliant.”
“I’d accept getting a decent job offer.”
Four tucked her long hair behind her ears. “You should start dating.”
“Absolutely not. The last thing I need is a man in my life. I’d be forced to compare that relationship to the one Mom has with Giorgio. I don’t need another place to feel that I’m lacking.”
“It was a beautiful proposal,” Four said. “I wish it was going to work out for them.”
Stephanie nearly slid off the stool. “What do you mean? Of course it’s going to work out. Why wouldn’t it? They’re so in love.”
“She won’t let go. The more she should, the harder she clings to whatever ridiculous idea she has. Giorgio is all about letting go. He loves her, but I don’t think he understands who she is. Not really.”
“That’s really deep.”
“I’m feeling a connection to Mother Earth today. It’s powerful.”
Stephanie reached for her coffee. “Want to give me some lotto numbers? There’s got to be a Powerball somewhere.”
Four patted her arm. “A, it doesn’t work like that and you know it, and B, you don’t need the money. Let someone else win. You’ll find your joy and happiness in less material ways.”
“I think anyone could find joy in fifty million dollars.”
She owned her house outright and she had some savings, but she needed to work to pay the bills. Fifty million dollars would—
She held up her hand. “I take it back. I’m going to work to find my place in the world, not wish for it to be given to me. Someone else needs to win that money.”
“Personal growth. I’m so proud.” Four rose and hugged her. “I’m going to go meditate. I want to take advantage of my connection to Mother Earth today.”
“Love you,” Stephanie called as Four crossed to the door. “Say hi to Mother Earth from me.”
“You could tell her yourself.”
“She only likes you.”
Four was still laughing when she shut the door behind her.
* * *
As far as Barbara was concerned, the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Seattle was just about perfect. She loved the location, the views, the understated luxury, the staff. She always stayed at the hotel when she came over for business or shopping, but these days the hotel seemed even more wonderful than usual. A fact that had nothing to do with the hotel itself and everything to do with the man who shared her room.
Giorgio, handsome in a hotel robe, pointed to the bottle of champagne resting in the ice bucket. “More, my love?”
She waved her half-empty glass. “In a minute. I’m still trying to catch my breath.”
They’d checked in two days ago, after dropping Carson off at the airport. In that time, they’d been to museums, seen a show at the 5th Avenue Theatre and tried new restaurants. But their afternoon trip to Nordstrom had derailed when Giorgio had suggested they order in rather than shop.
After making love, they’d had champagne and small bites sent up to the room. Decadent, she thought with a smile. It was barely one in the afternoon and she’d already had champagne and a man in her bed. Let the millennials have their avocado toast—she would take sex with Giorgio instead, any day.
“What makes you so happy?” Giorgio asked.
She tucked her feet under her, adjusting her silk robe around her legs. “You.”
“Good. That’s what I want to do.”
She studied the lines in his face. She could see the man he’d been when he was younger. He would have been difficult to resist, she thought. Not just because he was attractive, but also because he was strong and caring.
“Tell me about Beth Ann,” she said, thinking about how lucky his late wife had been to have so many years with him.
“What do you want to know?”
“Did you have a big wedding?”
He smiled. “We each came from a large Italian family. Yes, it was a big wedding. Three hundred people. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends. The church was overflowing. Our mothers and aunts cooked for days.”
“That sounds nice.” She sipped her champagne. “James and I had a small wedding. I didn’t have any family and we didn’t have any money. Do you mind if we have a big wedding?”
His eyes crinkled as he smiled at her. “Your happiness is my happiness, my love. I will be there regardless. I’ve talked to my children and they are excited to fly in here.”
“Thank you for asking them.”
“Of course. You remember we’ll be flying to New York in a few weeks for Rosemary’s birthday.”
“I do. I’m looking forward to it.”
She’d met his children a few times on their quick visits back east. His two sons were running the family business and his daughter was a pediatrician. Unlike her, he got to be proud of all his offspring.
“I’m thinking late fall or maybe over the holidays,” she said. “Everyone is too busy around harvest and I don’t want to wait until the new year.”
“I agree. The sooner I claim you as mine, the better.”
She laughed. “I think you do plenty of claiming, Giorgio. Sometimes twice in a day.”
He grinned at her. “You know what I mean. I want to spend time with you, Barbara. Just the two of us.” He waved his hand toward the walls of the suite. “I appreciate that we get away for a few days, but that’s not enough.”