The Gift, page 20
“Get ready to get excited, folks.” Lesley unlocks the matching white building to the room we just left.
Walking inside, excitement does build, seeing the large stainless-steel bins.
“This is one of those properties selling everything left. So, you have a crusher/destemmer, wine press, wine tanks, and pumps.” She labels every piece as she circles the room.
David glares at me, blinking in succession. “There’s so much involved.”
“I know. And yet, I still want to move forward. Something must be very wrong with me.” I manage a laugh but push down fear bubbling in my stomach.
“Toni can do it. All it takes is a little learning and practice, just like your cello,” Lesley reassures.
Damn, this lady is smooth. She has it all over Tad. And she has a point. This isn’t rocket science—I’ll be able to learn how to make wine. My gosh, it’s in my blood.
Yet, the next second, my overconfidence slaps me with realizing I’d still need barrels, bottles, and a corker—my Googling has paid off. Who knows what else I’ll need, though?
It’s fine, I tell myself. It’ll all get figured out, Toni. Pietro’s got my back.
Just as his name comes to mind, I remember I brought along the P paper and place my palm over my jeans pocket. The soil connected with my musical roots and Pietro’s spirit must be with me in wine roots now, because worry drains from my body through the holes in the floor meant for elimination.
“You got this,” David adds.
“Thanks for the faith, you two. Now, where do the bottles get stored? Is there another space?”
“There’s one other room, but it’s tiny.” Lesley motions to the right. “The current owners had a small production, just like you want.”
“And you would probably expand, remember?” David reminds me.
“You’re a good student,” Lesley says.
I peek my head in the climate-controlled room for wine storage. “This is great. I think it’s big enough for me.”
David confirms with a, “Yup.”
“Now, repeat how much these sellers are asking.” I don’t really want to know, but I need to know.
She shows me the listing paper she printed out with all the information.
David leans in and looks with me, making a sucking sound through his teeth.
“Yeah, tell me about it. But again, keeping options open,” I try to convince myself. “And the furniture is also included?”
“Everything, yes. I can show you more options another day if you want. Foreclosure properties or even deserted ones, where you’d have to begin from zero and plant vines. That could take around three years before starting to make a profit, though. Consider how this space may be pricy to you now, but it includes so many items you won’t need to purchase, and you won’t have to build, as well as being able to hit the ground running, leaving you in what I would suggest as the best scenario for your situation.” She leads us back to her car as she speaks, almost running out of breath from all she has to say.
I exhale at forte level, sending my curls above my forehead flying. “Yeah, those are good points. And I do love this style.” I take one more glimpse as we drive away, not wanting to part.
“I don’t blame you, friend,” Lesley agrees.
Something about the peace that returned on that land each time nerves got ahold of me must be meaningful. Us Italian Americans never give up, and I’m going to persist like my ancestors…right on that spot if I can help it.
Chapter
Thirty-Six
Once back in David’s car, reality sets in slightly more than in Lesley’s obviously magical car, where necessary money and obstinate husbands don’t exist. “That was some place, huh?” I glimpse at David as he backs out of the parking space.
“Yeah, I liked everything about it.” He holds the brake before shifting to drive. “Just checking, though. You still want to go to that one winery, right?”
“Yeah, we can’t come down here and not stop at one, so it may as well be one with a friendly face.” But, my God, Gio must think I’m married to a lunatic. Or that I’m a lunatic for putting up with that behavior. Ugh, the echoing in that beautiful tasting room. The memory of the sound makes me shiver. If Gio only knew Christian way back when…
“So, what do you think about what Lesley said?” David stops my trainwreck of thoughts then continues, “About which type of property to buy? You seemed to love that last one since it’s move-in ready.”
“Yeah, I like the idea of it. I just don’t know about that pesky money part.” I pause. “A thought came over me today.”
“Spill. What?” His concern permeates from him, with tightened posture galore.
“If Christian has his mind set on forgetting the winery idea, especially including moving, what about the money we saved? I thought we’d use it for a down payment, but I wouldn’t be able to.”
“Oh…that’s true.”
“Kind of a problem.” I look out the side window and start to jiggle my right foot, which is crossed over my other ankle.
“But if he doesn’t want a winery, how do you plan to take this step anyway?” David clenches his teeth and glances at me as I look his way again.
“I, I… I really haven’t thought that far yet. Today’s been a whirlwind. I mean, I know he was shaky from the start, but I felt like he was on board for a little bit. He gave me some hope. Now I’m just a big idiot for even coming here in the first place and even more for thinking I could make this happen.”
“Hey, stop that. Remember what I said about the philharmonic audition?” he reminds me.
“Uh, that it was a bonus not a barrier? How does that apply now?” My head begins to throb from the information it’s absorbed today.
“Yes, that’s right. And let’s see about how it applies.” He hesitates to continue.
“You don’t even know!” His effort to cheer me up makes me snort.
“I’m trying! Give me a second.”
“Tick-tock. Tick-tock.”
“Okay, I got it,” he says. “I believe everything happens for a reason, so there must be a reason for Christian being—”
“Difficult? Causing me stress?”
“I was going to say, ‘of a different opinion, and we may not understand it right now.’” He grabs the water bottle that he left in the console this morning and finishes what’s left inside.
“You get an A for effort, but that’s really reaching for a silver lining.” I also grab my bottle to sip on my lukewarm water.
“I’m tryin’ he-ya. Give a guy a break.” There’s that New York accent again. “Besides, let’s enjoy the rest of today. I’ll help you figure out the next part of this later if you want.”
“Alright, today we’ll have some wine, and all will be fine.” I sing my rhyming phrase as we pull into Little Street Wines. Good thing I’m talented with delaying dilemmas.
Walking inside the tasting room, Gio’s smiling face greets us before he opens his mouth. “Welcome back, you two.”
“Hi, Gio. Remember my friend, David?” My fears of his opinion of me fade into the wide wood plank floors matching the light-brown soil I stepped on today.
“Of course. Hello, sir.”
David reaches out his hand for a shake. “Good to see you again.”
“Let me pour you both something special.” He turns around to snatch two wine glasses and sets them in front of us.
“I feel special now. Thanks.” The coolness of the counter refreshes my clammy hands.
“You are. And so is this vintage. It’s our newly released cabernet.” He places my glass in front of me. “See what aromas emerge for you.”
I move through the tasting stages he taught me, tilting the wine to notice how it moves then bringing it up to my nose with a swirl. “I’m far from being an expert, but I smell plums.”
David’s already sipping from his glass, not as good of a student as I am.
I kid, I kid.
“Don’t downgrade yourself, Toni. The nose knows, expert or not. And turns out, you’re correct.”
“Good job.” David sips again.
“David, I think you like this one, huh?” My lips twist upward.
“Yeah, I do. And I’m not afraid to admit it.” He laughs and swirls his wine in the glass this time.
I continue the tasting process, sipping and swishing the wine in my mouth. After I swallow, I taste a flavor I can’t put my finger on—or should I say my tongue?
“What do you taste?” Gio’s intense stare tells me he loves to share the pleasure of this winery’s product. He’s not just an employee.
“I want to say it’s something toasty. Maybe marshmallow?” I shake my head. “Sorry, there’s that novice level slipping out again.”
“NO, you’re right. Well, close. It’s a note of vanilla. But you knew there was sweetness.” Gio continues, “We all start somewhere, so just enjoy the ride.”
“I agree. That’s the point of us being here right now.” David pats my shoulder.
“Yeah.” I’m reluctant to continue but forge ahead. “I want to open a winery, so I was looking at property today.” My head dips down as my heart races.
“Let me pour you a little more to celebrate that good news. It’ll be great to have you in the valley.”
I slide my glass toward him, slowly lifting my head. “I know I have a lot to learn, but I’m ready and willing. And weirdly enough, I’m not overly anxious about that part.”
“Just the right amount?” David chimes in.
I start the tasting steps again and chuckle. “Yes, only mildly terrified.”
“You have a friend here now,” Gio adds. “All of us winery owners like to help each other out, so don’t worry.”
“Are you saying you’re the owner here?” David asks.
“You got that right.” Gio looks around his establishment.
“I didn’t realize.” Now I feel even more silly for my beginner status. But we all start somewhere. Drill that in your head, Toni.
“It’s nice to see how you take pride in your work. You seem to enjoy being with us customers and are a real get-your-hands-dirty type of guy, huh? My kind of person.” David holds his glass up in a cheers gesture.
I follow. “To you, Gio. Thanks for all your kindness.”
David and I clink glasses, and I say, “Salute.”
“Bella.” Gio’s brown eyes gleam.
His word for the beauty of the moment begs me to ask, “Do you happen to be Italian?”
“Yes, I am. Gio is short for Giuseppe.”
“I am too. Toni is short for Antonietta. No wonder I feel at home with you.” My smile can’t be any bigger. And wow, there’s another Giuseppe in my life.
“Yes, and this is my family’s winery, so you are at home here.”
My chest flutters in warmth.
“I’m glad we stopped in that first time, like it was happening for a reason.” David exaggerates his widened eyes.
“I know, right?” I know he knows I know what he means. You follow?
“Now, let’s try a few more sips, if that’s okay with you, Gio.” David points to one option on the menu. “Want to share these, Toni?”
“Of course. None of this wine can be spit out, so I better pace myself.”
“You got it, amici.” Gio springs to action, lining up our glasses in front of us.
Hearing him call us friends inspires me to be honest. Softly, I admit, “I’m sorry that my husband was not in the best mood the last time I was here. I’m embarrassed you saw that tiff between us.”
“It’s none of my business, so please don’t apologize.”
“Still, I hated to leave like that, Gio.”
“It’s long gone now.” He waves both hands like he’s a magician making my nightmare disappear.
If only it were that simple.
“Alright, moving on, then.” I smile but die on the inside.
Chapter
Thirty-Seven
Through the thick silence of the morning after my late return home last night, I see a call coming in from Uncle Roberto. Cold distance and awkward maneuvering around the apartment erases with his image in mind. “Hi, Uncle Roberto.”
“Buongiorno, Toni. How are you doing all the way over there today?” His magnificent soul translates over the many miles with melodic comfort.
“Great.” Just like when a store employee asks how your day’s going, nobody takes a seat and releases the nitty-gritty details, so I wouldn’t bother my ball-of-joy uncle with my garbage. “How’s everyone over there?”
“We are all doing very well. My stomach is full of your aunt’s cassoeula, so it’s happy.”
“Oh, you’re making my mouth water, and it’s still breakfast time. I love her pork rib and sausage stew. Even the cabbage,” I whisper at the end.
“You used to put up a fight to eat it when you were a little girl, but now you like it?!” He laughs.
“I guess I grew up,” I say in a forced regretful tone but, returning to seriousness, add, “Tell Aunt Pia hello for me.”
“I will. She’s cleaning up, and the kitchen still smells like the onions in the stew.” He sniffs a few times.
“Wish I was there.”
“Me too. As always! But I am calling for more than hearing your sweet voice.”
“Oh?”
“Yes, I found something you would like, the deed for the land Pietro owned in your state.” His voice climbs a note with every word.
I fall onto the back of my couch, sending Nala, previously lying next to me, jumping to the floor. “What? You have to be kidding. That’s amazing. How? Where?”
“I spoke to a few people and was led to your cousin, Michael, who had a box of old family items. This was one of them.”
“Uncle Roberto, I can’t believe it. Can you tell me what it says? Is there a location mentioned? I mean, I assume there has to be something…” I can’t control my giddiness.
“Yes, there’s, uh…how you say? Regions. Street names and directions. I can send you a photograph through the phone if you want.”
“Yes! I would appreciate that.” I squeeze my blanket. You know when something is so great it hurts? Well, it’s happening now, and I’m about to burst.
“I don’t text very often, so I may need help. But it will come to you soon,” he assures.
“That’s wonderful!” I exclaim. “Thank you.”
“And there’s more.”
I sit up straight.
My movement must alert Nala to be on edge too since she swivels her head toward me, peering from my feet. She wiggles her mustache above her mouth, leading to a yawn. So, she’s not at all on edge—just me.
“There is also a photograph of Pietro and his wife when they got married.”
“I can finally see what he looked like!”
“Unfortunately, la mia gentile nipote, half of the photo has damage, so he is not fully there. It looks like water found its way on it over the years.”
My heart sinks. “I’ll take anything. One eye, half a nose.”
“I will have a text sent with this as well. Something is better than nothing.”
“Definitely. Thank you so much! You’re the greatest uncle a girl could have.”
“How is the winery business going?” he asks. “Have you opened yet?”
A laugh escapes bigger than expected, even though I know he must be kidding. “I have a long way to go…and actually I’m playing in a trial week for the LA Philharmonic because I’ve made it to this point of auditions.”
“I do not understand. You are opening a winery, or you are playing cello?”
“Yes.” I pause, agreeing with his confusion. “I’m seeing what happens with the auditions and moving forward on the winery. I just looked at properties yesterday.” Of course, as soon as I say that, the bedroom door behind me creaks. But when I turn my head to view its status, it’s closed. Christian must’ve been listening, though how could he not? My voice did get loud.
“You have your hands full, I see. And choices to make.”
“Well, I haven’t been offered LA Phil, and I can’t even think about that with the million other decisions I have to make if I open the winery…”
“Things will work out. Listen to an old man.”
“I want to believe you. I do. But I don’t even know how I’ll get the money I need to start the business. That’s just one of many hurdles.” The endless zeros on the price of the property I adored pops into my mind.
He’s quiet for a few seconds. “Things will work out.”
Somehow, the repeating of his wisdom reassures me. He’s never failed me in my whole life, so I’ll try to take his words as fact. Plus, Lesley told me the same thing, and she knows her stuff. There must be a way. I need to take their advice and keep it in my brain, so I knock on my head a few times with my fist. That’ll do the trick. It’s very scientific.
Instead of revealing my antics, I simply say, “They’ll have to.”
“That’s the way. Now, you have a great Sunday with the family later. Tell them hello from us.”
“Will do. And thanks again. Love you, and talk to you soon.”
“Nala, can you believe it?” I shriek as soon as I click end on my phone.
No reaction.
“What’s your uncle have to say?” Christian appears from thin air, making me jump and clutch my chest before spinning around.
“Not much.” Why would I tell him good news? I turn back around.
“I thought I overheard you talking about your auditions to him.” He sits next to me on the couch, and my insides recoil.
“Oh, that. Yeah.” I scootch away and curl into the corner.
