Crushed Read online

  “Wish me luck,” I say to Linda as our office door closes behind me. The short walk across the yard gives my heartbeat a few extra minutes to revert to its normal pace.

  I stand up straight and smile as I enter the conference room. “Good afternoon, and welcome to Bianchi Winery.”

  The man sitting at the end of the long mahogany table smiles back at me warmly. He is about my age, maybe a little older, with short, dark brown hair. He is dressed in a polished gray suit with a black tie. He rises from his chair and extends his right hand to me.

  “Jessica, thank you for having me.” Aaron’s handshake is strong.

  “Thank you for making the trip down, Mr. Bennet. I think it’s valuable to have potential investors do an onsite visit, get the full Bianchi experience.” I try to match the firmness of his grip.

  “Please, call me Aaron. And I agree. We’re happy we could schedule an in-person visit. My partner had to take a phone call. He’ll join us in a moment.” He smiles again, and it’s the kind that instantly puts people at ease. I suppose that smile gives him an advantage in his business dealings.

  “I didn’t realize your partner was going to be attending our meeting today.” I’m relieved I brought an extra set of copies of my reports.

  “He travels extensively, and I never know when he’ll be available for local meetings. He happened to be in town this week and wanted to join us.”

  “Local? I thought you’re based in San Francisco?”

  “We are. We consider anything in California local.”

  I laugh politely. “I see. Well, great. I’m glad to have the opportunity to speak with both of you.”

  “Yes. We’ve both been reading the information packet you sent over. I had a wonderful conversation with Mrs. Bianchi the other day, but I appreciate you making time to go over some of the details with me.”

  “Of course, I’m happy to elaborate on our plan and answer any questions you may have.”

  “I have to admit, we’re impressed with the proposed direction and vision…” The opening door interrupts Aaron’s thoughts. “Jessica, this is my partner, Luke Taylor.”

  “Nice to meet you, Jessica.” Luke walks over and extends a hand, his face void of all recognition.

  I’m sure my mouth is hanging open. This must be some twisted joke. Luke can’t be his partner. I can’t give my presentation to the man who crushed my heart in high school. And to make this nightmare situation even more painful, he’s pretending we don’t already know each other? I have too many questions and no time for answers. I need to block everything else out except for the business at hand.

  “Nice to meet you too, Mr. Taylor.” I stand and shake his warm, strong hand.

  His eyes sparkle, and a whisper of a smile crosses his lips. I narrow my eyes at him, and he glances over at Aaron. My eyes follow to where Aaron is already pouring over the financial information.

  “As I was saying, this investment may work for us, but we would like clarification on some of the details,” Aaron continues, unaware of the silent exchange going on between Luke and me.

  “Sure. I have prepared some new graphs that better illustrate our projected growth.” I slide the additional reports to Aaron and Luke as I take my seat. I focus on Aaron, to better disguise my discomfort.

  As the meeting continues, I fall into my rhythm. It helps that Luke is studying the reports and isn’t focusing on me. I answer Aaron’s questions regarding the winery, its history, and our future goals. Luke doesn’t say anything, nor does he look up. I sense the presentation is going well, but the circumstances are so strange, I’m not completely sure. Aaron appears to be receptive to what I’m saying, and I believe I’m making the right impression on him.

  Mrs. Bianchi deserves to build the winery she envisions. Beyond being a genuinely kind woman, she has done a lot for me personally. She gave me an opportunity straight out of college and has taught me so much. She believed in me, mentored me, and allowed me to step into a controller role quicker than I could have anywhere else. This position and its security make being a single mother less terrifying. I want this winery and Mrs. Bianchi to be successful. Aaron and Luke are currently my best shot at making this happen.

  “In your report, you mention increasing wine production as a direct result of access to additional capital. Obviously an increase in cash would allow for the purchase of equipment necessary to drive that growth. We would like to have a better understanding of how this all comes together. One question that comes to mind: where would the grapes come from?” Aaron is professional and prepared.

  “To answer that specific question, we currently harvest a surplus of grapes each year. Historically, we sell this surplus to other wineries, either as whole fruit or bulk wine. Using this fruit to produce more of our own wine would be an option once we have increased production, bottling, and storage capabilities. In addition, we intend to purchase fruit and bulk wine from other wineries. We have already spoken with a local winery in the valley that is willing to sell us their surplus fruit at a reasonable price. In addition, we’re working with a mid-sized winery in Napa Valley to determine at what price point they would be willing to sell their bulk wine to us.” My confidence continues to grow as the meeting progresses.

  “Would it be unrealistic to expect to grow large enough here to avoid having to buy from someone else entirely?” Aaron is flipping back and forth between reports.

  “Not necessarily, but it is usually less expensive to buy bulk wine than it is to farm grapes. Mrs. Bianchi takes a lot of pride in the fact that we grow a large percentage of our own grapes, so that won’t change. However, the purchase of bulk wine from other vineyards will most likely remain part of our growth strategy. To reach the goal of doubling wine production over the next five years, we will have to employ several different strategies.”

  “You’re asking for a large amount of money. And your plan is fairly aggressive and therefore risky, especially for someone as inexperienced as yourself.” Luke unexpectedly joins the conversation, and I consciously stop myself from narrowing my eyes at him.

  “I’ve been with this winery for five years, and I’ve learned a lot about the business during that time. Mrs. Bianchi has been in this valley for over twenty years. Bianchi Winery has a strong history of growth in this valley and a loyal following. I firmly believe that if we up our game a little, it will pay off.”

  “Yes, you’re clearly very knowledgeable about this business and finances in general, but you have never grown a business of this size, correct?” Luke stares at me unflinchingly.

  “I haven’t, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t recognize a good risk when I see one.” I return his stare. If he’s trying to intimidate me with his challenges, he’s failing miserably. My confidence has been ignited, and I’m determined to stand up for myself and this winery.

  “Your ability to recognize a worthwhile risk isn’t proven.” I’m about to say something else in my defense, but Luke raises his hand and continues. “However, I admit I like the overall vision and plan, though I worry about the execution. To be completely honest, in my experience, finance people such as yourself are usually quite conservative. I don’t know if you’re enough of a risk-taker to follow through and get what you want.” He raises an eyebrow.

  “I may not be a risk-taker by nature, but Mrs. Bianchi is, and I trust her wisdom and intuition.”

  “What about you? Do you trust your judgement?” Luke leans back in his chair.

  “Luke.” Aaron says it like a warning.

  “I would feel more comfortable knowing we’re entrusting this amount of money to people who can analyze situations and make good decisions.” Luke is looking at me like he’s hopeful I’ll say something.

  I’m not sure what exactly he’s hoping for, but I’ve had enough of his games. “Mr. Taylor, Mr. Bennet.” I make eye contact with each man as I say their name. “I underst
and what’s at stake for all involved. I also understand risk, perhaps better than most, so while I may err on the side of being cautious, it is that cautiousness that makes me valuable. Relationships, business or otherwise, need balance. Consider me the balance in this equation. I’m the one the risk-takers will have to run their ideas through and convince. I will be the voice of reason. I will act as the brakes of this operation. I’m the person who will prevent us from slamming into a wall going eighty miles an hour.”

  Luke is looking at me the same way I look at Amelia when she scores a goal during a game.

  “I can appreciate that. Some cautiousness is warranted and valuable.” Aaron offers some reassurance. I like Aaron so much better than Luke. “It appears that my partner and I have some things to discuss. While we’re here, we would like to talk with your winemaker and pick his brain a little.”

  “Absolutely. His name is Ryan, and he is available at your convenience.” I’m grateful this meeting is wrapping up.

  We stand, and I shake Aaron’s hand first. His phone vibrates in his pocket. “Excuse me, I have to take this.” He rushes out without saying another word, and Luke and I are left alone. I distract myself by reorganizing my papers.

  “That was a good presentation, Jessica.”

  “Uh-huh,” I mutter without raising my eyes from the table.

  “Why are you still using your married name?” When I look up, Luke is frowning at me.

  “Seriously? That’s what you want to ask me right now?” I snap.

  “Are you going back to Adams?”

  “What? I don’t know. What was that all about anyway? Pretending you didn’t know me? Questioning my abilities?” I’m starting to raise my voice, even though I know I shouldn’t.

  “I want Aaron to make up his mind about the deal without our history clouding his decision, and it’s my job to question your experience. This is an investment meeting. You need to be able to answer the hard questions.” He shrugs. “I always loved riling you up. You really should be thanking me. Your feistiness made you appear more confident.”

  “I’m not thanking you for anything.” His level of arrogance is truly astounding.

  “No need. Seeing your passionate side was thanks enough.” Luke smirks, and I want to slap him.

  “Passionate? That’s an odd word choice for a business meeting.” I sound squeaky.

  “Passionate is the word that came to mind.” His eyes burn. “As for your perceived lack of abilities and experience, I could help you rectify that.”

  “I do not have a lack of ability, perceived or otherwise. I’m not inexperienced either.” I wonder exactly what he’s referring to, but I don’t dare ask him.

  “Sorry about that.” Aaron returns and effectively ends my conversation with Luke. “We need to set up that meeting with the winemaker, but I anticipate we can have an answer for you late next week.”

  “Sounds great. I’ll make sure Ryan gets in touch with you before the end of the day.” Mrs. Bianchi is going to be thrilled.

  Luke is back to pretending not to know me as we wrap things up. They leave, and I’m still reeling from the fact that Luke is even here, let alone the possibility that I may be working with him. Anxiety is already building in my core.

  I’m pushing the chairs back under the table when the door opens. I jerk my head up in surprise.

  “I forgot something.” Luke strides across the room toward me.

  I hold my breath. Luke wraps one arm around my waist and tangles his free hand in my hair. Without saying a word, he slams his mouth onto mine. I groan at the sensation of his lips on mine. He slides his tongue into my mouth. He tastes like cinnamon as I kiss him back.

  It ends too quickly though. When Luke releases me, we’re both panting. He searches my eyes for a moment before quietly heading back to the door.

  “I know a good risk when I see one too.” Luke turns the doorknob and exits.

  Chapter 4

  Aaron and Luke meet with Ryan the next day. I have an appointment scheduled with our CPA firm, so I’m unable to join them. As our winemaker, Ryan paints a more vivid picture of our plan and how everything will be implemented on the operations side. Aaron and Luke are impressed and agree to fund us on the spot. Mrs. Bianchi is so thrilled she gives Ryan and me substantial bonuses.

  I celebrate by taking Amelia to the final weekend of the San Diego County Fair. We go on rides until we can’t walk straight. We eat cotton candy and popcorn for lunch. I insist on a more substantial meal of giant slices of sourdough bread topped with cheese and pepperoni for dinner. We try chocolate-covered bacon and fried Twinkies for dessert. We both enjoy the former more than expected and the latter less. We laugh until our stomachs hurt. I let her play as many of the overpriced carnival games as she wants. I lug around the giant stuffed snake she somehow wins. She falls asleep on the car ride home, and I smile the entire way.

  Luke does not contact me after our meeting, and I find myself dealing solely with Aaron. Luke’s absence makes it easier to convince myself I can see him in a business setting and not let it affect my work. After several weeks without contact from him, I berate myself for overthinking everything. The kiss wasn’t anything serious, and I feel foolish for even wondering what it could possibly have meant.

  The more I consider it, the angrier I get. I’m angry with Luke for assuming he could kiss me like that, but I’m also angry with myself for kissing him back. I’m mortified that I enjoyed it, and that it has since entered my dreams more than once. I rack my brain, trying to come up with a way to rationalize my reaction to it. I settle on the idea that it was so sudden and unexpected I didn’t have time to think. It was only familiarity that made me enjoy it, much less allow it. It’s like when you hear an old song on the radio. You’re excited to hear it because it carries some nostalgia, but after a few more seconds of listening, you realize it’s actually not a very good song after all. Luke is merely an old, bad song.

  His unpredictable attitude toward me is confusing, but I don’t have to let his fluctuations affect me. I’ve made up my mind. Nothing good can come from getting mixed up with Luke Taylor again.

  The remainder of spring flies by, and summer arrives, threatening to do the same. Plans for the expansion roll forward, keeping me busy. I spend as much time as possible with Amelia. I take her to the beach or we swim in the backyard most weekends she’s with me. Grant takes her to Orlando on the trip we had planned as a family. He sends me a text and invites me to join them. I don’t respond, and he doesn’t ask again.

  I use the week they are gone to move into our new rental. I wasn’t ready to commit to the purchase of a new home when I moved out of the house I shared with Grant. After several months of staying at my mom’s house in Rancho Bernardo, I finally found a great little place with a pool near Amelia’s school.

  We celebrate Amelia’s eighth birthday with a pool party in the backyard. I include Grant to be polite, and much to my dismay, he accepts the invitation. Thankfully, he keeps his distance and only stays for a short time. I hope someday we can be one of those friendly co-parenting couples, but I’m not ready yet. Peaceful coexistence is all I can currently muster.

  I also spend as much time as possible with my girlfriends and my mom. I eventually share with each of them the stories of the reunion and of Luke becoming an investor at the winery. Knowing our history, my mom is concerned. She always liked Luke, but she saw the devastation he caused too. My divorce isn’t even final yet, and everyone is beginning to get over my painful reaction to it. She’s worried about me and about what another heartbreak would do to me. I’m worried too. My girlfriends, Vivien and Emily, express similar concerns, but are quieter about them than my mother is. I assure them all that I have no interest in Luke.

  After a full summer, we’re all ready to get back into a normal routine. Amelia returned to school a few weeks ago and we have begun a new harvest season i
n the vineyard. I love this time of year. It has always felt like a time of new beginnings to me.

  Even though fall is approaching, the thermometer indicates summer won’t leave without a fight. I pull on a pair of shorts, flip-flops, and a Bianchi Winery shirt. I normally avoid having to be at winery events on my days off, but today is my favorite event of the year, the annual harvest celebration. It’s a family event at the winery, with people of all ages participating in various games and contests. The main attraction of the day is the grape stomp competition. People jump up and down and attempt to squash grapes in a barrel as quickly as possible. It’s as entertaining to watch as it is to participate in.

  We went as a family last year. I still laugh at the pictures of Amelia, legs stained purple, after her turn stomping. I’ll miss that this year. This is Grant’s weekend with her. We’ve talked very little over the past few months. I’m afraid that if we were to talk more, I would only scream at him. That is not something I ever want to do in front of Amelia, so I try to stick to texting and conversation requiring yes or no answers only. I can’t avoid him forever, but it’s working for now.

  The theme for this year’s celebration is “crush.” The winery staff, including me, are wearing black T-shirts with the Bianchi Winery logo and various sayings such as Crushing Hard at Bianchi Winery and I Crushed it at Bianchi Winery. The shirts are meant to be playful and evoke thoughts of wine and love. At least that’s what Monica, our director of marketing, said at one of the planning meetings.