An appreciative sense of pride swelled in her chest and heat rose to the apples of her cheeks. “Wow. I didn’t see this coming at all.”
“We’ve never really discussed work beyond the scope of all-things wine. I wanted to talk with you face-to-face while you’re in Italy to see if you’re happy where you’re at.”
“I’m incredibly flattered. Really, I am,” she croaked softly. Her thoughts swirled, wondering if Antonio had anything to do with the offer. She didn’t think so. If anything, he’d probably panic at the idea of her working at the winery. Neither invested in long-term relationships. The convenience of a casual, passion-filled, triannual romp in the Tuscan countryside appealed to both o
f them, equally.
“I travel the world tasting the best wine. That constitutes as a dream job to one quarter of the American population,” she joked. “I love my job, for the most part. I mean, every job has its issues, but I’m happy there.”
“They’re lucky to have you.” Demonstrating an abundance of fortitude, Tracy persisted, “I’ll be honest, Hope, you’re the only person I’ve even considered for the job. This place is like my first-born child and I can’t think of anyone else I trust enough to manage it. You’re diligent, ambitious, hard-working, and you have an easygoing style about you that would only add to the charm here.”
“Tracy, I’m honored that you’d trust—”
“Before you say no, just think about it for a few weeks,” she coaxed. “I’m not expecting to fill the position until after the holidays. I’ll email you, spelling out the key terms, job responsibilities, title, salary, vacation, etc. as soon as I put together a detailed package.”
“I can’t make you any promises.” Hope had no intention of quitting her job and moving to Italy. However, it would be easier to say no when Tracy wasn’t standing in front of her appearing so hopeful. “But I’ll look at it.”
Many of Hope’s friends envied her career. They fantasized of escaping the calamity of their real lives to jet set around the world, visit sleepy villages in France, Italy, Spain, Chile and more, indulge in the best wines and enjoy spontaneous love affairs with gorgeous men. To some, it was a dream job. Or at least that’s how it appeared on the outside looking in.
At times it was a glamorous lifestyle, but in reality, she lived a hectic schedule, in and out of airports, taxi cabs, and hotel rooms. It was easy for her girlfriends to be seduced by the romanticism of it all . . . especially if you were comparing it to potty training a two-year-old.
However, Hope Tidwell wasn’t a romantic.