Midlife Do Over

That was about right. But I wasn’t a woman to kick a man when he was down, even if he put himself there. “You no longer have the power to steal my joy, Ryan. If that makes you feel better.”

“It doesn’t.”

“Well I guess you’ll have to find a way to make yourself feel better.” We made the rest of the drive in silence. No music. No conversation, just one long stretch of silence so loud it was practically a third person in the car with us.

Thankfully, we were both professionals capable of doing the job even through a thick curtain of tension between us. The winery owner and operator received the happy, inquisitive version of us both. “Hello, and welcome to Gatlinburg Wine Commune. I’m Trixie, and this is my life partner, Tucker.”

“Nice to meet you,” I greeted the couple who looked more like hippie farmers than owners of the fastest growing winery in all of Tennessee. “This place is gorgeous.”

“It is, isn’t it?” Tucker offered a friendly smile along with a handshake. “Trixie swears the view makes the grapes a little sweeter.” He laughed and cast an affectionate look her way and I tamped down the envy. Way down. When was the last time a man looked at me that way?

Long before I was a woman.

The vineyards were so gorgeous they nearly brought tears to my eyes. Surrounded by vibrant shades of green and the Smoky Mountains in the distance was enough to soothe my frazzled nerves. This place was a perfect spot for a weekend getaway, with or without a man. Every minute we were there, I felt the tension between me and Ryan melt away. Mostly.

“Is it me or is this place like a fairytale?” Ryan’s whispered words sent a shiver of awareness through me. He was too close, and he smelled too good.

I nodded and took a few steps away from him. “It’s great, it’s almost like you can smell the grapes in the air.”

Trixie gasped and turned just before we made our way into the wine cellar. “I love that you said that! Every morning I come out and do yoga here because the sweet smell of the grape varietals is the perfect way to start the day.”

“Sounds like heaven,” I told her honestly.

“You do yoga?” Trixie’s question echoed as the door to the cellar opened and Tucker motioned for us to follow him.

“Not since I left Chicago. As soon as I get my schedule to something resembling normal again, I’ll start back up.” Maybe that’s what I needed to get over my anger and inconvenient attraction to the man who—still—stood too close.

“I for one, would love to watch you do yoga in your backyard.” Ryan took advantage of our momentary alone time to…flirt?

“Then I’ll make sure to do it indoors.”

He laughed, and the sound was rich and smooth, just like the man himself. “Maybe it’s time to start my career as a Peeping Tom.”

His words teased a reluctant laugh out of me and the answering smile he sent my way nearly stole my breath. “Funny.”

“A compliment, even a sarcastic one, I’ll take it.”

“You’ve gotten cheesy in your old age.”

His bark of laughter was pure amusement, his smile the same boyish grin I fell in love with all those years ago. Before I knew the lies that smile hid. “Maybe just more honest?”

I snorted in disbelief before I could stop myself, thankfully Trixie and Tucker returned just then.

“We’d like to invite you to enjoy our tasting menu so you can see how the wines pair with different cuisines. For this tasting, we serve you a blend of vegan, vegetarian and omnivorous meals so you can make the best recommendations to all of your customers.”

“That’s brilliant!”

Trixie’s approving smile stayed fixed in place throughout the delicious meal that featured cuisines from around the world, and close to a dozen different types of wine.

“Well, what do you think?”

I sat back with a huff and gave my stuffed belly a solid pat. “I think that I’d love to live here forever.”

“Friends with good taste are always welcome,” Tucker offered with a sincere smile.

“Everything was delicious, without a doubt,” I assured him. “But I really loved how each plate highlighted different flavors of the same wines.” I turned my attention to Ryan. “What did you think?”

He shrugged and leaned back against the booth seat with a slow grin. “It was all so delicious that I don’t know where to begin.”

“Start with the wines you liked best.”

He nodded and flashed a grateful smile that kicked my heartbeat into overdrive. “The white wines were delicious, pairing with fish and vegetables. Some were sweet and bitter, some had citrus flavors like summertime.”

“Every day can be summer with these wines,” Tucker answered genuinely.

I nodded. “Perfect for bridal showers, baby showers and brunch.”

“We’ll just leave you these order forms and give you some time to discuss. We’ll be at the bar if you need anything.”