Page 89 of Small Town Swoo
He set down his fork and leaned back in his chair, studying me.
“What?” I asked, growing uncomfortable.
“Do you really not want this? Or are you just looking for excuses not to take a risk on yourself or do something that’s just for you?”
I was saved from having to answer that question by the appearance of a beautiful, dark-haired woman at the side of our table.
“Hello. You must be Dash and Ari.” She was petite, wearing a pencil skirt and pink blouse, and her hair was fashioned into a neat French braid, which trailed over one shoulder.
“Yes,” I said. “Hello.”
“I’m Gianni’s wife, Ellie Lupo.” Her smile was warm and lovely. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“You too,” I said, shaking her hand. “Dinner was incredible. And the vineyard is so beautiful.” I looked out the window again, where the setting sun had turned the sky orange and scarlet, and the vines seemed to shimmer in the light.
“Thank you.” She laughed, shaking her head. “I grew up here, so I sometimes take it for granted.”
Gianni approached the table and slung an arm around his wife’s neck. “She takes me for granted too. I’m always telling her how lucky she is.” He kissed her temple.
Dash laughed. “As someone who lived with you and your five thousand hair products, I’m gonna take her side.” He rose to his feet and held out his hand to Ellie. “Hi. I’m Dashiel Buckley.”
She shook his hand, her expression turning curious. “Buckley. You’re not related to a Devlin Buckley, are you?”
“Yes.” Dash looked surprised. “That’s my brother.”
Ellie’s eyes popped. “What?” She thumped Gianni’s chest with the back of a hand. “You didn’t tell me that!”
Gianni looked unconcerned. “Who’s Devlin Buckley again?”
“He’s the groom at the wedding we’re going to this weekend, one of the new owners of Snowberry Lodge.” Ellie looked put out. “He’s marrying my friend Lexi. I’ve told you this a hundred times.”
“Oh, right.” Gianni nodded, like it was all coming back to him. “I gave them some tips on the dinner menu for their new restaurant.” He shrugged. “Yeah, I didn’t put that together.”
His wife rolled her eyes. “He never listens. And hedoesn’t ever give me any details—all he said was an old roommate of his named Dash was coming to see the truck.”
“And that’s true,” Gianni pointed out. “Is it not, Dash?”
“It’s true,” Dash agreed.
Ellie ignored them and focused on me. “Anyway, it’s so nice to meet you. Can I answer any questions about the truck?”
“I don’t think so,” I said hesitantly.
“The price is negotiable,” Ellie said. “My dad will totally work with you.”
“That’s very generous.” I paused. “I’m just—I’m still thinking about what I’d like to do. It’s a big investment. And I need to convince my parents it’s a good idea. They own the diner.”
“I understand completely. I work for my parents too.” She smiled like we shared a secret, and I felt a kinship with her. “Will I see you at the wedding?”
“Yes,” I said. “I’ll be there.”
“Great! And in the meantime, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Let me go get you a business card.” Ducking out from under Gianni’s arm, she hurried toward the lobby of the inn.
“Ellie is the assistant winemaker here and runs the tasting room downstairs,” said Gianni. “Do you have time to stop in there for another glass of wine before you go? It’s still open.”
Dash looked at me. “Do we?”
“Sure,” I said, never wanting this surreal time with him to end.
