Page 63 of The Wrong Vintage
“I beat you on the view,” she announces triumphantly.
“What are you doing in Venice?” I ask, smiling despite myself.
“Weekend with friends. We took the train.”
“Good for you,” I say—and mean it. Someone should be enjoying themselves.
I shift on the lounger beneath the pergola, the wood still warm from the day. For a moment, I let myself imagine it: disappearing for a weekend, being unneeded. Winter will come, I remind myself. There will be time then. Maybe Australia. Sun. New vineyards.
I wonder if Nico will come with me.
“My view is one you’ve seen,” I add lightly. The camera catches the long wooden table, the dimming sky, and a glass of water sweating beside me.
“It’s still the best place in the world.” Toni’s expression softens. “I miss Bolgheri. And I miss you both.”
I draw my legs up on the lounger, resting my chin on my knees. I hesitate—just a beat—then say, “So, Nico came by and stayed for two nights.”
Alba lets out a low whistle. “No wonder you’re glowing.”
I blush, instinctively tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “We didn’t…you know…go all the way. In fact”—I clear my throat—“we only kissed.”
“Was it good?” Toni’s eyes are wide as she leans closer to her screen.
“Very.” I am unable to stop the giggle that escapes me.
Alba grins. “You look happy. I’ve never seen you look like this.”
“Well, then he left for Florence,” I admit, twisting the hem of my shirt between my fingers. “But he calls every night and texts all day long. It’s really, really nice. And I’m really, really scared it’s going to vanish.”
“Is he still sleeping with Chiara?” Alba demands, all warmth gone.
I shake my head. “He said he hasn’t been with anyone since we got engaged.”
Toni arches a brow. “Do we believe him?”
“I do,” I say without hesitation.
Alba claps slowly. “Well, well, well. Looks like someone’s fallen hard.”
I laugh again, giddily. “It’s just easy to be with him. He listens. Asks questions. Flirts outrageously. I—it’s like having an affair. One that feels good…has promise.”
Toni tilts her head. “Then why haven’t you gone all the way?”
I lift a shoulder. “I don’t know.”
“Well, they have to get to know each other first,” Alba says reasonably.
Toni snorts. “Please. You don’t need to know a man to fuck him.”
“Toni!” I groan. “You’re my baby sister.”
“I’m twenty-three,” she says, unrepentant. “And I could be a handsome guy’s baby if he wants.”
“Ugh.” Alba rolls her eyes. “Please tell me you’re not calling some old guy Daddy.”
“Have you seen that video going around?” Alba asks suddenly, eyes lighting up.
We both frown and shake our heads, not sure where she’s going with this.
