The innocent question rendered Hope momentarily speechless. She’d been asked that same question countless times over the last ten years, and each time the air always seemed to weigh a bit heavier on her shoulders. Though it was a simple question on the surface, it burrowed into her subconscious . . . like a dog burying its bone deep enough so no one would ever find it.
Not waiting for a reply, Tracy continued, “Ever thought about putting down roots?”
“Not really. I’m like a palm tree . . . no roots,” she joked, masking her discomfort. Hope lifted her gaze and their eyes collided. An inquisitive grin widening across Tracy’s face. “Wait, are . . . are you offering me a job?”
“I’m simply . . . testing the waters.” Giddy excitement rose in her voice. Tracy curled a loose strand of hair behind her ear, pausing as she pinched the lobe between her thumb and finger, rubbing timidly. “Up until this point, the vineyard and winery have been a combined entity. Of course, it still will be, but we plan to diversify things a bit to make the estate run smoother. Vincent handles the winemaking, Antonio oversees the marketing and exporting at Castello Giovanni, and I get the crown jewel . . . Amore Mio Winery and Inn. I’m putting together a team, a family so to speak, of smart, enthusiastic people and I think you’d be a perfect fit.”
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 of 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.
Get The Italain HERE
THANK YOU TO THE CREATOR, first and foremost, for giving me the courage, tools, and faith to continue this journey.
To my family, Mr. Locke, the Littles, Mama, and Peggy and Rob: Thank you for your incredible support. You see the best and worst of me and still stand behind me one-hundred percent. I thank God every day I landed up in this amazing group of people. Love you all. So much.
To my team, Kari (Kari March Designs), Lisa (Adept Edits), Christine (Type A Formatting), Kylie (Give Me Books): We did it again! I’m honored each and every time you all hit me with a “Yes!” when I ask if there’s room for me on your calendars. You are simply the best in the business. Thank you for working with me again.
To my beta team, Jen C, Susan, Jen F, Carleen, Candace, Joy, Ashley, Michele: There aren’t enough thank-you’s in the world for what you do for me. Your time, attention, eyes, love—you give it all in abundance. I hope you know how much it, and you, mean to me.
To my admins, Jen C, Jade, Tiffany, and Stephanie: Every day, you make me laugh. Keep me focused. Shower me with GIFS. (Take videos at concerts—ha!). Keep my groups running. Fix my Goodreads. Without you, I’m a mess. Without you, this train stops chugging. Without you, my heart would be sad. Thank you for being my friend.
To Mandi: You are so many things to me. My easy friend, my Pres, my voice of reason (sometimes, sometimes not). ;) Thank you for always believing in me, making me laugh, letting me vent, and keeping me entertained. #ELC
To Lisa, Jade, and Alexis: You are such a part of my Life . . . Ish. (See what I did there?) I can count on you for all things at any moment. Jokes, laughs, graphics, tea. ;) Thank you girls. MUAH!
To the real Danielle: Here’s to another summer of baseball and sweat and travels and laughs. Xo
To Mary Ruth: Your love of Lincoln Landry was there from the start! Thank you for your support, excitement, and friendship. And the awesome Arrows logo.
To bloggers: Your passion is what makes this possible. Your love of the written word drives my stories into the hands of readers. It’s incredible what you do. Thank you for taking a chance on me, for giving my words a spot on your blogs and in your heart. I appreciate it more than you’ll ever know.
Books by Adriana Locke and All Locked Up: My happy places! You put a smile on my face, a laugh in my voice, and a fire in my rear. Thank you for so many things, but for each of your friendships before anything else.