The Height Of Happiness

Clearing her throat, she offered her hand to Mr. Summerfields as she greeted him curtly with, “Hello again, Mr. Summerfields.”

“Please Serena,” he said smoothly. “Call me Teddy.”

Unable to look at him, she set her gaze on Patrick Thompson, “So maybe one of you can tell me; to what does Belle and Beau owe the pleasure of wine royalty at our big weekend?”

Patrick smiled, “Don’t think yourself as a small fish anymore, Miss Serena. You’ve made quite a name for yourself. I remember everyone seemed to be talking about that tasting panel for newcomers and your wines dominated at that Manhattan event. You went to that Edward. You came home with a whole case of the scuppernong wine! You made the whole board taste it.”

It suddenly became hard for Serena to listen. Edward must have known exactly who she was that night, and her horror swelled up inside her chest. She felt consumed by every negative emotion. It took everything in Serena to hold back her hysteria, but she kept her small smile on her face as she listened to the men banter back and forth without knowing what they were actually saying.

“Well gentlemen, I hope we can talk more at the welcome dinner tonight, but if you will excuse me I have to check with our pastry chef and greet the latest guests. I will make sure that our wait staff brings you a bottle of the wine you loved so much from our cellars in a few moments.”

Serena bowed out and quickly walked away as she tried not to raise suspicion. Hurrying into the inn, she broke into a run before the waterworks could start. Sitting on a milk crate in the corner of the kitchen’s entrance, Serena let her chest heave in and out as she dabbed her eyes with a cloth napkin that she had just snatched from the pile beside her. Cassie came out and sat beside her.

“One of your waitresses just left the kitchen terrified. I don’t think anyone had ever seen you cry here. What’s wrong, friend? Did someone step on your foot? Are the flowers not fitting the color scheme of the cocktail table linens?” Cassie asked as she took the napkin and helped Serena fix her face before handing her a glass of water.

Serena took the water and took a large gulp of the cool drink before replying, “He’s here, Cassie.”

“Who?”

“Summerfields.”

Cassie shrugged, “So? I mean, I would be shocked if you said your mystery man from Manhattan was here. What was his name… Bear?”

“Teddy,” Serena sighed. “Cass, Edward Summerfields IS Teddy.”

They shared a quiet moment as Cassie took a drink of the water herself. Her eyes were wide as the information sunk in. Finally, she spoke again.

“You’ve got to be kidding, S.”

She shook her head, “I feel like an idiot. We had that night together, and he knew! He knew who I was! He had to! I would probably be leaving the vineyard to jump off a cliff right now if I had actually slept with him.”

“Did he think he could get you to sign over your company while in the throws of passion? Does an org*sm cloud other people’s judgment that much?”

Serena couldn’t help but laugh at her friend’s response. Cracking up and still misty-eyed, Serena focused back on what she knew best: her business. A waiter with an empty tray came around the corner, and Serena grabbed him by the pant leg and startled the boy who hadn’t noticed them sitting there.

“Oh! Miss Serena!” He gripped his chest as he caught his breath and Cassie laughed at his fright. “How can I help you?”

“Tyler, I need you to go down to the cellar and bring up a bottle of the scuppernong from five summers ago. Then, I need you to pour two glasses and bring them out to Edward Summerfields and his friend.”

“What do they look like?”

“Summerfields is a roman statue with bright green eyes. His friend Thompson is a blonde goofball who needs to comb his hair. They’re about your height, and their suits probably cost more than your annual salary.”

Tyler nodded before hurrying off down the hall toward the inn’s wine reserves. Finding her center, Serena returned to her guests, but with one look at the two men standing there she retreated to the bathroom once more. Sitting on the toilet in silence, Serena worked to get herself together. Giving herself a pep talk, she knew exactly what to do. She would hold her head high and make herself look like she was having too good of a time to discuss business.

Still, she couldn’t shake the sensation that came with the thought of someone wanting to buy her business. They wanted her world for their own profit. Gritting her teeth, Serena swore that they were going to have to get over that whim of a want. This was all hers.

After fixing her makeup, Serena used the bathroom and came back down the hall with the mission of getting back to her party. While she wasn’t needed, she knew it would look good to converse. However, voices echoed in the hall. Hers wasn’t the only presence in the path leading to the barn’s restrooms. Serena could hear them talking. It was two men, and their voices were distinct and familiar. She still knew his voice. After all the pining over the last few weeks, it cut into her skin and down straight to her heart. He was alone with his second-in-command, Patrick.

“Edward,” Patrick began. “Are you saying this was that girl from New York? This woman is the one you tried to hook up with but weren’t able to actually seal the deal?”

He groaned, “Yes, Patrick. You’re the only one who knows, so don’t go telling everyone.”

“I get it, dude, but I’m just saying this may work out for you.”

“How?”

Patrick laughed, “Either your missed opportunity in bed didn’t scare her off before you bought her winery, OR you can use this to your advantage!”

“That joke’s in poor taste, Patrick.”

“Look, I’m just glad that tiny pe*is of yours didn’t make an appearance. She’d never take you seriously otherwise.”

“I think you’ve got us confused. Look in the mirror next time you shower.”