Free You're Still the One by Darcy Burke Page B

with.”
    Cam rolled his eyes. “You guys are totally ruining this for me.”
    â€œDon’t sweat it,” Kelsey said. “I’ve got a boyfriend anyway. Sorry. You guys want some beer, or do you need a minute?”
    Luke picked up his coaster and ran his thumb along the edge. “Pitchers of Crossbow and Longbow.”
    â€œAnd nachos,” Jamie said. “I’ve missed them so much. You just can’t get decent nachos in England.”
    Hayden nodded. “Or France. Onion rings too, since Walla Wallas are in season. God, I missed those last summer.”
    â€œYou got it.” Kelsey turned from the table, leaving them alone.
    Hayden sat forward and set his elbows on the table like his mother had always told him not to. “Luke, what’s new in Napa? I’m sure it was tough to get away this week.”
    Luke was the vineyard manager at a midsize winery. He’d worked his way up since graduating from UC Davis four years ago. “Yep, but I’ve got a good crew. I fly back Sunday night. How’s France? I was sorry I couldn’t make it out after harvest last fall. Maybe this year. Assuming you’re going back.”
    Hayden shot Cam a grateful look since he’d clearly kept his mouth shut. “Yeah, I’ll head back next month. As assistant winemaker.”
    Luke grinned. “Congrats.”
    â€œGood for you,” Jamie said. “I’m mulling what to do next. Might head back to England. I’ve got a couple job offers.”
    Kelsey returned with their pitchers and three pint glasses. She looked at Hayden. “I didn’t bring you a new glass. Do you want a fresh one?”
    â€œNo, I’m good, thanks.”
    She left with a nod, and they served themselves.
    Hayden topped off his pint. “With Jamie in England, I’ll have family on that side of the world—we can keep each other company.” He raised his glass toward Jamie.
    Jamie responded in kind, and they drank.
    â€œThat blows,” Cam said morosely. “I mean, I’m happy for you, but it sucks when your best friend and your brothers live so far away.”
    Jamie set his glass down on his coaster. “It’s kind of funny, if you look around the table, we could pretty much start a winery tomorrow. If we had, you know, grapes.”
    â€œYeah, those are kind of important,” Luke said wryly before taking a drink of beer.
    Hayden looked around. Luke would be the vineyard manager, obviously, Cam would be in charge of sales, and clearly Hayden would make the wine. “What would you do, Jamie?”
    Luke laughed. “Anything he damn well pleases! He’s smarter than the three of us put together.”
    Not quite, but Hayden knew what he meant. Jamie was Mensa-level genius.
    â€œI wouldn’t just want to do sales,” Cameron said, sounding far more serious than normal. “It’s kind of interesting you brought this up, Jamie. I’ve been getting tired of sales.”
    â€œWhat, you want to run the business?” Luke asked.
    Cameron shrugged. “Maybe. I just wish I didn’t hate accounting so much.”
    â€œI can do that,” Jamie said. “I love numbers. And wine.” He grinned as he lifted his glass. “ And beer.”
    Kelsey returned with the food, and they all dug in. It was quiet, and Hayden wondered if they were seriously pondering this idea. They needed more than just grapes; they needed a vineyard for Luke to oversee. And starting a vineyard from scratch would mean at least five years before a worthwhile vintage. Five years of investment with zero return. Hayden had a trust fund, and he’d have income from The Alex at some point, but the other three didn’t. He doubted they could afford that scenario.
    Luke swiped a napkin over his mouth and took a swig of beer. “We’d need a vineyard.”
    â€œI was just thinking that,” Cam said, answering Hayden’s question