Swing (Landry Family #2)(84)
She spotted Tracy in the distance arranging snowy white hydrangeas and blush pink roses into a dozen crystal vases. A handsome man at her side pressed a long kiss to her cheek. Without introduction, Hope immediately recognized Antonio’s brother. He bore the same tall, lean build, charismatic smile, and silvery-grey eyes. The similarities between the two men were uncanny.
Tracy greeted her with a bright smile and friendly wave. “Hi, Hope. So glad you could make it. Have you met my husband, Vincent?”
“No, we haven’t had the opportunity yet.”
“Ciao.” Vincent lightly clasped her hand in both of his. The scratchy callouses on his palms, the only distinguishable difference between him and his brother. “So nice to finally meet you.”
“Great to meet you too.”
“I hate to run, but I was just on my way out.” Vincent excused himself with an apologetic smile.
“Ciao,” she said, nonchalantly studying the similarities of the brothers’ backsides, long muscular legs and wide shoulders tapered at the waist, as he walked away. Turning to Tracy, she admitted, “From a distance, I would’ve sworn he was Antonio.”
“They look alike, but they’re complete polar opposites,” Tracy assured with a wry grin, enveloping Hope in a friendly embrace. “Thanks for stopping by before you head back to Seattle. I know it adds to your already long day.”
“This place is breathtaking,” Hope complimented, looking over the property with wide eyes. “The renovation is truly stunning.”
“Thank you.” Pride flushed Tracy’s cheeks. “Our goal was to preserve enough of the old to retain an authentic feel, yet offer all the luxurious, modern amenities you’d find at a new five-star resort. It’s been quite the labor of love.”
“Then I guess the name is fitting.” Hope pointed to a small sign hanging on the stucco wall with an arrow reading Amore Mio Winery translating to My Love in English. “Your passion certainly shines through.”
“It’s been an amazing journey. All the hard work and long hours have paid off nicely. Right now, we’re hosting two weddings a day and the calendar is already nearing seventy percent capacity for the next eighteen months. It’s going to be a very busy year.”
“Let’s not forget your gorgeous new label will soon be adorning the table of two hundred thousand wine enthusiasts.” Hope referred to the deal they’d just buttoned up during her visit, ordering twenty thousand cases of wine that would be distributed to more than six hundred warehouse stores throughout the US. “It’s going to be an exciting year for you.”
Tracy agreed with an anxious nod. Her dark, auburn hair accentuated her blue eyes. “I’d love to take you on a tour. Do you have enough time before your flight?”
“I have about an hour. I’d love to see it.”
Over the last few years, meetings had always been held at the vineyard next door, but she’d watched the progress of the restoration from afar. Fortunately, the Inn was booked to capacity this trip and she stayed at a quaint village not too far from the vineyard. Not that Hope didn’t want to stay at the Inn; she simply preferred not to divulge the fact she and Antonio were lovers. She’d learned early in her career not to sex-and-tell. If anything, she went the extra mile to keep her love life private.
Tracy escorted Hope through the quaint courtyards nestled between colorful gardens, pointing out intimate details of the castle. The Inn was tastefully decorated with stylish Tuscan furnishings, wonderfully-appointed beneath original wood beam ceilings. Enthusiasm clung to her every word. “We host an authentic Italian cuisine culinary class three times a week for tour groups, plus jazz nights in the courtyard during the summer. The list goes on. It’s too bad you have to rush home so soon.”
“Believe me, I’d love to stay longer, but I have a meeting the day after tomorrow that I can’t miss. I could use a real vacation. I always promise myself I’m going to come back and visit so many amazing places I travel for my job, but it never seems to happen. Every time I get a few days off, I wind up relaxing at home.”
“Do you ever get tired of traveling so much?”
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.”