She quickly dried her hair and applied what little make-up she owned: mascara, blush, and lip gloss. Slipping on her sandals she hurried back toward the tasting room so she could do one final inspection and be ready to meet her guests.
Today, full of chaotic activity, had given her barely any time to think or worry about much. She had hustled from one crisis to the next as she did most days at the vineyard.
The room sported three long tables, filled with food supplied by Reggie. In the center of the food stood the dove ice sculpture. Flowing cold lines added elegance to the table but its grace didn’t calm her unease.
The reds were open and breathing and the whites chilling at the tasting bar. José’s work, no doubt. She’d chosen six wines for tonight. Two whites, a blush, two reds, and an ice wine for interest. None was an adventurous wine but they rested easy on the palate and would be a crowd-pleaser. Other than the facility her donation tonight had been the wines. She could scarcely afford it but pride had had her offering the best. She’d not go stumbling back into her old life dragging bad wine with her.
As she stood alone in the tasting room, the beats of silence greeting her provided enough space for apprehension to flower. This was her first party since the accident. The first time since she’d seen anyone from her old life. They were bound to judge. To scrutinize. That’s what they did. And no doubt she’d be found wanting.
She conjured the image of her aunt standing beside her. “Do you really give a crap what they have to say, Greer? Really?”
A smile played at the edges of her lips. “No, I don’t. I don’t.”
“And you shouldn’t, kid. Don’t give a crap.”
Greer was smiling when the door to the tasting room opened, and she turned to find Dr. Stewart in the doorway. He wore a simple white shirt accentuating sandy hair, tanned skin, khakis, and leather loafers. He possessed a casual relaxed air that drew people.
“I expected to find you rattled with nerves, not smiling.”
“Don’t let the grin fool you,” Greer said. “I’m a nervous wreck. In fact, I might scramble behind the bar right now and hide if you say boo.”
Dr. Stewart laughed. “Humor is a good sign. I think you are going to do fine.”
“Keep saying that. Please. I need to hear it.”
“Has Dr. Granger arrived?”
“Not yet. She said she might be a bit late.” She’d also met Dr. Granger on the board. The tall redhead was a psychologist and if Greer remembered correctly was married to a Ranger. A Ranger. Great. One in her life was enough.
Dr. Stewart surveyed the room, and his face glowed with appreciation. “This looks wonderful, Greer.”
“Thanks.” She didn’t filter out the pride from her tone.
“You’ve come a long way since that day we met in the hospital chapel.”
They’d met minutes after her aunt had died. She’d been sitting alone in the chapel wondering what she’d do next.
“I’m proud of you.” His gaze softened. “Remember when I first suggested the idea of a fund-raiser?”
It had been on the heels of her aunt’s funeral when he’d brought up the idea of a signature fund-raiser. She’d summoned her courage and suggested a wine tasting.
“I feel as if you’ve pushed me into the deep end of the pool.”
Dr. Stewart smiled. “And you are swimming just fine. Give it a little more time, and it will even feel comfortable.”
“I don’t know. I think I’m taking on water now.” She moved toward the bar and slid behind it. “Have a drink with me?”
Wrinkles creased the edges of warm eyes. “I’d love one. Long day.”
“You look as if you are dressed for court.” She set two sparkling wineglasses on the bar and filled both knowing she’d barely drink from her own. She’d face her demons tonight sober as a judge.
Dr. Stewart sipped his glass. “Lovely. I was in court today. Testifying on behalf of a mother trying to win custody of her son from an abusive father. He’s got money. She doesn’t. Messy.”
“I bet you won them over.”
“I think, hope, I did.” He sipped the wine. “Really, outstanding wine, Greer.”
“Thank you. That was made by a Texas winemaker who uses Bonneville grapes.”
“And next year you will be making the wine.”
Greer crossed her fingers. “I can’t wait.”
“With you at the helm, this place will really take a leap forward.”
“My aunt had visions of turning the winery into a showplace.”
“And now you will realize her dream. I’m proud of you, Greer.”
She swirled her glass, inhaled the bouquet, and then sipped. “How about I get through the evening first. It could get ugly fast.”
“You will be fine.”
Greer shook her head. “Have you heard about the body the cops found on the edge of my property?”
He nodded. “A few details, not much.”
She swirled her wine and watched as it coated and then dripped down the inside of her glass. Winemakers called these drops tears, which was so appropriate now. “I knew him. From a long time ago.”
Surprise flashed in his gaze. “Before the accident?”
“Just after.” She studied the empty room soon to be full of guests. “I don’t think most people know the dead man and I were friends.”
“But his death, nonetheless, will cause more gossip.”
She sipped her wine and let it coat her mouth. “Gossip is what’s pulling people here tonight. I suppose the more the better.”
“I promise these people don’t have horns or third eyes. They put their pants on exactly like you.”
A small smile. “You might be right about the pants, but I’m not so sure about the horns. This is a tough crowd.”
“And you will woo them and make lots of money for the Crisis Center.”
“What can I say, I’m a multitasker.” Greer glanced beyond Dr. Stewart. “Is your wife coming tonight?”
“She’s promised to be here but she said she’ll be coming straight from work and may be late. Never know what last-minute problems come up in a pediatric practice.”
Dr. Stewart spoke often of his wife, clearly taking great pride in her work. More cars arrived and she spotted Dr. Granger getting out of a BMW.
Dr. Stewart smiled as he watched Dr. Granger get out of her car.
Jo had rotated off the board as Dr. Stewart was joining. Though Greer didn’t know the psychologist well, she liked her.
Jo’s auburn hair, pinned back with a dark clip, accentuated her pale skin and high cheekbones. Jo would never be described as stunning, but she possessed a quality that made her lovely and unforgettable. She wore a dark suit, white blouse, and sensible high heels suggesting she’d come straight from her office.
As the two women chatted, Dr. Stewart got Jo a glass of wine and then excused himself to meet more arrivals.
Jo smiled, not raising her glass to her lips until he’d ventured outside to meet an older woman dressed in blue silk. “Mrs. Vander Hal loves Dr. Stewart. He has a way of sweet-talking her. And from what I hear he’s charmed more than one or two donations out of the good citizens of Austin.”
Greer watched the old woman’s face light up as Dr. Stewart kissed her on the cheek. “Is your husband coming?”
“Yes.”
“He’s a Texas Ranger.”
“That he is.”
“I met a Texas Ranger the other day.”
“Did you?”
“Tec Bragg.”
“Ah. Bragg. A hard man to read or to be ignored.”
“You’ve met him.”
“Through my husband. He’s quiet. Not fond of crowds.”
“Very intense.”
Jo laughed. “An understatement. How did you meet Bragg?”
“They found a man dead on the edge of my property.”
The lightness in Jo’s gaze dimmed. “Really? What happened?”
“The man hanged hims
elf.” Greer didn’t want to delve into the details.
Jo hesitated as if waiting for details but when Greer didn’t offer more, she didn’t push. “How awful.”
“Yes.”
Outside more guests arrived and parked out front. Anxiety crept up Greer’s spine. She did not want to face these people. She did not.
“You okay?” Jo said.