My Hometown Love

Chapter 41 –Wine With A Side Of Jealousy

Lexie’s P.O.V

I watched Kevin tense up the minute Nick winked at me when he first approached us. I noticed how he quickly took another step closer to me casually. He must be boiling with jealousy inside. You see, Nick was a late-20’s good looking guy who looked like he regularly hit the gym. He dressed well and had a way with words. He was basically eye candy.

But he was no Kevin Walker.

However, the mischievous part of me kicked in, and wanted to have some fun. So, I didn’t say a single word but rather just went with the flow.

It was hard not to burst out laughing when Kevin quickly stepped forward and introduced himself as Dr. Kevin Walker. Since the day I arrived in this town, I have never heard him introduce himself like that, but suddenly, he felt that it is crucial to let Nick know his qualifications.

I shook my head in disbelief at the way he was acting. When I heard he owned the vineyard, I have to admit I was smitten. But not with Nick, but rather the idea of someone young running and maintaining a business such as a vineyard, effectively. However, I looked towards Kevin to find his eyes are focused intently on Nick while he mumbled something silently under his breath.

I felt like reaching over to hold his hand and tell him that he has nothing to worry about but I remembered that I promised myself to wait till his hand heals and he sits for his board exam. I don’t want to distract him with a budding new relationship until then.

I ball up my fist and squeeze it tight to stop myself from reaching for him. All I could do is look over to him and whisper a silent ‘You okay?’.

Kevin suddenly relaxed and nodded eagerly with a small smile, assuring me that he was fine.

“Shall we?”, Nick says suddenly, directing my attention back at him.

“Yeah. Let’s go.”, I say as we follow his lead into the building.

The minute we entered the winery, we were hit with the smell of grapes and wine.

“So, here we produce the grapes ourselves and sell wines on site.”, Nick said as he points to the machines and wine barrels in the corner.

After a detailed tour of the winery and lots of pictures later, Nick leads us back outside to the vineyard. The sight of the fruitful vineyard in front of me, that spread out as far as my eyes can see, gave me goosebumps.

“A beauty, isn’t it?”, Nick says as he leans on the wine barrel behind him as gestures towards the vineyard.

“It looks amazing. Right, Kevin?”, I ask as I turn to find Kevin standing a few steps away, drowning in his own thoughts.

Ok, now I felt guilty. I knew I pushed it too far and now he’s all broody and upset.

I’m such an i***t!

I knew that he was already upset with memories of his father and now I’ve added more salt to his wound. I shifted my body towards him and was prepared to walk towards him when I heard Nick stand up and walk towards the staircase leading to the vineyard path below.

“We should really get going if we want to make the whole tour in time. We could leave Dr. Sour Face here if he wants while I give you a detailed special tour.”, Nick says as he casually points towards Kevin.

Oh, this I couldn’t take it. This egoistic prick was going to get knocked down a few pegs from his high and mighty tower.

“Mr. Edwards, first, you have no right to speak of him like that. Who are you to judge him on how he looks without knowing the real story. Secondly, I’m not going anywhere with you, without him by my side. So excuse me, we need a minute before we continue your detailed special tour.”, I blurted out bluntly.

I am generally not a rude person nor a person who raises my voice for simply anything. But his attitude got on my nerves. Earlier, I was just riding with it because I wanted to prank Kevin but Nick has gone too far. I had enough experiences getting called names throughout high school and I would never wish that on anyone. Especially not my Kevin, while he’s upset.

“Everything okay?”, I heard Kevin say behind me.

*************

Kevin’s P.O.V

My mind was filling with memories of how when I was younger my dad taught me all about the town. This trip was more hard and painful than I thought it would be. Funny how I never thought this much about him since I last saw him. I had erased him from my life but somehow he still sneaks back in. On top of that, this jerk won’t keep his eyes off my girl.

When we walked out of the winery, I walked away from them as I tried to drown and hide my painful memories among the sea of grapes in front of me. I was in my silent bubble when I heard Lexie raise her voice.

I snapped out of all my self-pity and rushed towards her, as I managed to catch her entire conversation. Suddenly, my aching heart was soothed by her words and I felt relieved. Mr. Nicholas Edwards on the other hand was embarrassed and was suddenly not as proud.

“Everything okay?”, I asked, as if I didn’t hear a word she said.

“Yeah. No problem. You ready to continue?”, she said as she smiled widely at me.

“Yeah. I’m ready.”, I say as I nod.

“Ms. Cooper, I apologize for my behavior. I hope you can forgive me.”, Nick suddenly apologizes as we start descending the stairs.

“Apology accepted.”, Lexie replies sternly.

Yikes! This girl is going to be one strict mom in the future.

We descend slowly into the sea of grapes and vines as we continue the tour from the suddenly silent and professional Nick. Before we knew it, we were done with the tour and we were walking towards the road to wait for Mr. Miles.

“Thank you for joining us today. Here’s a token of appreciation and apology. Please do visit and support us again.”, Nick says as he hands us a bottle of wine and shakes our hands.

“Wow! He sure is afraid of you now.”, I say as control myself from bursting out laughing.

“Good.”, Lexie replies proudly as she smiles at me.

Soon, we were back on the wagon as we rode to our next destination.

************

Lexie’s P.O.V

Fifteen minutes later, we stood in front of another winery, ready for a new tour. I really hope this winery won’t be as eventful as the last one. We were greeted by this lovely late-50’s couple who welcomed us kindly. They quickly gave us a tour of their winery and vineyard which was slightly smaller than the last one.

I spent most of the time snapping pictures and recording my voice notes for the blog. Kevin looked surprisingly calm and relaxed now, as he enjoyed the scenery with pleasure.

After the tour, the lovely couple invited us for tea at their home, right next door. We were served tea and mini cupcakes as they asked about our lives.

“So, how does it feel to be back home, dear?”, Mrs. Baker asked as she sipped her tea.

“Well, I do miss the city but it’s so nice to be here with everyone I love.”, I reply as I smile to myself.

“Aww…that’s sweet. There is truly nothing more important than love and family.”, Mr. Baker replies as he puts his arm sweetly around his wife.

“Oh, Jim. We have company.”, she replied shyly as she playfully hit his chest.

We all laugh as we continue to enjoy these delicious cupcakes that tasted vaguely familiar in some way.

“These cupcakes taste amazing. Did you make them yourself?”, I asked them.

“Oh no, dearie. We got them from JL bakery in town, Jim goes there once a week to get some pastries.”, she answers.

“Oh! My parents own that bakery. No wonder they tasted so familiar.”, I excitedly replied.

“Ah, I see. So you’re Cooper’s little girl. I haven’t seen you since I met you and your brother at the dentist a long time ago.”, Mr. Baker explains.

“What about you, son? Are you from around here too?”, she asks Kevin.

“Yes. Born and raised. My parents are Frank and Lily Walker.”, he replies without a flinch.

“Ah, I remember them. I used to see your mother at the farmer’s market when it still used to exist here.”, Mrs. Baker said.

“Yeah. It’s a shame the market was discontinued and shifted to the next town.”, Kevin replied.

We spent a couple more minutes with them before we politely excused ourselves.

“Thank you for the delightful tea and wonderful company, Mr. & Mrs. Baker.”, I said as I walked out the door.

Kevin shook Mr. Baker’s hand before following me out. We both walked together to the main road to wait for Mr. Miles.

“Such a sweet couple, right?”, Kevin said as he smiled to himself.

“Yeah. They have a lovely home and winery.”, I reply as I gaze at their home from afar.

“They are couple goals and retirement goals for sure.”, Kevin said as laughed.

“Yeah. How nice to retire with your better half in a beautiful place like this.”, I said before twirling around with joy as I took a long breath of fresh air.

“Yes. It is.”, Kevin replied softly, as he stares at me.

I quickly turn to catch him staring and he almost trips over his feet.

“Take a picture. It’ll last longer.”, I say sarcastically.

“Okay!”, he replies as he pulls out his phone from his pocket and points it at me.

“Ahh! I was just kidding!”, I reply as I chase him with my extended arm to block his camera lens.

“Too late. You owe me a picture now or else, I’ll keep staring at you.”, he said as if he was negotiating a hostage deal.

“Fine. But you better make sure I look cute.”, I say in defeat as I cross my arms and pout.

“Lexie Cooper, when are you not?”, he blurts out, much to my surprise.

I laugh at his statement and I immediately hear the camera shutter sound.

“There. Perfect.”, he says as he shows me the picture on his phone.

The sounds of hooves remind us of our ride as we quickly cross the road and get on the wagon.

“We’re going to have to pass a bumpy mud-like road to reach the barn so make sure you hold on tight.”, Mr. Miles says as he turns into a rural road.

I hold on to the side of the wagon while Kevin, who is sitting on my left, grips the edge of the wagon behind me.

True enough the road gets bumpy and uneven, so I grip on tighter. Suddenly, my eyes catch sight of an eagle flying in the sky before landing on top of a barn. I quickly fumbled to grab my camera which is hanging on my neck and aim for the eagle.

CLICK!

I snap the beautiful picture of the majestic eagle and I stare at the camera screen, reviewing my work as my thumbs play with the controls. 

Suddenly, I feel the tire under me fall into a hole, sending me flying in the air and towards off the wagon.

I suddenly felt an arm coil around my waist tugging me back with one swift motion towards the wagon seat.

I turn to see the one-armed Kevin using his only usable arm to save me. He stares into my eyes with both fear and concern as he whispers in my ear.

“Don’t worry. I got you.”