You Had Me at Merlot: Part 2 Read Free Page B

something.’
    ‘Does he indeed?’
    ‘He does. And I’ve seen him looking at you. It’s like when Enzo wants my breakfast.’
    ‘Ha – now that’s flattering!’
    ‘He could be your silver fox.’
    ‘Maybe you should ask him on a date.’
    ‘Maybe I will,’ he laughed. ‘Maybe I’ll date your boss.’
    ‘Go ahead.’ Although I hoped he wouldn’t. There wasn’t a lot of space in between the rows of vines, and as we walked our arms
     kept brushing together. I folded mine across my chest, acutely aware of how my dangling hand might look like a desperate invitation
     to be held.
    ‘You’re really not going to fall for the charms of
You Had Me at Merlot
?’
    ‘Bella Notte I’m already in love with. I’m just not that into the other guests.’ I chose the word ‘guests’ carefully.
    ‘Um, Jamie?’ called a voice from behind. We all turned to see Vicky straggling behind, her deadly weapon Kurt Geiger heel
     wedged firmly into the soil. ‘I think I’m stuck. Can I go back and change into some more comfortable shoes?’
    Once Vicky was comfortably in a pair of wedge trainers and we’d had an alfresco lunch break followed by a tour of the cavernous
     secret cellars of Bella Notte, everybody was itching to start sampling the selection of wines.
    This was Sofia’s turn to shine. She’d laid out the wine-tasting room with dozens of glittering glasses and countless bottles
     in all shapes, sizes and hues. The lighting was low, just enough to supplement the afternoon sunbeams that peered through
     the windows and the open door, and soft Italian opera played in the background. I was loving this holiday so far – boss showing
     up and ancient American stalker aside – because life on a Tuscan vineyard was everything I’d imagined it would be. Then I
     saw the stack of grape-purple, velvet sleep masks and remembered the downside of the trip.
    ‘
Ciao
everybody, please take a mask and a glass and spread out around the room,’ Sofia called. ‘Don’t stand near to people you
     want to romance, because once we start you will have no control over your own bodies.’
    ‘I know whose body I’d like to control,’ leered George, with a wink in my direction.
    Do we have to do this?
I thought.
    ‘Do we have to do this?’ Donna sighed, suddenly next to me.
    It struck me that maybe I was coming across just like her to the others so, although I’d been thinking exactly the same thing,
     I felt the need to distance myself. ‘At least we get to try all these different wines. That’s why I’m here, to be honest.
     I mean, just to broaden my knowledge, not to get drunk or anything.’
    ‘You know that wine they always serve at the end-of-month drinks? As long as this is better than that I’ll be happy.’
    ‘I’ve never really thought about it, but I guess that’s not the best wine.’
    ‘They keep the red in the fridge. Did you go to last month’s?’
    ‘No, I was finishing up a project at my desk. I didn’t really have time.’ I looked back at the table of wine and at Sofia,
     chuckling away with Sebastian as she set everything up. That project was done, finished, and I really didn’t want to think
     about it right now.
    ‘The Groovy Muesli project?’
    ‘Yes.’
    ‘How did it go?’
    ‘Well, thanks, the client was happy.’
    ‘Good. Good work.’ She was trying, and isn’t this what I’d always wanted? Donna to notice me and my work?
    ‘Everybody!’ Sofia tapped on a wine glass, making an angelic
ting
ring out across the room. ‘Put on those blindfolds and then we’ll begin. The rules are simple: you smell it, you taste it,
     you tell us if you like it,and we will shuffle you around the room depending on your preferences. This afternoon we’re working on matching up your taste
     in wines, and then we’ll see if it is the same as your taste in each other.’
    I glanced around for Jamie before putting on my mask, but he seemed to have gone. As long as I didn’t end up being paired
     with