Page 28

Franky grabbed their bags, and they headed inside. As soon as she walked through the doors, Skylar was instantly struck with a sense of nostalgia. The artwork and decor were so familiar, and she felt transported back to her childhood.
Skylar walked across the lobby and was taken aback when she saw the girl behind the reception desk. She looked familiar, but no, it couldn’t be. The last time Skylar had seen her, she was a teenager with long, unruly brown hair, gangly arms, and skinny legs.
“Ari?”
Ariana Zanetti’s brown eyes raised to meet hers. “Can I help you?” The awkward girl Skylar remembered had been replaced by a beautiful young woman.
Skylar removed the sunglasses she’d forgotten she was wearing. “It’s me. Skylar.”
Ari blinked a few times before recognition hit. “Skylar Schultz! Oh my goodness!” She rounded the counter and gave Skylar a hug. “It’s so good to see you. I didn’t know you were coming. How are you?” Her eyes landed on Franky as she let go.
“I’m doing well.” Skylar looked over at Franky, who was staring back at Ari with that grin guys get when they’re in the presence of a beautiful woman. She felt a twinge of jealousy but pushed it down inside. “This is my friend, Franky. Franky, this is Ariana Zanetti.”
“Call me Ari.” She held her hand out to him, and he shook it.
“Nice to meet you, Ari.”
“Her father has been running this place since it opened,” Skylar told him.
“Coming up on the fortieth anniversary in a few years,” Ari said.
“Has it really been that long?”
Ari nodded.
“Sounds like a good time for a celebration.” Skylar had a feeling her father would want to do something special for that milestone and recognize all Roberto and his family had done to keep Schultz Winery running.
“I think we can come up with something.”
“How long have you been working here?” Skylar asked.
“Since high school. I worked part-time after I graduated, and tried the college thing for a while, but it just wasn’t for me. I’m happy here. And who wouldn’t want to go to work to this view every day.” She pointed to a series of framed photographs on the wall behind her, showcasing a view across the vineyard to the bay beyond in each of the four seasons.
Skylar gasped. “My pictures.”
“Your pictures?” Franky asked.
“I did a project one year during high school for a photography class and gave the finished pictures to Roberto and Rose.”
“They’re great,” he commented.
“I didn’t know they were displayed here.”
“You captured this place beautifully,” Ari said. “They’re a welcome sight when we start work each day.”
“I’m so happy to hear that.” Skylar smiled. “Do any of your other siblings work here?”
“All except Gabby.”
Her eyes widened. “Luca’s still here?”
“He is. Papa’s teaching him everything so when he decides to retire, Luca can take over.”
“That’s awesome. I haven’t seen him in such a long time.”
“And you just missed Izzy actually.”
“Oh, I would’ve loved to see her again. Where’s Gabby living now?”