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“I know well the remarkable empire Niko has created. It feels as though I’m being offered a glimpse into the vastness of my rival’s operations. In comparison to what he oversees, my vineyard is relatively modest.”
“Well, then, is he really your rival?” I questioned. “And besides, what’s wrong with finding some inspiration to elevate your own work, Leon?”
He chuckled, a sound that made me feel light. I was relieved he found my comments entertaining. Many might have taken it as a jab at their pride. But Leon’s self-assured nature allowed him to embrace the banter with ease.
“Fair point,” he conceded. “It’s a date!”
“Wonderful! How about you come over around seven?”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he replied with a warmth that sent a delightful blush to my cheeks.
As I hung up the phone, a sense of exhilaration washed over me. Leon was so at ease, so effortlessly engaging in conversation.
With my heart skipping in excitement, I moved forward, continuing my search for Laya. Each step was buoyed by the anticipation and thrill of what was coming.
“Hey!” Laya’s voice shot through the quiet hallway.
I lifted my head, heart stuttering, to see her leaning over the banister at the top of the staircase. The late afternoon sun painted her hair in copper tones.
“Hey, there you are,” I called. “I was just coming to find you.”
I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and let the warmth in my cheeks spill down my neck.
“Is that so?” she cooed, the amusement evident on her face. “Because it sounded like you were flirting with Leon Boscos on the telephone.”
I pressed a hand to the receiver, my cheeks growing warm. “You heard all that?”
She dropped her shoulders. “I did indeed.”
I rose from the carpeted landing and reached the bottom stair. “Is it okay if he comes over for dinner on Saturday?”
Laya’s gaze swept the familiar walls, the framed sketches I’d made in college. “You live here, Cali. You can invite anyone over at any time.” She descended the staircase step by step, each board creaking under her weight, until she stood before me. “So… Does this mean you’ve made your choice?”
I shook my head, running a fingertip along the polished banister. “I don’t know. I’ve tried not thinking at all.”
She cocked her head. “Are you sure? That conversation sounded friendly just now.”
I let out a breath. “I like Leon a lot.”
A gentle smile formed on her lips. “He seems like a good choice, for what it’s worth.”
“Thanks. It means a lot to hear you say that.” My voice wavered. “I feel the same way. Obviously.”
Laya folded her arms across her chest. “Then what’s the problem, Cali? It seems simple.”
A tight knot formed in my stomach. I twisted the sleeveof my sweater. “But is it? I judged Dominic the moment I met him, based only on how he made me feel. Maybe I never gave him a proper chance.”
She lifted a brow. “What’s wrong with deciding by feeling?”
I turned toward the window and watched sunbeams drift across the floor. “That’s not how you and Avra did it. You both chose for business reasons. Emotions didn’t lead you. They were set aside.”
Her lips curved, not mocking but gentle. “Is that really what you think?”
I met her gaze, most of my courage in my chest. “Well, yeah.”
Laya shook her head, dark curls swinging. “I can’t speak for Avra, but I knew I cared for Niko the moment he walked into that meeting. Those feelings only confirmed I’d made the right decision.”
My shoulders eased their tension. I dropped my arms to my sides. “Okay.”