Page 12 of Cru's Crush

“I hear congratulations are in order.” Brix raised his glass at the same time I handed one to her. “Welcome to the Los Cab team.”

“Thank you. I’m excited to have the opportunity,” she said, taking a sip when Brix did.

Since I knew which wine he’d poured, I waited for her reaction. I was rewarded when she looked at me with wide eyes.

“Another of yours?” she asked.

“Yes and no,” Brix answered before I could. “You can explain. I haven’t seen my wife in almost five minutes, and you know how I get.” He winked at Daphne before going into the kitchen.

“What did he mean?” she asked.

“The blend is one of my father’s. We haven’t released it since not long after he died. I’m bringing it back.”

“It’s first label, yes?”

“It is. It will be my first official release since taking over as winemaker.”

“It’s a spectacular offering.”

“Thanks.” I couldn’t help but smile. Daph had no idea what her opinion meant to me, both personally and professionally. “Oh and, by the way, Brix and Addy are leaving for Mexico tomorrow.”

Daphne’s eyes widened. “That soon? Or wait, on holiday?”

I shook my head. “For good. I mean, I’m sure they’ll visit. They’re just moving out of the house.” I held up one finger. “Be right back.” I stuck my head in the kitchen. “Hey, Addy.”

She looked over her shoulder. “Hi, Cru. Dinner will be another twenty minutes or so.”

“Does that mean I have time to give Daph a quick tour?”

“Of course,” said Brix. “You know the way.”

“We have a few minutes before dinner, so I’ll show you around,” I said, leading Daphne to the staircase. “There are two bedrooms on the main floor and three more on the second level. I’m not sure, but I think there’s one more on the third.” When we reached the landing, I motioned to the right, where the sleeping areas I mentioned were located. “Each has its own bathroom.”

Daphne stuck her head in. “Very nice.”

We walked through the den to the opposite side. “This is a second master,” I said, going through the doorway. “You could have your pick of this or the onedownstairs. They’re the same design. Actually, one is right above the other.”

She walked over to a door leading outside. “What’s this?” she asked.

I joined her and opened it.

Daphne gasped. “Wow, a sleeping porch. This is brilliant.”

“Wanna check out the third level?” I asked.

“Of course.”

When we did, I wished we hadn’t. It was set up almost like an apartment, albeit without a dedicated entrance. There was a third master bedroom, with a full bath, a living room, and a small kitchen.

Daphne surveyed the space but didn’t appear interested, thankfully.

“Shall we?” I asked, motioning to the stairs.

“This is interesting,” she said, resting her hands on the half wall framing the open area that went from the main floor to the roof, where there was a skylight in the same shape.

“The house was constructed using Vastu design principles where the center is open.”

“I noticed it on the first floor and wondered,” she commented.