Page 33 of Cru's Crush

“Yes.”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea. What about you?”

“I don’t, either.”

Cru turned his head toward the ocean again. “I don’t want things to be awkward between us, Daph.”

“I’ve already apologized, but I’ll say it again anyway. I’m sorry.”

“I wish I knew how to get us back to where we used to be.”

I blinked away tears, hating that was all he wanted, but knowing it was for the best. “So, the waitress, is that someone you’re dating?”

His brow furrowed when he looked over at me. “Are you sure this is a conversation you want to have?”

“You’re right. I don’t. What time do you want to start tomorrow?”

“I try to be in either the winery or the vineyard by nine at this time of year.”

“Have you finished pruning?” I asked.

“Not everything.”

I hoped he’d let me help tomorrow, but if he didn’t, I’d understand. For now, I’d happily be the equivalent of an apprentice. The opportunity Cru had given me was exactly what I’d been looking for, and what had I done? Flirted with him shamelessly and made him uncomfortable. From now on, things would remain professional between us. We could still be friends, just never anything more.

When we arrivedat the Sea Chest, my parents were first in line.

“How long have you been here?” I asked when Cru dropped me off and went to park.

“Your mum insisted we get here no later than four so we’d have a better chance at getting a table.”

“Looks like you’ll have your pick.”

The restaurant didn’t accept reservations, so diners were seated first come, first served. Hence the line that formed outside every day they were open.

“Look at you guys at the front of the line,” said Cru when he joined us. He shook my dad’s hand and kissed my mum’s cheek.

The three made small talk while I looked out at the Pacific Ocean. I loved it here on Moonstone Beach, and having the chance to work at Los Cab meant I’d be less than thirty miles from it. I should be counting my bloody blessings instead of doing my best to muck everything up.

Stormy,who ran the restaurant, seated us at the best table in the place. It was in the farthest right corner and had a panoramic view of the beach and ocean. Thiswas why my parents got here so early. The table was my mum’s favorite.

“Cru, would you like to do the honors?” My dad asked, handing him the wine list.

“Why don’t we let Daphne pick?” he suggested instead.

I perused the options. There were so many of my favorites that I had a hard time choosing. Finally, I went with a Norman Chardonnay in honor of my parents’ visit.

“I had an interesting conversation with Roan Norman this afternoon. You remember him, don’t you, Daph?” my dad asked.

“Of course I do. Gosh, it has to be ten years or more since I last saw him. How is he?”

“He’s taken over full production from his dad, which I suppose is one of the reasons George and Lana are traveling so much. He asked about you.”

Roan Norman and I had gone on a couple of dates when Beau and I were on a break. He was a nice guy, but I honestly didn’t remember having that much in common with him. At the time, I was twenty and he was twenty-four—one year younger than Cru and Beau. “I don’t recall him having an interest in wine-making.”

“He must’ve acquired one,” said my mum, peering over her menu.

“Cru, do you know Roan?” my father asked.