Page 52 of The Pretender

SIXTEEN

balthazar

“So this is it.”Deo’s father Larry gestures around the large office. It’s lined with filing cabinets and boxes cluttering the floor and corners. “We’re a little behind on the filing.”

The room is dank and the lighting dim. It feels like a forgotten basement more than an office for any business, much less a winery. There are three desks in the room, circa 1975, and only one small window barely capable of letting in any light.

“You have computers, right?” Deo asks.

“We have one. Brogan made us get it, but we haven’t used it much.”

“How do you track your expenses and receivables?”

Larry walks over to one of the desks and holds up a huge binder, smiling awkwardly. “Our ledger.”

Well. This is going to be a lot more intense than I anticipated. Deo turns his gaze to me, questions in his eyes. I nod in response.

“How do you feel about modernizing?”

Larry sets the ledger down and leans on the edge of the desk. “That’s a question for Amadeo now. We’re ready to pass the baton. I wish I could tell you we left it in thriving condition, but…” He shrugs. “It’s a good opportunity to rebuild things theway you want them to be. Of course, Salvo and I will be here to fill in the gaps and provide as much support as you need, but we’re ready to let go.”

Deo folds his arms across his chest. “You’re sure about this, Dad?”

“We’re sure.” He glances at me. “Truth be told, if you hadn’t come back we were discussing closing the doors.”

This news seems to startle Deo as his jaw drops. “Dad! Why didn’t anyone tell me this?”

“We explained that already. No one wanted you here out of obligation. It’s too much work and responsibility for that. So the real question is, areyouup for it? Are you committed to this?”

I study Deo’s expression as the words hang in the air. I don’t know him well enough to be able to read every nuance, but I’m pretty sure I see a glimmer of determination in his eyes as he nods firmly.

“I’m committed.”

Larry’s gaze shifts to me, and I can already tell that whatever he’s about to say next is going to be challenging.

“I don’t want to pry, but what happens when Balt goes back home? Will you leave with him?”

“It’s not like that, Dad,” Deo says, glancing at me. “We’re not…” He shrugs, letting his words trail off.

“I’m not leaving any time soon,” I say. “Additionally, if our relationship were to get to that level, I would honor Deo’s commitments. We’d figure it out.”

Larry nods but he doesn’t look at all convinced. “It would be disappointing if you changed your mind, but none of us have a crystal ball, so if you say you’re committed, I’ll accept that.”

“I am, Dad. I wouldn’t have come back if I wasn’t. I gave it months of thought before I did.” He shifts his pretty gaze to me. “Balt and I will figure our stuff out.”

“Very well. We have everything labeled, but I’d start with the ledger to see our current financials. Obviously, we aren’t in production right now, but we have a good inventory aging in the warehouse. You’ll find all that in the books.” He smiles and I’d say he looks relieved. “I’ll leave you to it.”

Once Larry leaves, Deo deflates, leaning into me. “What a mess.”

I nod, rubbing his back. “Yes, but your dad is right. It’s a good opportunity to rebuild it in your vision.”

“Except I don’t have one. I can manage a project, but the fuck do I know about marketing and shit? The website looks like it was made with a free program back in 2000.”

“Might I suggest we look at the financials and then we can make a solid plan for what staff we might need to bring on? Like a marketing person.”

The door to the office swings open and Brogan enters with dramatic flair, sporting the yellow fur coat again. Beside them is Deo’s nonna.

“Never fear, cousin. We’re here to help.”