Page 73 of The Pretender

“I don’t know how important the current name is to your family, but why doesn’t the winery have your family name on it?”

“Oh. My grandfather thought it was better to name it after the region to give it more local appeal.”

Balt nods. “How do the current and new generations feel about that?”

“I don’t know. It’s never come up. Why? What are you thinking?”

He twists his lips for a second. “Forgive me if I’m overstepping, but I’m a wine drinker and I’m not from Wisconsin.”

“Right.”

“The chances of me discovering a local Midwest wine with a quaint name are low.”

His meaning becomes clear. “So you’re thinking if it had a different name, it might have broader appeal?”

“Exactly. I understand if that would be a controversial move, but it is your business now. It would be an excellent time to rebrand.”

I think it over for a few seconds. “Benedetti Wines?”

“It has a nice ring to it.”

“It does, actually. Let me think on it, and I probably should talk it over with the family.”

“Of course. And if you don’t like it, that’s fine. I’m just putting it out there.”

“I appreciate it. You’re obviously more business-minded than I am.”

“Actually, I was speaking as a consumer. To increase sales, you need to increase customers. A lot of wine drinkers canbe particular about what they drink, so giving it a more international sounding name could attract them.”

“True. I like it. It requires courage though, to change something that’s been around for fifty-plus years.”

“From what I’ve seen, you have plenty of that.”

“That means a lot.”

“I mean it.” He sets his mug down. “All I’ve seen from you is bravery and a willingness to do hard things. Don’t sell yourself short.”

A sense of pride fills my chest. “Thanks, Balt. It took me a while to come around, but maybe the time I spent away from home was good for me.”

“Seems like it.” He smiles. “We should get ready for the day. Shower?”

I nod. “I’ll be right there.”

I follow Balt to the bedroom, and while he heads to the bathroom, I grab my phone, open the browser, and scroll through the website Brogan gave me. I hear Balt brushing his teeth and the water in the shower start, so I quickly add Brogan’s recommendations to the cart, choosing everything based on overall review rating. I’m able to check out and pay before Balt pops his head in.

“Water’s ready.”

“Cool.” I toss my phone onto the bed. He made my fantasy come true, and in a few days, it’ll be his turn. I have no idea what I’m doing, but I’m a quick study. I’m gonna flip his world upside down.

I can hardly wait.

TWENTY-TWO

balthazar

Sittingaround Deo’s family table for another delicious meal is starting to feel too normal. Like I belong here. Nonna is talking about the recipe her grandmother gave her for the bucatini amatriciana we’re having tonight, and the love and respect for this matriarch is palpable.

After the dishes are cleared and we’re just relaxing, Deo shoots me a nervous glance as he clears his throat.