Heart Nectar Read online

  “Did he treat everyone here the same way?”

  “He was sweet when he wanted to be, especially when he wanted something. But, who in this world isn’t? I don’t really know how he dealt with anyone else.”

  “How can he hurt you now?”

  Hesitating, Mindie sat down on a tall bar stool. Her expression gave nothing away, years of perfecting the poker face gave her the uncanny ability to decipher life without blinking. “I don’t want him to ruin our reputation as winemakers. Maybe we didn’t grow the grapes, but, it isn’t a secret and we didn’t hide the fact. I’m proud to use a fellow Iowan’s produce, makes us both look good. Someday, when our vines are older and healthier, we can have a blend start to finish.”

  “Listen to what you said, you solved your problem. Did you feel it?”

  Soothing Mindie was a difficult task, ever hard on herself, she refused to allow herself out of anything easily. Possibly always looking at ways she could be wrong was a horrible vice she couldn’t let go. “You’re a good friend.”

  “We’re best friends. So what if this Stansfield guy is being rude? He will be gone before you know it and life will become peaceful again.”

  “He can’t leave fast enough. The jerk head is only here for a few days, from what I understand.”

  “What more can he do in only a few days?”

  What more indeed? The good-looking package contained the most utterly obnoxious man Mindie had ever come across. In the few snippets of time she’d seen him, arrogance oozed off him like some foul slime. Pretention wasn’t the worst of the flawed character traits. By demeaning Mindie and Nixie’s business, Stansfield directly insulted her to the core. Seething anger simmered in a stew peppered with ill-will, scorn, and contempt. Disregarding their achievements fell akin to maligning her own child. The wood, concrete, and metal could’ve easily been flesh and blood, born of Mindie’s own body.

  A new wave of frustration washed over her. “I don’t give a shit how much his money could help us with our goals, I’d rather cut a deal with the devil himself.”

  “We don’t need his funds. Our profits speak for themselves. We’ll get there on our own, our baby isn’t in trouble. So what, we want to get there faster, it’s all like a good wine, my friend. As the shop ages, we find new ways to enjoy it. I think if we got too big, everything would stop being fun anyway.”

  “You are always good at making sense. You know just what to say to me.” Mindie hugged her sincere friend. “Thank you for setting me straight.”

  “It’s what I’m here for, the stable other half of things.”

  “I guess that makes me the drama queen?”

  Chapter Two

  Biting her nails, Mindie paced in an out of the way space at the convention center. Unsure how to deal with the stress of competition, she disappeared soon after the judging began. Nixie chose to stay at the winery, keeping business as usual. Although Mindie had a sneaking suspicion Nixie used the work excuse to stay away from the high-pressure event. Otherwise she’d be pacing right alongside her best friend. People wearing excited smiles bustled around the venue. Wine glasses clinked, laughter tingled, and conversation buzzed, much like most of the guests. With this much wine around, Mindie could’ve been drunk for days. Dealing with stress via intoxication had never worked well for her, so she generally stayed away anything with an alcohol content until she found her Zen. By Zen, she didn’t mean Zinfandel.

  Pungent smells filled the air, snacks like cheeses, crackers, chocolates, and all the typical wino food. When normally such delights awakened her empty tummy and anxious taste buds, today nausea rolled through Mindie’s gut like gulf waves. Sipping water, the cool liquid helped keep her bodily contents in its place. The phone buzzed, startling her, likely another text message from Nixie. They traded a spirited electronic conversation.

  What’s happening now?

  I’m hiding behind some curtains.

  You can do this. You’re the strong one between us.

  Only because you make me be.

  I’m sorry, I’m no good under pressure.

  Why are we talking about each other’s known weaknesses?

  Because it’s better than biting my nails.

  Well go clean something then. I’ll text you again later.

  Unable to squelch her nagging curiosity any longer, Mindie peeked inside the large open room. Just as she’d imagined people talking, joking, even flirting, went on in the cheery space. Large tables containing wine lined against three walls. A few smaller tables with chairs dotted the remaining wall. Mindie became her own miniature antisocial group, various personalities bombarding her nervous mind, larger than a singular being. A few folks sat in chairs intent on either private conversations or the wine in their glasses. Choosing the most direct path with the least number of people in the way, she attempted to walk quickly while faking an air of confidence. The long strides became a direct contradiction to the swing of her arms, like power walking away from Freddy Krueger. Settling into a chair at the furthest table, she looked around unsure what to do next. Thankfully, before she squirmed out of her chair to hide underneath the table, a happy waitress saved her discomfort.

  “Can I get you anything?”

  “I’m not sure I should be drinking.” The heavy sigh came from nowhere, startling Mindie’s shaky composure.

  “Do you have a wine up for competition?”

  “Yes, the suspense is killing me.”

  “If it’s any consolation, I’ve heard nothing but good things about all the wines that people are tasting today. I believe we have quality all the way around.”

  “That’s sweet of you to say. I guess I bleed wine, it’s my heart and soul. What I’ve made is so personal to me and my partner, being judged on it is difficult.”

  “You’re an artist you know. Wine crafting is more than simply booze in a bottle. Of course you’re nervous about a competition, it’s like putting your kid in a beauty pageant, but actually worse.”

  “I love that you get it. Talking with you has eased my jitters a little bit.”

  “We girls gotta stick together. I’d rather lift someone up if I can.”

  “I think I’ll have a glass now. Why don’t you surprise me with something you’d choose. I’m here for a tasting after all.”

  The kind waitresses’ gaze shifted up behind Mindie. “And you, sir? Can I get you anything?”

  “I’ll have what she’s having. She’s got exquisite taste, and a real knack for wine.” Charles Stansfield’s voice dripped onto the back of Mindie’s neck sliding to her ears like acid.

  “Okay- I’ll be right back with your drinks.” Bustling away, the waitress left an impossible cavern between Mindie and her newest adversary.

  “It’s good to see you out here in the main room instead of cowering behind the curtains.” His laughter indicated something lacking good nature. Mindie couldn’t tell the difference between an intended joke or his true shitty personality.

  “I guess you know about hiding. You hide behind an asshole guise most of the time. Or, is that who you really are?” Nausea departed leaving a gaping hole of angry heat boiling inside her. Being around him was like heartburn on illegal steroids.

  “I’d be richer than I am now if I had a dollar for every time someone called me an asshole. I’m quite used to it.”

  “Why are you talking to me? Obviously we have fat little to discuss with each other.” Resisting the urge to smack him in the face with her purse, Mindie put her hands in her lap, gripping her thighs.

  “Anger really brings out your beauty. You are absolutely ravishing when you’re growling.”

  “You’re disgusting. I hope you don’t think for one single minute I’ve been trying to play hard to get. I’d rather be celibate for the rest of my life.” Just what the hell was this jerk talking about? His incorrigible personality completely removed any sexually charged curiosity Mindie initially had for the man. Sinking further into self-loathing, she longed for the time before she
’d ever met this beast.

  “Such harsh words, I think you’re speaking from a place of reaction not reality.”

  “Do you honestly believe I want anything more to do with you? This is a classic case of no means no but our clothes are on.” Inching into a place of discomfort, Mindie’s anger merged with fear. What if this guy is some kind of crazy stalker? Should she be worried?

  “I won’t do anything you don’t want to do. And I won’t do anything I don’t want to do, as in fund your little hobby. I’m interested in serious business with dedicated entrepreneurs. The kind of folks that don’t allow their emotions to rule their business decisions. You’re becoming the type I generally stay away from.”

  “Well thank the good Lord then! Because I don’t know how to tell you any other way to stay the fuck away from me. I don’t want your money. I don’t want your support. I don’t want your partnership. You have no idea about true artistry or craftsmanship. Everything you do must be quantifiable, you probably even ejaculate on command, but only if it’s in your day planner. You don’t have a soul.” Unaccustomed to saying such things, especially out in public, Mindie felt a telling heat rise up her neck and flush her face. Why did this creature possess such fervency to demean her?

  "I'd issue apologies if I believed in such a concept. Since I don’t, I’ll just say touché. Although I’d rather hoped we’d finish this conversation with you naked underneath me, I see today it’s just not going to happen."

  "What do you mean today? Your sorry ass would never have the privilege of seeing me naked, much less underneath you." Violated by not only words, but his lecherous tone assailed her. A snaking ugliness wrapped around Mindie, almost cutting off emotional circulation. "I've never met another human so despicable."

  "The limits of living in a small town are unfortunately your naïve downfall. You’re so cute and charming, but in a novelty way like a cheap stuffed animal from a carnival."

  Wordlessly, Mindie watched the waitress approach with their wine. From the slant of her eyes and grimace replacing her warm smile, it was fairly clear she’d heard at least part of his dialogue. Stealthily drawing closer, the waitress briefly connected her gaze with Mindie’s tormented expression. Just as she reached the back of the chair Charles sat in, she tipped her serving tray forward. Deep red, almost violet liquid spilled into his collar, and down his back. The two wine glasses tumbled down to either side of his chair. The tray flipped over his shoulder, landing in his lap. "What the hell?"

  "Oh my gosh, I’m so so so sorry." Gushing a string of apologies, her tone of contrition cleverly disguised her straightforward intention. "I tripped on something. There was something on the floor. I didn’t mean to make a mess, please forgive me. I’ll get you a free bottle of wine to make up for it."

  "Free wine? You think I want a free bottle of wine? This is a nine-hundred shirt now saturated with what smells like a truly glorious red blend. You think a twenty dollar bottle of wine is enough to make up for your carelessness?"

  Biting the inside of her lip trying desperately to stop the gales of laughter waiting in her chest, Mindie stood quickly, moving next to the waitress. "Charles, give this girl a break. She wouldn’t be here on a Saturday serving up glasses of wine if she didn’t need a job. She tripped, it was a complete accident. She wouldn’t ruin her reputation as a server on purpose." In the brief amount of time since Mindie met the waitress, she felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the young girl. Knowing she risked losing her job to dump wine all over his dumbass demonstrated a loyalty rarely seen among unfamiliar people. "You probably don’t wear your shirts more than one time anyway, since you have more money than I’d ever know what to do with. Will you please accept her apology and just move on?"

  Pulling a few bills from his wallet, Charles tossed some money onto the table. “In case you lose your job today, here’s a little severance pay for me to you.” Briskly leaving the room, he still hadn’t lost even a touch of his swagger.

  Putting her hands over her mouth, the waitress sank into his empty chair. “I don’t know what went over me? I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but when I heard some of the things this person was saying to you, I kinda went into a rage." Looking toward Mindie with questioning eyes, the waitress appeared genuinely stunned by what she had done.

  The few people close to them raised eyebrows, and stared curiously in their direction. A couple folks shrugged their shoulders, returning to their private conversations. No one else in the room seem to even be aware of what transpired. Checking around for signs of a possible supervisor, Mindie quickly scanned about making sure no one was approaching them with demands for answers. The same jovial scuttle went on as if Charles Stansfield hadn’t been doused with a small winery blend. "I don’t think anyone else saw. I’m crossing my fingers you’re in the clear. I owe you big time." Mindie scooted her chair a little closer to the waitress, leaning in. "I don’t know how old you are, or if you have a boyfriend, but this is an example of the kinda guy you want to steer clear of."

  "Is he dangerous or something?" Widening her eyes, stark paleness eked out the color in her cheeks.

  "Oh, nothing like that, he isn’t some weird Mafia man or something. You needn’t fear for your life. I’m just saying jerks like that who believe they’re entitled to everything, while degrading anyone and everything around them."

  "Was this guy your boyfriend or something?"

  "Oh hell no! This guy wanted to be a financial backer in my winery, it’s a long story. But I’m figuring out what kind of person he is, and I don’t do business like that."

  "I hope I didn’t ruin anything for you."

  "You didn’t ruin anything. As a matter of fact, I’m so grateful, I want to offer you a job. You may not need a job. I don’t really know you and you don’t know me. The only thing that matter is I like your style."

  "Wow, seriously?"

  "Yes, ma’am, I’m Mindie Larsen. My partner and I own Heart Nectar winery in Braden, Iowa. We are a small operation, hoping to expand. We’ve been wanting to hire a sort of apprentice. It will be mostly grunt work at first, but if you’re serious and ready to work, we’ll give you that chance."

  “I’m Wendy Smith. I’m twenty years old, and go to community college. Waitressing is my day job, but I’ve always had dreams of something else. I’ve been fascinated by the charm of wineries. Maybe this could be an opportunity for me to think about what I want to major in."

  "I majored in winemaking classes in college. I’ve been lucky to combine my passion with my career. I’ve never regretted my choice."

  Mindie and Wendy exchanged contact information. Upon finishing her shift, Wendy waved in Mindie’s direction as she walked away. “Oh, I’ll get you another glass of wine.”

  Laughing, Mindie nodded eagerly. Confidence slowly creeped back into her demeanor. The craziness of Charles, Wendy, and her worry about the wine judging almost overwhelmed the day. Even when uneasiness attempted to creep back into Mindie’s mind, she deftly swept it away. Chuckling to herself Mindie wondered if the day could have turned out any better?

  ****

  Arriving back at Heart Nectar, Mindie parked behind the building, hoping to surprise Nixie. Although her partner texted several times, Mindie managed to evade every single one. There came a time when texting just didn’t cover the conversation the way a person wanted. With so much that it happened, the story would lose major juice from abbreviated sentences. Slipping into the unlocked backdoor, she quietly tiptoed through the back kitchen. Catching movement out of the corner of her eye, Mindie focused her attention in the direction of her best friend.

  Nixie sat cross legged beside a short side table. A tall cylinder candle flickered faintly in the center. Intently wrapping something up in material she didn’t recognize, Mindie watched the strange ceremony. What the hell?

  “Umm, hey, I’m back.” Mindie managed her way into the opposite couch, setting her backpack beside her.

  “I hope you have a good reason for ignoring
me all afternoon.” Never taking her gaze from the flame, Nixie appeared calm, determined.

  “I saw the asshole again. I should’ve known he’d be there. I wanted to clock him, but he isn’t worth going to jail over.”

  “I guess that’s to say he won’t be our benefactor for renovations. Before you ask, I’m okay with that, I’d rather keep what we’re doing on a small scale than have some deviant all up in our business.”

  “I’m so happy you support that, Nixie. Because he is just the most reprehensible person I’ve ever met. He bordered on psychotic today, even sadistic. I’d hate to be involved in him in any way shape or form.”

  “Stop sitting there so mysterious, tell me how the freaking contest went! How did our wine do? Did my baby, the red blend, wow the crowd?”

  Slowly opening her backpack, Mindie pulled out several medals. “I’d say we cleaned up!” Triumphantly passing the awards over to her business partner, Mindie’s eyes filled with tears. The entire stress of the day, coupled with years of intensive research, work, and effort, went in to the bottles placed before judges that day. Heart Nectar, the name of their winery, accurately reflected how they genuinely felt about every batch going into bottles. “I know we don’t need validation from some judge, but man it felt good to see these awards.”

  “Absolutely! This is our art, a product of our soul. I find no other way to describe what we do.”

  “I guess we need to decide how we’re going to raise the additional funds for the expansions we want to make. I know the bank is a possibility. If we can’t get the loan, or maybe we don’t get as much as we want, we need to have a backup plan.”

  “I know my family may want to invest into the winery. I just don’t know how much they have to offer. I also know we aren’t sure how quickly we can return their investment. The money they have is from their retirement account. We also need to hire at least one employee. Everything could start getting way more expensive than we imagine.”