“I’m serious,” Vanessa said. “The last time I saw him, he looked really tired. Like he was bothered by something. Have you heard or seen anything in the news lately?”
Logan shook his head. “No, but why don’t you ask him yourself?”
Vanessa laughed. “Yeah, right. Me talk to my father about business? He thinks women are only good for two things − eye candy and sex. He would never talk to me about anything financial. Besides, I just spend the money. I don’t care where it comes from.”
“Well, sometimes, business deals fall through, and it can be stressful. Your father has always been a smart man, I’m sure it’s nothing,” Logan said, making a mental note to ask around when he got back home.
They made small talk the rest of the way, and finally, Logan pulled up in front of Trellis Estates. Getting out of the car, Logan whistled. "Wow, this place is really awesome," he said as a smart young man came to take their bags while a valet took Logan's keys to park the car.
“Be careful with that car,” Logan said, noticing the young man, his eyes light up as he saw the Ferrari. “But you can take it for a quick spin if you want.”
"Oh, no, Sir. I'd get in trouble, but it sure is a nice car. I hope I can afford one like that one day,” the man said.
“Hard work and perseverance,” Logan said, winking at him before following Vanessa through the front door.
Their footsteps echoed on the marble floor as they entered the main lobby. The place was indeed luxurious with Roman-style pillars and gold-flecked accents on the walls. The gentle trickle of a waterfall could be heard, adding to the serenity of the lobby.
“I love how they have grapes and vines painted on the ceiling," Vanessa said, looking up.
"Well, it is a vineyard, they’ll have that style everywhere,” Logan answered her.
“Welcome,” a smartly dressed young woman greeted them. “ Are you here for the wedding?”
“Yes. Logan Darlington and Vanessa Chilton,” Logan answered as he looked around. The real estate agent in him was wondering what the value of a place like this would be.
"Oh, yes, Mr. Darlington. We have you in the Merlot Room,” the receptionist handed him a key. “Rooms are down the hall to your right. The restaurant is over on your left, and wedding guests are meeting in the Vine Room for cocktails and hors d'oeuvre at six. Your bags will be waiting for you in your room.”
Logan took the key and smiled at her. “Thank you very much,” he said, taking Vanessa’s hand as they walked towards the hall that led to their rooms.
“This place is amazing,” Vanessa said. “I wonder what our room will look like?”
When they reached their room, Logan swiped the key and opened the door. The room wasn’t huge, but it certainly didn’t disappoint. The king-size bed looked very inviting, and the bathroom was done in marble with gold faucets. Everything screamed money and luxury.
"Oh, my God. Look at this view,” Vanessa said, opening the curtains. A large patio door opened up to a small private patio. The vineyard lay before them, stretching for miles and miles. On one side of the patio was a small two-seater hot tub, just waiting for them.
“Oh, I can’t wait to get in there,” Vanessa said, looking around to see if they had privacy. “But I didn’t bring a swimsuit, so I’d have to skinny dip.”
Logan laughed. “I’m sure you won’t mind that at all.”
Walking up to Logan, Vanessa purred. “I could get naked right now if you want.”
Logan smiled. Normally he would be the first one to be out of his clothes and into bed, but for some reason, he didn’t feel like it right now. “You know, I’m kind of tired after the drive. Why don’t we unpack and take a stroll around the grounds before cocktail hour?”
Vanessa frowned at him. “Okay, but are you okay?”
“Yeah, sure. Why are you asking?”
“You never turn down sex, even if it is a quickie,” Vanessa said, going over and opening her bag.
“Don't worry; it isn’t because I don’t find you attractive. I just want to wait,” Logan said, taking out his shaving kit to bring into the bathroom. He couldn’t understand what he was feeling, either. Normally he would be banging Vanessa up against the wall as soon as they got into the room, but for some reason, he didn't want to. He wasn’t even sure he wanted to make love to her at all this weekend. He certainly hoped his feelings changed back to normal because he wanted to enjoy their stay.
After they had unpacked, they took a stroll in the vineyard. They found a small table in the courtyard and enjoyed a complimentary glass of wine.
“Oh Logan, this is so beautiful. If we get married, I want everything to be here,” Vanessa gushed excitedly. “Everything is so perfect.”
Logan just nodded as he took a sip of wine. He did think the place was wonderful, but instead of thinking about getting married there, he was thinking about owning a vineyard. “I wonder how much a place like this would cost.”
“Would you stop being a real estate agent for once,” Vanessa groaned.
“Logan? Logan Darlington?” a deep voice came from the other side of the courtyard.
Logan looked over and recognized one of his old friends. “Brent Sampson? Holy shit. How the hell are you?" he said, jumping up and giving the man a hug. “I didn’t know you were coming to the wedding!”
“Well, my wife knows the bride,” Brent said. “Wow, you look great, Logan. I take it you’re still in the real estate business?”
"Oh, yes. It’s in our blood,” Logan laughed. “Brent, this is my friend Vanessa Chilton. Vanessa, Brent, and I went to college together.”
“Vanessa, very nice to meet you. Chilton? Not the Chilton of Chills?”
“That’s my father," Vanessa said, smiling. "Nice to meet you." She was trying to look cheerful, but inside was fuming that Logan hadn’t introduced her as his girlfriend. Just a friend. She had thought she was more than just a friend.
“My wife is around here somewhere. I think she went to the bathroom. She’s expecting right now, so she seems to be in there all the time,” Brent said with a chuckle.
“Wow, married and expecting?” Logan said. “First child?”
“No, third. Tippy and I have been married for five years now. We had trouble getting pregnant at the beginning, but once it started. Bang! We are on a roll. We want a football team.”
Logan felt his heart quicken when he heard the name Tippy. The only other Tippy he knew was Tippy Starkson, who he had dated in high school, all they had done was have wild sex whenever they could. She had been insatiable, and Logan had spent many a night between her legs, trying to keep her satisfied.
“Brent, there you are,” a rather plump, very pregnant woman came from the doorway and waddled over to their table.
Logan looked at her and recognized Tippy. She had gained weight and was pregnant, but her face was still beautiful.
"I met an old friend Tip," Brent said, smiling. “this is Logan Darlington.”
Tippy face went emotionless for a moment when she saw Logan then broke out in a huge grin. “It’s very nice to meet you, Logan," she said, calmly holding out her hand. “What a small world? It’s always nice to meet some of Brent’s old friends. He’s always talking about the fun you guys had.”