Her Best Friend's Brother(38)

Tony was quiet while he flipped through the couple of pages she had given him. “This looks good… Dolce-McKay?”

Libby shrugged. “I think it’s catchy. Plus it capitalizes on my Italian training…. Dolce is sweet”

“It is catchy.” Tony nodded. “We can definitely do this. You are working out of your mom’s kitchen?”

“For now. I haven’t given up on the dream of my own café, but one step at a time.”

“Sounds like a good plan. Ready to go?”

“What?” Libby was surprised when Tony stood up.

“To the wine festival? You stil want to come with me right?

“Of course. But we haven’t realy talked about prices, and I …”

“Don’t be dumb Libby… there’s no charge.”

“Absolutely not! You have a business to run, and I have a budget— including advertising funds.” Oops. He’d insulted her. She was sometimes easier to talk to in emails. Having to see her in person tended to scramble his brain—making him say things wrong. “I didn’t mean that Libby. I wanted to help. I tel you what.” He handed her a half-sheet sized card. “Here’s our ad contract. Al the prices are listed. I insist on a 25%

friends and family discount. It’s what I offer your mom when she runs coupons. Now whether or not you make up that 25% in cookies is entirely up to you.” Libby visibly relaxed.

“Now come on.” Tony slung a camera bag over his shoulder, and held the door open for her. “Let’s go have some fun.”

They did have fun. Booths and tents crowded the fair grounds, and at one end of the field a band was playing for a handful of picnickers. Most of venders were seling wine, but there were also food tents, and a few crafts and novelties stands. Music from the band filtered up to them and Tony took her hand in his as they began weaving around, checking out the various displays. Despite that he was on official business Tony seemed to genuinely want to ensure Libby was enjoying herself. He carefuly asked her opinion on each of the wines they sampled—expertly coaxing her to share with him the basics of wine tasting. He must be a very good reporter, Libby supposed.

“Now we picnic” announced Tony brightly, when they had seen just about everything. Libby back tracked a little to purchase a demi-bottle of a light rose wine she had particularly enjoyed. She blanched when Tony reached for his walet. Not that she had chosen an expensive bottle, but it wasn’t the cheapest she had seen either. “Relax.” He admonished when he saw her face. “You’re a tax deduction—I am taking a consultant out for drinks.” Tony winked as he accepted his change and handed Libby the bag.

“Okay.” Libby agreed. “What should we eat?” She headed off towards the food venders.

“You choose. I would have no idea what food to pair with what wine.”

“That’s the beauty of a rose wine—it goes with just about anything.” She ended up ordering a crusty baguette, and some cheeses.

“Tax deduction-- remember?” Again, he refused her offer to pay. “I should have brought a blanket.” Tony lamented looking down at her cream colored pants.

“Afraid of a few grass stains Marchetti?” Libby chalenged lightly.

They ended up down by the bandstand side by side on the grass with their smal picnic between them. Al around them couples and families were settling down now that the evening was drawing closer. An older couple was sweeping a waltz across a tiny dance floor, and a few children were playing ring-around-the-rosie.

“Who would have thought to bring kids to a wine festival?” Tony chuckled as he watched them flouncing dramaticaly into grass each time they finished their song.

“It’s not the same as bring kids to a bar.” Libby chewed thoughtfuly on her bread. “Wine isn’t realy about drinking. It’s more about experiencing.” Tony arched an eyebrow at her.

“It’s true. “ Libby swatted him playfuly. “More traditionaly it is about experiencing a meal, but the philosophy lends itself wel to life.

Tony nodded. He looked impressed. “Okay—so they wil have memories of a picnic and music, even if they are having juice boxes?” He gestured towards the children.

“Yeah, and their parents wil have memories of watching them laugh and play. Benjamin Franklin said Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance. And I think Thomas Jefferson caled a good wine a necessity of life.”

“I like that.” Tony produced a smal notebook from his camera bag and started scribbling.

“Umm… I’m not sure I got it exactly right.” Tony shot her a look. “I’m a pretty good fact checker.” She hoped she hadn’t insulted him.