Elly nodded, thinking that that sounded like the worst time ever. Her memories of her teenage years were very different. Painfully shy, chunky and a lover of books, Elly didn’t exactly fit in with the popular kids. She did fit into lockers, however, which was something she had learned her junior year. Elly was pretty sure that Isaac would have never noticed her in high school. She laced her fingers through his, resting lightly on the gear shift. She was so lucky to be here, here with him, and she pinched herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. The moment was sweet, but interrupted by a loud stomach grumble.
“What was that??” Isaac cried, laughing.
“It was my stomach! I swear!!”
Three more stomach eruptions later, with Isaac in tears and Elly barreling down against the seat, the little Black Honda parked in a small stony alcove in front of the winery. The main building for Red Cedar Winery was an old vermillion brick Colonial building with large navy shutters. A small balcony ringed with ivy and white flowers hung over the petite red door. Hoping to find a readily available bathroom, Elly pulled the door open and was greeted immediately by two glasses of wine, held by a kind looking gentleman in a flannel shirt.
“Welcome to Red Cedar Winery!” he said cheerily.
Elly accepted the wine with a pained smile. “I love this place already,” she whispered to Isaac.
He downed his glass in a gulp. “Ahhh, childhood,” he sighed.
Elly sipped hers slowly, trying to not upset her already turbulent stomach, which rumbled with each step. As dozens of elderly people filtered in, the tour began. Holding Isaac’s hand tightly, she followed the tour guide, a friendly, 60-something year man who reminded Elly of a hippie Santa Claus.
“Welcome to Red Cedar!” he declared. “Our winery celebrates 142 years of wine-making heritage. Red Cedar combines old world tradition with the newest wine-making technology in the world. This particular winery is owned by the Patton Family and has been passed down through seven generations.”
“Awesome,” Isaac mused.
Elly rolled her eyes. The tour guide led them out the broad doors and down a steep path that led to a fabulous garden canopy. The view was magnificent, with tiny café tables overlooking the vineyards. White haired couples leisurely sipped wine on the balcony as waiters strolled past wearing white gloves.
“This is our pavilion,” said the guide, waving his arm like a pageant contestant. “You can enjoy a glass of wine here before we walk down to the vineyards. I would start the tour out with our infamous Dogwood Red, or maybe our Bitternut Rose…”
They continued down the petunia-lined path, Isaac walking ahead of her, talking wine with some local aficionados. Elly lingered behind, taking it slow and leaning on the railing, feeling her stomach clench with each step. Please don’t explode, she pleaded with herself. No one wants to kiss a woman who explodes. Her stomach let out a load moan. Isaac turned around, looking embarrassed.
“Sweetheart, are you okay?”
He called me sweetheart! she thought joyfully, before her stomach clenched again.
“Not…great,” she said.
Isaac pulled her aside. “Do you want to go back?” he asked.
“No, no. This is wonderful. I really want to finish the tour. Plus, I really need a glass of wine.”
“Okay. We could do this another day…we could go back to the hotel… get more comfortable…” his voice lifted suggestively.
Elly felt her stomach tighten and press down. “Er, I need a bathroom.”
Isaac looked grossed out at the thought. Yes, I have to use a bathroom occasionally, she thought, try not to be shocked. Isaac waved his hand at the tour guide.
“Um, excuse me, my, um,” there was a delicate pause, “My friend needs to use the bathroom.” The crowd’s eyes turned upon Elly.
“Thanks for saying that out loud”, she murmured softly. Isaac winked at her. The guide strolled up to Elly.
“Okay ma’am. Listen to me. You are going to head back up to the main building. Take a right just outside the back door. Then you are going to head to the bottom level via the elevator. Take a left at the stained glass windows, past the kettles and around the back. The closest restroom is there.”
Elly nodded frantically. Isaac pulled her close.
“Do you want me to come with you?” he asked nervously. Elly pondered the consequences of that decision.
“No, no. I’m fine.”
Isaac looked visibly relieved. Elly’s stomach rumbled. She quickly hurried away from the group.