“You’ll join us today. The coffee house down the street makes the best chicken salad sandwiches and their coffee is better than Becca’s.”
Dakota wasn’t sure if it was an invitation or a command, though it sounded friendly no matter which way she’d meant it. She agreed and then laughed as she heard Becca call out from down the corridor, “I heard that Denise.”
Denise shrugged and laughed. “It’s true.”
The morning lingered with only a few visitors to the emergency room but it gave Dakota time to get familiar with her new surroundings. Denise enlightened her with a few Vinegrove stories. Some they laughed at whole-heartedly and one made Dakota sigh with awe. It sounded like a fairy tale. The story of how Becca had changed the views of the town’s most confirmed-bachelor.
“They married last summer at his family’s vineyard.” Denise sighed. “It was the most beautiful outdoor wedding; so magical and romantic. I’ll have to bring in the pictures to show you”.
Denise held her hand over her heart and sighed heavily.
“Oh Denise, are you still talking about the wedding?” Becca snorted in laughter.
Denise turned when she heard Becca’s voice. She winked. “Of course, you know I loved every minute of it.”
“It sounds like you had the perfect wedding Becca,” Dakota added.
“It was. I’m lucky to have found the perfect guy.” She grinned and then added, “Maybe Vinegrove will bring you luck too.”
Dakota let out a sarcastic breath through her laughter. “A good bottle of wine will do me just fine.”
“Ha! You sound like me when I first came here. But I can definitely help you there. My best friend, Tegan, owns the only wine shop in town. It’s called Que Syrah Syrah.”
“Love the name.” Dakota thanked Becca for the advice. A good bottle of wine was definitely on her list after her shift finished. She didn’t need a man, but thoughts of Mr. Stetson still lingered in her mind. Each time she’d shake those thoughts and remind herself he was just candy to the eye. She wanted to settle into her new life and meet the man she’d changed her zip code for.
Dakota’s shift finished by the time the sun had set, but she decided to take a stroll through town. The small shops that lined the main street were adorable. They were well-kept and inviting. Before she knew it, she’d strolled to the end of town and found herself right in front of a sign. Que Syrah Syrah.
“Beautiful evening, isn’t it?”
Dakota almost jumped out of her skin. She hadn’t noticed anyone along the street. The shops had already closed. She looked up to see a woman standing at the doorway. She figured it must be Tegan, Becca’s friend who owned the little wine shop. She returned the greeting with a smile.
“It is. I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to linger outside your shop. I’d been walking along Main Street admiring this quaint little town. Are you Tegan?”
The woman stepped off her porch and extended her hand.
“I am Tegan, proud owner of the only wine shop in town.”
“Hi, I’m Dakota.” She exchanged Tegan’s friendly introduction.
“You must be the new nurse at the hospital. Becca mentioned you were moving to town.” Tegan laughed. “Sorry, it’s a small town.”
Dakota chuckled. “No worries. I fell in love with Vinegrove instantly. Becca mentioned you too. She said you were the woman I could get a good bottle of wine from.”
“Absolutely. Come in and have a look.”
Tegan turned and motioned to Dakota.
“Oh, I didn’t mean to sound so forward. I can come back when you’re open.”
“Don’t be foolish. My door is always open after a long shift at the hospital, and especially for new friends.”
Dakota followed her into the shop and stood in inside in awe.
“I love the name, by-the-way; and Becca was right that I’d love the shop even more than its name.”
Dakota browsed through briefly. She didn’t want to over stay her welcome. Tegan had been kind but she didn’t want to keep her from plans she might have.
“I won’t keep you. You’re so kind. Can I grab a bottle of Chardonnay? Then I’ll let you enjoy your evening.”
Tegan looped her arm through Dakota’s. “Oh, it’s no trouble. Come with me and I’ll get that bottle for you.” She placed the Chardonnay in a bag and Dakota handed her some cash. She thanked her again and turned toward the door when she heard Tegan call out from behind the counter.
“There’s not much to do in Vinegrove and I don’t know if Becca mentioned it yet, but there’s a few of us who get together once a week if you’d like to join us. We started it as a book club but it ended up being more of a wine and chat group.” Tegan laughed.
Dakota smiled. “That’s very kind of you. I’d love to join.”