He didn't push for any explanation because he felt she'd tell him whenever she was ready. And not sleepy. He'd ask later, for sure. He was curious anyway.
He'd spent enough time giving instructions to everyone working for him and he knew their background, so he knew his restaurant was fine. That he didn't need to go inspecting regularly. But that's what you do when you're less busy. He didn't cook there often, if not at all. And he was booked for a private service a month away, so he really was less busy.
Groaning as he stretched while sitting on his couch, his thoughts continued to swirl. He'd call Tina but she was busy. It was no longer the weekend and he never reached out because she told him that she was going to be busy. So all he did was send her a message of encouragement. Though he had no doubt she'd be fine. She'd succeeded all these while, she'll do same now.
He sighed to himself, wondering how he'd survived without her. She was all he could think about now, when she'd been gone from him for years. This was just like how he used to be when they'd started dating. He wasn't needy or anything, but he loved talking to her daily, even if it was just by phone. He liked knowing what she was doing, how she was feeling. Still in his thoughts and feels, he started wondering why he had such strong feelings for her and they weren't official. He'd like to be. He wondered when he'd ask her. It'd be nice to call her his again.
He groaned again, standing up this time. Maybe he should just go to bed. He didn't want to go out and he didn't want anyone to come see him. He wouldn't mind Tina's presence though. Infact, he'd love it.
As he made to leave for his room, he felt his phone vibrate. Expecting someone else, he picked it up, but sighed when he saw who it was. It was Sam. He'd sent a few photos of himself all smiles. There was also a long message about how he was and how school was.
Trevor hummed as he walked to his room, deciding to look through it all before he forced himself to sleep for the umpteenth time. It was still morning, so there was nothing wrong with that anyway.
***
Tina stepped into her office, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. She was finally getting back to work after her trip home, and today was a crucial day. Lamont greeted her with a warm smile.
"Good morning, Tina! Big day ahead," he said, handing her a steaming cup of coffee.
Tina took a sip, savoring the rich flavor. "I'm ready for this, Lamont. Let's do this."
Quentin and his team arrived promptly at 10 AM. The group exchanged pleasantries before Quentin got down to business.
"Tina, we're excited to explore the possibility of partnering with your winery. Today, we'll be inspecting the facilities and discussing the details of a potential partnership, just like our message said," he said, a professional smile on his face.
Tina nodded, her heart racing with anticipation. "I'm glad we could make this happen, Quentin. Let's get started."
The group set off for the winery after exchanging a few more words in the office. She got some compliments on how beautiful and organized her winery was. It seems they didn't really expect it, for some reason.
The tension though, was palpable as they inspected every aspect of the winery when they arrived. Tina - and Lamont occasionally - answered questions, provided insights, and tried her best to showcase her passion for the business. She was involved in every aspect of the operation, so she didn't stutter in any case. She wouldn't forgive herself if she did. Just because she was shy and nervous sometimes didn't mean she could fuck this up.
As the day drew to a close, Quentin turned to Tina with a thoughtful expression, after exchanging words with his team, his assistant jotting somethings on her iPad. "We've seen a lot today, Tina, thanks to you. We'll need some time to discuss and crunch some numbers. Can we meet again tomorrow?"
Tina's heart skipped a beat as she forced a smile despite her worry. "Of course, Quentin. I understand. Take all the time you need."
Quentin smiled. "We'll be back tomorrow. Thank you for your hospitality, Tina."
As Quentin and his team departed, Tina let out a deep breath.
"I'm so glad everything was put in place. If not, someone's getting fired, and it wouldn't be me," she muttered.
Lamont placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder after letting out a laugh.
"It's going to be okay, Tina. You did amazing, not even stumbling over a question or your words. You've done everything you can. Now it's just a waiting game."
"You should call that aunt of yours and ask what she thinks," she said, which made Lamont laugh again.
"For you, I will. So don't worry, okay?"
Tina nodded, trying to shake off the feeling of uncertainty. But as she lay in bed that night, her mind racing with possibilities, she couldn't help but wonder what tomorrow would bring.