Page 104 of What Doesn't Kill Her
“Not a problem, sir.” Arthur waved his hand toward the path that led around the winery building and toward the sheds that held the huge stainless steel and smaller oak casks. “We’ll start the tour there.”
“Perhaps on the grounds, first.” Max really couldn’t keep his eyes off the changes.
“Very good, sir. The staff and I can’t wait another minute to show off our improvements. You’ve already seen what we’ve done with the outside. Here, let me introduce you to the splendid young designer who created this warm and welcoming atmosphere.” Arthur led them toward:
WARREN GOLOKIN:
MALE, CAUCASIAN ANCESTRY, MIDTHIRTIES, 5'10", 150 LBS, BROWN HAIR (STIFF POMPADOUR), BLUE EYES, BLACK EYELINER. FLAMBOYANTLY GAY. ACCENT: NEW JERSEY. IMMACULATELY DRESSED. THRILLED AND NERVOUS.
Max complimented Warren on the layout.
Kellen asked where he had found the artistically painted picnic tables, and on discovering he’d done them himself, suggested they start a shop for his works.
Warren wrung her hand in an outpouring of thankfulness and confessed fabulously decorated, utilitarian furniture was his passion.
Kellen talked to him about the objets d’art she’d seen in Afghanistan, about the hidden libraries and the labyrinth of caves filled with wonders of a bygone age, and the two of them would have gone on for hours, but Arthur caught Warren’s eye and Warren broke it off.
“Miss Adams, I hope in the future we can sit down and discuss what you saw—the colors, the designs, how they made you feel. But for now, I know you want to meet the rest of the staff.”
Not really. But meeting staff and exchanging pleasantries was the duty of Max’s wife.Herduties, now, and as an officer of the US Army, she understood the importance of showing unity to the troops.
Arthur escorted them to the bar. “Our outdoor manager, Claude McKeith.”
CLAUDE MCKEITH:
MALE, NORTHERN EUROPEAN ANCESTRY, 50S, 6'4", 200 LBS, BLOND, SMILING, JAW CLENCHED, BLINDING WHITE TEETH. IMMACULATELY DRESSED. THRILLED AND NERVOUS.
Claude explained that many customers came out of the tasting room wanting another glass of wine and refreshments. He served simple and locally sourced platters of cheese, meat and fruit, and offered samples to Kellen and Max.
Max snacked and asked the daily monetary take.
Claude replied with an amount that raised Max’s eyebrows.
Arthur beamed. “I expect this to be a highly profitable and popular addition to the winery.”
“I wish I’d thought of it,” Max said.
“I’m sure you would have, sir, given time.”
Kellen wasn’t so sure. Max seemed rather set in his ways, and his shaken response to the change made her smile.
He glanced at her. “Oh, shut up.”
She faked a solemn face.
He kissed her hand.
Arthur observed with interest. “The sojourn in the mountains seem to have refreshed you both.”
“It does seem that way.” Max didn’t release her hand.
Arthur gestured at the young woman peeking around the corner of the winery building.
She scurried forward and bowed.
“Let me introduce our new chef, Pearly Perry.”
PEARLY PERRY:
