California Wine Read Online Free PDF

•
    Elizabeth hummed under her breath the next morning as she went into the bathroom to get ready for the boat trip she and Sarah had planned for Genoa and Portofino. She’d be sad to be leaving Italy, but she was eager to get started with her new plans.
    “Wake up, sleepy head.” She poked Sarah in the ribs. “We’ve got to be in Genoa to meet the tour from Milan in an hour and a half. It’s a beautiful day! The sun is shining and not a rain cloud in sight.”
    Sarah groaned and stuffed her head under the pillow. “Why are you so perky, Mom?”
    Elizabeth laughed. “I’m excited!”
    Sarah poked her head out. “Must be the new guy.”
    “No. It’s my new plan. I need to pick your brain at lunch.”
    A few hours later they were meandering through the
caruggi,
the ancient narrow streets of Genoa, following the bright orange flag of the tour guide as she guided them through the town, stopping at selected shops that no doubt paid for the privilege of tourist visits. But Elizabeth didn’t care. Nothing was going to spoil her mood.
    After a brief boat ride, they were dropped at a restaurant-clustered area of Portofino. They were on their own for lunch, and quickly found a quiet table at a small restaurant.
    “What are you thinking, Mom?” Sarah asked after they’d both ordered risotto with seafood.
    Elizabeth took a small notepad from her purse. “Since you’ve decided to live your own life and leave me with nothing to do, I’ve decided to expand my business. I was inspired by the lotions we saw yesterday. My problem is I have no idea where to begin!”
    Sarah smiled at her. “What does your friend Annie say? Always begin with a list?”
    Elizabeth laughed. “Good idea. Problem is my mind is spinning so fast I don’t think I could come up with a proper list.”
    Sarah shrugged. “Then write what’s in your head. You can sort through it later. That’s how Rick and I plan. I list everything that’s in my head and he sorts it out.”
    Again a frisson of unease went through Elizabeth. “How close are you and Rick?” she asked.
    Sarah broke off a small piece of bread and dipped it in olive oil. “Are you asking if we’re sleeping together?” She popped the bread in her mouth and chewed it slowly, her eyes never leaving her mother’s.
    Startled by Sarah’s boldness, Elizabeth said, “Yes, I believe I am.” In her heart she feared she already knew the answer.
    Sarah finished chewing. “Yes. We are.” She raised a finger. “And we’re being very careful.”
    The two were silent for a few moments. Elizabeth struggled with conflicting thoughts. Sarah was in her twenties. It was common for girls in college to have sex, wasn’t it? At least she was being safe. But accidents happened. What would Sarah do then?
    “I just don’t want you to lose your chance, honey,” Elizabeth began.
    “Don’t be disappointed in me, Mom.” Sarah said at the same time.
    Elizabeth pursed her lips. She wished there was something she could say or do to keep her daughter safe. But the time was past. She no longer had control over Sarah. “I’m not disappointed. I’m scared for you.”
    “I know. But we’re being careful. Trust me.”
    “I guess I’ll have to.” Elizabeth sipped her wine, her heart heavy with fear that history would repeat itself.
    As if by mutual agreement, they put the topic aside for the rest of the meal. Instead, Sarah peppered Elizabeth with questions about her ideas for a product line. When they were done with their meal, Elizabeth felt overwhelmed with details, but more confident that she could move forward when she got home.
    More shops, more walking, and more ancient buildings filled the afternoon. They made the steep climb to the top of Castello Brown and savored the view of Portofino and the Mediterranean beyond.
    They drifted down side streets back toward the harbor, poking into some of the shops, ignoring others. A kitchen shop caught Elizabeth’s eye and she immediately darted into