Corked by Cabernet Read Online Free PDF Page A

class.”
    Nikki cringed. Alan Sansi had not put a damn thing together. She still had yet to meet the wonderful guru.
    Ruben walked over to the console where the appetizers were. Alyssa, who worked at Malveaux, walked in on cue with a tray of champagne flutes and handed one to Mr. Pearlman.
    He took a second one and came over to Mrs. Pearlman. “Drink this and don’t be such a pain. Can’t you see that these people are doing all they can to make this a nice stay? Jeesh, we are here for further enlightenment.”
    “I don’t need any more enlightenment other than a good glass of plum wine, some pickled herring, and All My Children . Did you know they don’t have TVs in the rooms? I’m going to miss my shows. And please, Rube, you know that I don’t drink champagne.” She shoved it back into his hand.
    Yep, that green puke was right at the bottom of Nikki’s esophagus, just like in The Exorcist . Nikki could feel her neck beginning to turn and her head pound. Not good. “Well, Mrs. Pearlman, we don’t have any plum wine, but I can have someone bring you a very nice glass of Chardonnay.” Get the lady tanked. Maybe she’d pass out. Nikki needed to get someone to redo her room. How to have sheets and towels laundered in rosewater and the room made up in, what, ten minutes?
    “No plum wine? That’s what I like. What kind of winery is this?”
    Derek placed a hand on the woman’s shoulder. She flinched and looked up at him as if this was the first time she actually saw him. Nikki could see the woman’s features soften. Yeah, sister. I know the feeling .
    “Ms. Sands is right, we do a wonderful Chardonnay here and it’ll be on the house. Why don’t you give it a try, and if you don’t like it, we’ll find something else that will suit you.”
    “Fine. I suppose that’ll have to do if that’s all you have. Chardonnay! ” She threw her hands up in the air.
    “You two must be hungry. I know that you flew in all the way from New York. My guess is that the food on your flight left something to be desired,” Nikki said.
    “You’re not kidding,” Mr. Pearlman replied.
    “Why don’t you head on through those arches to our outdoor café and I’ll have lunch sent over on the house. Our chef is preparing some excellent specials for today. My personal favorite is the sautéed chicken breasts in a walnut cilantro cream sauce. It’s excellent with a bottle of our best Chardonnay.” Nikki glanced at Derek, who gave her a slight nod of approval.
    Mrs. Pearlman wrinkled up her nose. “I’d really like to get settled into our room first.” She twirled her tennis bracelet around her wrist.
    “We’ll take care of your bags and have you squared away in no time. In fact, since you’re the first guests to arrive, you’re receiving a complimentary couple’s massage treatment,” Derek jumped in.
    “Oh, I like the sound of that.” Mr. Pearlman smiled. “Come on, Rose, live a little. Let’s check out the eats, and the wine, and then a massage. I love this place already.”
    His wife sighed and stared at him for a few seconds before agreeing. “Fine. I suppose I could eat. And I could use a massage.”
    Mr. Pearlman looked back at Nikki and winked. His wife walked on ahead. “Food will get her every time,” he said in a near whisper.
    “Ruben!”
    “Coming, dear.”
    Nikki and Derek looked at each other. “Wow!” they said in unison and started laughing. “I hope she doesn’t tell the boss about us,” Nikki said.
    Derek pulled her to him again. “Let her. I hope the guy fires me.”
    “I better get cracking. She wants the linens washed in rosewater.”
    “Of course she does.” Derek glanced at his watch. “I hate to leave, but I need to head back over to my office. I expect Alan Sansi to arrive shortly. We have a meeting set up in an hour.”
    “You want me to bring him over to you?”
    “That’s okay. Simon and Marco have eagerly volunteered.”
    “Of course. They must be primping. I haven’t