Like Raspberry Wine

By Katie Simpkins

Four years after her husband's death, Abigail Bennett is promoted as partner of her PR firm in Memphis, Tennessee. Unfortunately, the promotion requires her to relocate to Washington D.C., and Abigail's seventeen-year-old daughter, Elise, is not behind the move.

While visiting her grandpa's vineyard in Ridgmont, Ohio, on a two week vacation before the move, Abigail discovers that the wine business is struggling. When friends of Abigail’s twin sister, Sara’s wedding venue burns down, Abigail suggests using the vineyard as an alternative location.

What Abigail doesn't expect is a chance meeting with Scott Langford, the man who stole her heart years ago and who now works at the vineyard. Sara forces Abigail to work with Scott converting an old barn into the perfect wedding venue, causing sparks to fly. Will Abigail and Scott’s new relationship be strong enough to overcome their past?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Next Chapter
• Release date: Apr 18, 2022

Book preview

1

T hat’s everything loaded, Mrs Bennett. One of my guys is having a last look for any bits we might have missed. The head moving man held out a clipboard with a document attached to sign. If I can get your signature on the bottom of this, please?

Abigail took the board and pen from him. Thank you so much for your efficiency. If we don’t get on the road by ten, we won’t get to Ridgmont until late. Where do I sign? Here?

Yes please. He held out his hand and took it back once she’d signed. Give us a few minutes and we'll be out of your hair. He smiled before walking back to the house.

The front yard had three moving vans parked next to her Honda and Elise’s Jeep. Abigail felt choked up when she glanced at the naked windows. The net curtains were all packed up, waiting to be hung in their new house in Washington DC.

All the shrubs and plants she’d sown from seeds were staying, including the creepers on the house. In contrast to the full garden, the house was empty. She wasn’t as upset at leaving this house as she had been moving from their previous home, the place she’d chosen with Dan. The memories in the old house were too painful.

A car turned into her driveway, through the gate she’d left open for the morning. Abigail waved to Maggie and Brian, telling them to park over the far side of the drive. She sauntered over to them, leaning on their Fiat. I can't thank you enough for helping us.

Maggie hugged her first. Don’t be silly, Abbie. It’s on our way to Mom and Dad’s.

Nonsense. You’re doing me a huge favor. I’m so grateful. She held Maggie’s hand and squeezed. Elise thought she was going to be driving her Jeep there. She leaned in and whispered in her friend’s ear. She’s not in the best mood this morning. Axel broke up with her last night, but I didn’t tell you, okay?

I’ve been warned. Bless her. Maggie, one of her dearest friends from childhood squeezed her hand in return. Looks like everything’s sorted here, though, doesn’t it? Is everything packed and loaded?

They’re doing one last look now. She checked the time on her new watch. Yeah, we need to be making a move. I told Sara we’d be in Ridgmont by eight. She says she’s going to have dinner waiting for us when we get there.

And some of that yummy strawberry wine, I hope.

I dare say it might be on the menu, yes.

She took Maggie by the arm and walked her into the house, where the six removals guys were busy chatting in the hallway. I just want to take this opportunity to say thank you so much, she told them. You’ve all been brilliant. I’ll be posting a fabulous review on your website, that’s for sure.

We’ve had a good look, Mrs Bennett. Everything’s loaded that we can see. The foreman encouraged his guys to leave the house. We’ll be on our way now. I’ll invoice you in the next couple of days.

Abigail waited for them to jump in the vans. After waving them off, she took Maggie into the bare kitchen. It was sad to see it so empty. The living room seemed so much bigger without furniture, she thought, a lump in her throat forming. I promised myself I wouldn’t cry.

You’re entitled. It’s the end of an era. Maggie’s chin wobbled, as she struggled to contain a sob. We’ve known each other since we were six, Abbie. You’ve always lived in Memphis. And now you’re not going to anymore. I’m going to have to drive nine hundred miles to see you in DC. She held on tight to Abigail’s arm.

You know what they say: you can take the girl out of Memphis, but you can never take Memphis out of the girl. Abigail rested her head on her best friend’s shoulder. We’ll keep in touch regularly, I promise. We’ll Skype, phone, email, you name it.

I know, it just won’t be the same. Maggie wiped her tears away.

Right, let’s get this show on the road, shall we? Taking her friend back into the hall, Abigail shouted up to Elise that they needed the Jeep keys. She’ll be down in a minute.

Elise appeared at the top of the stairs wearing a gorgeous summer dress and sandals, her hair in pigtails. Abigail thought she was pretty as a picture. Elise’s face told a different story.

I promise I’ll take good care of her, El. Maggie smiled up at Elise, who met her and handed her the keys.

I have your word on that? Elise’s sad face matched her mom’s sombre mood.

Grab your bag and purse, honey. We’re off in five minutes. Abigail walked with Maggie outside to the Jeep, where her friend climbed in, leaving the driver’s window down. Thanks again for doing this, Mags. I really do appreciate it.

Don’t mention it. It’ll be fun. I’ve never driven a Jeep before. She smiled up at Abigail. We’ll see you in Ridgmont tomorrow evening.

Abigail stood back when Maggie started the engine. Brian left first, honking his horn goodbye. She waved Maggie off, blowing her a last-minute kiss.

I’m ready when you are. Elise was standing in the doorway, one bag by her feet and one on her shoulder. I couldn’t watch her go.

Walking up to her daughter, Abigail kissed Elise on her cheek. It’s not like you’ll never see her again, is it? Maggie’s bringing her to Ridgmont tomorrow evening.

It’s what it feels like to me.

I know. Everything’s the end of the world. Abigail picked up her own bags from the hall, carried them out to her sporty Honda S2000 and loaded them into the back of the car, followed by Elise’s. Right, I think that’s everything. Last chance for a pee. Go now or forever hold your peace.

Elise didn't need a rest break. She hopped in the passenger seat.

After Abigail had locked the house up, she sat behind the steering wheel. Plug your phone into the system if you want, El. You’re in control of the music all the way there. All I ask is no rap, please. She started the engine and drove up to the gate.

Can I have a turn at driving later? Elise hooked her cell up to the radio. She didn’t bother checking her mom’s reaction to her question.

Ha-ha! You’re funny. Abigail opened the gate with the key fob. I tell you what, when you pay your exorbitant insurance fee, then you can have a go at driving. How’s that?

Elise did a pretend laugh. I can feel some Eminem coming on.

Funnily enough, I like him. Lyrically, he’s a genius. She took them out onto Windyke Drive, one of the most sought-after residential streets in Memphis. She had a long journey ahead of her, which consisted of three roads mainly: she was taking the i40 to Nashville, then the i65 to Louisville and the i71 to Cincinnati. The rest of the way was a mixture of interstates and highways, but a fairly straight line.

Elise was quiet next to her, looking out of her side window. Abigail wanted more than anything for her daughter to be happy; she hated seeing her upset. I am sorry about Axel breaking up with you. I know you think I don’t like him…

You don’t like him, or his name. Every time I mention him, you roll your eyes. Elise looked over at her with a nonchalant expression. It doesn’t matter if you like him, though. That won’t stop me going out with someone. You don’t have to approve.

Geez, you try and be nice. Abigail focused on the road, ignoring Elise’s dramatic attitude. She had enough drama in her life listening to her assistant, Lucy’s, comings and goings at the office. How about I turn this round and drop you off at Poppy’s? Please? She grinned.

Don’t tempt me. Elise smiled before turning away.

You see? I knew you had it in you. Pleased with herself for getting a smile out of Elise, Abigail turned the music up and put on her sunglasses. She moved with the tune, a sort of car dance, making exaggerated movements.

Oh no! What are you doing? Elise covered her face with her hands. She peeped out from between fingers. You are so embarrassing.

Abigail didn’t want to push her luck; she’d successfully made Elise smile twice in a single morning. She drove in silence until they were on the i40, where she would be driving for one hundred and ninety-six miles.

What’s the story behind Ridgmont again? Was it really founded by Grandpa’s business partner? Elise had her sunglasses on, trying to look cool.

Uh-huh! Abigail was driving behind an old Ford pickup, doing a comfortable speed. She loved driving her S2000. It had a big enough engine to get around most vehicles, if needed. Edward Ridge and your great, great, great grandpa were the first settlers there with their families in the early 1800s, I think.

And the vineyard has been in our family for that long? Elise took off her shades.

Abigail wanted to laugh. No, not quite. My grandpa had a farm before he chose to turn it into a vineyard. The same farm has been with us since the town was founded, though. The story goes that this Edward Ridge named Ridgmont after himself and his father, whose name was Monty. His dad died on the wagon journey there, according to my parents.

Ridge and Monty, Ridgmont. I get it. Turning back to the window, Elise broke the conversation off again. She turned the music up slightly.

Don’t mention it. Overtaking the pickup in front, Abigail increased her speed until they passed a suicide jockey transporting a tanker full of gas. You’re going to love it at the vineyard, honey. You really are. I can’t believe we never stayed there before. I had some amazing summers there, one in particular.

Her daughter glanced over at her. Oh yeah? Why? What happened?

I never told you this before, but I met my first real love on that old farm. She gauged her daughter’s reaction. Instead of horror or embarrassment, she seemed intrigued. Scott Langford, ‘The One Who Got Away’.

Elise turned in her seat, so she could see her better. Really? Go on! I’m listening. How old were you when you met this guy?

Abigail glanced over at Elise. Almost exactly your age. I’d just turned seventeen when I first kissed Scott. Talking about it brought back strong memories.

With a laugh, Elise waved her hand in apology. Sorry! I’m just trying to picture you at my age. The thought of you not wearing a suit is laughable, anyway. I thought for years you were born in one. You skipped childhood and went straight to adult. She laughed again.

Nodding, taking the abuse, Abigail waited for Elise to stop chuckling. You won’t be laughing when I show you a picture of Scott, believe me.

Wait! Have you got one? A photo, I mean. There was no mocking in her tone.

Yeah, I’ve kept it all these years. When we get to the farm, I’ll get it out. You don’t mind me talking about this, do you? You know how much I loved your dad. I’m only telling you like this because we’re going to Ridgmont.

I’m seventeen; I’m not a kid anymore. She leaned in closer. So, what was he like? He sounds like a dish, this Scott guy. Notice I’m using old language that you’d understand.

I almost fell off my stool the first time I saw him, let’s put it that way.

2

Elise stretched and yawned. The time on the dash said it was approaching half past seven; her mom had been driving for almost nine hours, with two rest breaks. There it is! The first sign for Ridgmont. Thank God! My legs have gone to sleep on me.

Her mom stretched as well. I wish you could take over driving for a bit. I’m wiped out.

What’s it like being a twin? Elise didn’t know where the question came from. Her mom glanced at her with a frown, as confused as she was where it came from. Is it weird seeing someone with your face in front of you?

It’s great for buying clothes, her mom joked.

I’m serious! What’s it like? She often wondered strange things like this.

I don’t know how to answer that, honey. I don’t have anything to compare it to, do I? I’ve always had an identical twin sister, so I don’t know any different. It’s not weird to me, but it seems to weird other people out. Abigail overtook an elderly lady in an old Nissan.

I guess most of us will never experience it, Elise said. The best we’ll get is looking at ourselves in the mirror. It must be kind of cool to look like someone else.

Her mom smiled. It has its advantages on occasion. I’ve got a few stories I can tell you.

Ridgmont thirty miles. We’ll make it by quarter to eight at this rate. Elise was looking forward to getting out of the car and stretching her legs.

Her mom smiled at her again. Wait! Are you? Is that excitement I see in my daughter’s face? Are you looking forward to getting to the farm, Elise? She laughed.

I am, only… She stopped herself from finishing the sentence.

Only what?

No, I shouldn’t be nasty. It’s not fair. Elise looked out of her window.

What is it, Elise? Don’t make me shake it out of you!

"Oh, alright, it’s just that I’m not looking forward to seeing Rachel. There, I said it. She’s hard work, Mom. I know she’s my cousin and all that, and your niece, but she made me sit through the entire original trilogy of Star Wars the last time I saw her. Six hours. And now I know they were the original trilogy. I can even tell you what a Jawa is."

Her mom’s facial expression changed from jovial to sad, like Elise thought would happen. She wasn’t a horrible person by nature. I’m sorry! I shouldn’t have said anything.

Nodding, Abigail glanced over at her. Her expression changed again, from sad to grinning. I can’t wait till we get there. You’re in for such a shock. In fact, I think I’ll take a picture when we get out of the car.

Confused, Elise smiled. What? I’m not following.

No, you’re not supposed to. The grin continued. Apparently Rachel’s changed a lot since the last time you saw her. I don’t think you’re gonna like it, El. Sorry!

Slapping her knees, Elise muttered, Great! What’s she gonna be wearing now, a Jedi robe or something? Do you see what she’s done to me? I just said Jedi. I thought she was Cousin It when they visited last time; I couldn’t see her face for all the hair. And those baggy jeans and hooded tops. When she checked her mom’s reaction, she was still grinning. What are you laughing at? I’m the one who has to hang out with her. I expect a bit of sympathy here.

You’ll get on fine with her, I promise. Sara tells me she’s really looking forward to seeing you. Please be nice to her, for me? The serious look vanished. Her mom chuckled to herself but tried to stop. I’m sorry! I’ve got the giggles, I don’t know why.

Elise folded her arms, thinking something was going on. The way her mom said about taking a photo of her when they got out of the car made alarm bells ring. Plus, the grinning. "Yeah, you’re acting weird. Must be all the driving. It’s driving you mad. Get it?"

You got that out of a fortune cookie, didn’t you? Her mom tutted. I expect better of you than that, honey. Another sign. Twenty miles to go.

What’s the nearest big town or city to Ridgmont, Mom? In case I want to drive somewhere with people. I can imagine somewhere as small as Ridgmont getting quite claustrophobic.

I get that. You’ve got Toledo to the east and Cleveland to the west. Please tell me if you’re taking a drive out of Ridgmont, though.

I’m hardly going to run off, am I? Even from Rachel. I’m not a bad person, Mom. Sometimes she wondered if her mom actually liked her. It was clear she thought badly of her at times. Lots of farms around here. As far as the eye can see.

While her mom drove, Elise reached behind her and rifled through her bag for a bottle of water. Car journeys made her thirsty. She took a big swallow before pulling out some moisturising cream out and applying some to her hands. Why do car journeys dry your skin out so much? I don’t get it.

It’s the regurgitated air in the A/C that does it.

The rest of the journey to Ridgmont Elise remained quiet. It was so pretty. She enjoyed watching the sporadic houses whizz past. When she managed to catch a glimpse of a house for longer than a second, she imagined the type of family who lived there. It was fun. Her imagination knew no bounds.

Here we are. You are now entering Ridgmont. Her mom made an excited noise, a kind of ‘Oooh!’ sound, which was put on. I’ll slow down when we drive along Main Street. There’s some old haunts I want to show you.

Great! A history lesson. Pretending to yawn, Elise chuckled after, to show her mom she was joking. Actually, finding out more about her mom growing up would be interesting. They’d never really talked about it, which was probably why Elise could never imagine her mom being her age. There was something wrong with it, something unnatural. It’s almost as bad as watching you and dad kiss. She mimicked shuddering.

Oi! That’s rude! Her mom smiled, too. Now, here we are, the first place on Main Street. Sally’s Ice Cream Parlour. It’s an eat-in restaurant and only serves ice cream, desserts and soda. A really popular hangout for the teenagers. Her mom pulled over at the curb.

Is this it? One road? Elise looked behind her and ahead. On both sides of the street there were stores, restaurants and two bars that she could see.

This is pretty much it, yeah. Main Street. Oh, I almost forgot, there’s a racetrack nearby. That’s where the kids your age hang out. In fact, they’ll be getting ready for a big night right now. You never know, Rachel might take you there, if you ask nicely.

Ha ha! You’re funny! If only, she thought, watching a group of teens strolling along the sidewalk. Are there many kids my age here?

Ridgmont has grown a lot since I was here last. They’ve got two middle schools and two elementary schools now. Her mom pointed across the street. Over there, that’s the local diner; everyone goes there. A really original name, don’t you think? The Local. Anyone and everyone hangs out there to catch up on the gossip. It’s even more popular than the bars.

Elise noticed an air of calm about her mom. The frown marks seemed to have disappeared. Do you miss this place when you’re not here? You spent quite a few summers here, didn’t you? Or at least you said you did.

With a nod, her mom confirmed it. I missed it dreadfully after that summer with Scott. I came back for summer vacations for years after, hoping he might put in an appearance and whisk me off somewhere. Her eyes were sad again. Life never goes the way you want it to.

But you’re happy with the way your life went, aren’t you? She didn’t like the sadness in her mom’s eyes. Mom? Aren’t you? You met Daddy!

As though she’d just snapped herself out of it, her mom stared at her, her mouth upturning. Course I’m happy with my life, honey. I was just thinking out loud; don’t mind me.

Good! You were starting to worry me there. Elise saw the youngsters head for a store. She couldn’t read the sign because a tree obscured her view. Where are they going?

Her mom sat forward, squinting. Oh my! Is that still going? I thought that would have gone bust by now. Who’d have thought?

Mom? Well? What is it?

Pam’s Place. It’s a pottery-decorating store. You go in, pick out the plates, cups, or whatever you want to decorate. Then, you sit around a table with your friends, paint the pieces however you want, and the owner puts them in the kiln. The next day you go back to pick them up. Pam had just opened the summer I met Scott. I never thought it would still be here. I’m so pleased for her.

Her mom seemed at ease in Ridgmont, almost a home away from home. I like it. I mean, don’t get me wrong, it’s no Memphis, but I can imagine it must be nice to live in a smaller community, a place where you know everyone. She pointed at the dash clock. We’re supposed to be there now, aren’t we?

Starting the engine, her mom pulled out from the curb, crawling along Main Street. This place has a weird effect on you, Elise. You start off thinking, ‘Meh! It’s alright’. Trust me, by the time we come to leave, you’ll love it here. Happens to me every time. Before I met your dad, I used to look forward to my vacations in Ridgmont so bad.

The drive to the farm took another ten minutes along country roads. For a small town, it sure was big, or at least Elise thought so. They passed a number of houses along the country road. She imagined the residents, in her own weird way.

"Sara and Charlie welcome you to Oakley Ridge Wine Estates. Her mom read out the sign at the foot of the drive. That is so Sara. Not satisfied with just the name of the vineyard, she has to add that extra special touch."

I think it’s sweet. Elise was nervous, her leg bobbing up and down. What was she nervous about? It was only Aunt Sara and Uncle Charlie. It had to be seeing Rachel.

Elise wouldn’t think there was a vineyard on the grounds from the short drive along the stony driveway. The first thing she noticed about the farm was a lack of fields, or anything remotely farm-like. Are you sure this is the right place?

It doesn’t look like much from here, but it opens up out back. Her mom drove them up to what Elise assumed was the farmhouse, a huge, white-painted wooden building with enough space for a family of twelve at least. This is Grandma and Grandpa’s old house. That window, second from the left, is my old room.

It was weird thinking that her mom used to stay here. Elise unbuckled her belt as the front door of the farmhouse opened. Elise saw her mom, or rather her Aunt Sara, first. Different hairstyle, but identical in every other way. I always forget how weird it is.

Elise got out of the car and stretched, waiting for her aunt and uncle to meet them. Her skin felt dry. She needed a shower so bad.

Before her aunt and uncle met them, a girl in a cheerleader’s uniform stood in the doorway, her arms folded. She untied her hair and covered her face. Is that? No! Rachel?

3

Abigail took her cell phone out of her bag, waited for the camera mode to come on, and pointed it at her daughter. Elise’s mouth hung open for so long, it was embarrassing. Smile! When Elise turned to her, Abigail took the picture of a moment of shock. Surprise!

Rachel? Is that you? Elise still had not closed her mouth.

Using her hand, Abigail closed it for her. You’ll catch flies if you do that for too long round here, honey. She wanted to say hello to her sister. It had been far too long. The last time she saw Sara was just after Dan’s funeral. Hey, Sis.

Sara stepped forward, taking Abigail in her arms, wrapping them around her. Hey, big sis. She held onto Abigail for a long time. It’s so good to have you here.

Her sister looked and smelled the same as Abigail remembered, only she appeared tired, beaten down even. Sara had dark rings around her eyes, like she had not slept in years. And wrinkles, way more than she had – or hoped so, anyway. The last time Abigail had had a good stare at herself in the mirror, she’d been relatively wrinkle-free. It’s great to be here.

When she stood back, Elise was still staring at Rachel, who looked stunning in her white and red Ridgmont High cheerleader top and short white skirt. Abigail smiled at Charlie and greeted him with a kiss to his cheek. Hi, Charlie, it’s so good to see you.

Charlie was a short but firm guy with strong arms. He hugged her tight. I’m so glad you’re here to support Sara. He whispered the words in her ear. She needs it.

When she broke away from the embrace, Abigail nodded at him, making sure Sara didn’t see. She stood with her arm around Elise’s shoulders. And what do we have here? Sara, have you adopted another one? Where’s Rachel?

Her niece stood with her hands on her hips, not impressed. I’m right here, Aunt Abbie.

She laughed. So you are. Just look at you. Give us a twirl, will you?

Obeying, Rachel stood front and centre, twirling, the skirt floating in the warm evening air. How’s that? She stopped and went back to cuddling her dad.

I don’t believe it, Rachel. Look at you! You’re a cheerleader? Elise had her mouth open again. She looked at Abigail for support. How?

Mom gave me a makeover, didn’t you, Mom? Rachel covered her face with her hair. I got tired of looking like Cousin It. I got bored of wearing all these baggy clothes. When we moved here three years ago, I asked mom to help me re-invent myself, and, well, ta-da!

With Rachel’s abilities at gymnastics, making the squad wasn’t a problem, was it, Rach? She smashed it. Even the seasoned cheerleaders learn from her now. Sara stared so proudly at her daughter. And for the fashion tips, she has me. It was the easiest makeover ever.

Abigail had to admit her niece was gorgeous, with long, shapely legs – like Elise’s – and long dark hair. The cute little button nose and hazel eyes completed the package. Hard to believe she used to hide inside baggy clothes. "I think you look wonderful, darling. I think I’m as stunned as Elise. She was worried you were going to force her to sit