Chapter 48: Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards
We left Brentwood around 3 p.m. - four cars in total. The road started smooth, until the last few kilometers decided to test our suspension.
The final stretch turned into packed dirt, winding up the hillside with no guardrails.
"You call this a road?" Summer said, gripping the handle above the door as the Grand Cherokee took the curves of Kanan Dume.
"Jake, this can't be right," Jay said through the walkie-talkie I had distributed to the cars so we wouldn't get lost.
"It is," I answered. "They just haven't paved the road yet. The place is new."
"New? It feels like a goat trail!" Gloria shouted from the passenger seat, and then again, "Jay! Slow down, the car is dancing!"
"I'm going fifteen miles per hour!" he barked back.
Claire leaned out the window: "Jake! If we die, I'm haunting you!"
"How is that any different from now?" I laughed.
"Lily is smiling," Cam reported through the walkie-talkie.
"Of course she is, she remembers her country," Jay said sarcastically.
"How can you be so relaxed, cousin?" Haley asked from the back seat. She ended up riding with us.
"Easy, this isn't my car," I joked, and I saw Marissa glaring at me through the rearview mirror.
Then the vehicle gave a small jump. "Can we even turn back if we have to?" Marissa asked nervously, looking out the window.
"No," I replied calmly. "But if we slide off, at least the view's nice on the way down."
"Not helping!" she yelled, clutching the seatbelt tighter.
"Wow, Coop, you're already out of character," Summer pointed out, turning back.
"Is that what you're worried about right now?" Marissa gave an incredulous look
"Don't worry, Marissa, you're not dying in a car accident," I said.
After a few more complaints, the hill finally opened up, and there it was - a massive Tuscan-style house perched on top of the ridge, surrounded by rows of vines and a stone terrace that looked straight out of a movie.
"Holy crap," Summer exclaimed, rolling down the window to admire the view.
Soon, all four cars parked, and everyone stepped out, completely awestruck.
Gloria gasped, "Ay Dios mío, it's beautiful! Look at this view!"
"Did we already die and end up in paradise?" Phil muttered, still staring.
"Woow," Marissa whispered, holding onto my arm - but as soon as she noticed, she quickly let go.
"Come on, guys, let's go inside," I said, motioning for everyone to follow.
As we approached, a man in a suit came to greet us.
"Mr. Jacob Pritchett?" he asked Jay, who gestured toward me instead.
The man looked surprised but quickly composed himself. "All six suites are prepared. The house manager and chef are ready; we can arrange a tasting."
"Excellent, thank you," I replied with a smile, then turned to the group. "Let's enjoy," I smirked.
Two more men appeared to help with the luggage.
As I gestured for everyone to go inside, Jay stayed behind to talk.
"How much did it cost?" he asked.
"Thirty grand total, but you need a few connections," I revealed. Gordon helped with that.
Jay just nodded thoughtfully.
"Don't overthink it, or I'll throw Manny at your door tonight." I smiked.
He let out a grumbly laugh and patted my shoulder.
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After a while, everyone had found something interesting to do.
"Why is your little brother wearing a tuxedo?" Marissa asked curiously.
Manny was wearing the blazer I had given him as a gift, sipping grape juice as if it were a fine wine.
"I told you, he's an old soul," I replied, not too bothered by the family's eccentricities.
Haley walked over. "Can you sneak us some wine?"
"Later, little Comet," I smirked. "Let's go to the table - dinner will be served early so we can catch the sunset."
Everyone gathered at the outdoor table. Dinner consisted of wine, truffle risotto, pasta, and grilled meat.
I gently tapped my glass and stood up. "I'd like to propose a toast to our little Zorro, today's champion." Everyone raised their glasses, followed by applause and laughter.
And Manny added, "And also to our first family trip!"
As we started eating, I leaned closer to Summer and whispered in her ear, "Sum, what do I get now that I've won the bet?"
She just gave me a sly smile and went back to eating
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That night, everyone was enjoying themselves in different ways. I pushed a cart carrying a wine bucket, cold cuts, and glasses, and knocked on the door.
"Whooa, nice," Haley grinned, seeing everything I was bringing. "Now, get out, Alex," she shouted, trying to kick her sister out of the room, where Summer and Marissa were lounging on the bed.
I gently placed a friendly hand on Alex's shoulder.
"Don't be mean, Haley. You can stay with us, Alex" I spoke, then looked around at everyone. "But we need to keep the conversation PG," I teased.
Haley grumbled but didn't say anything else
"Why would I even want to stay?" Alex countered, sounding bratty.
I ignored her attitude. "The door's right there," I remarked nonchalantly, pouring wine into the glasses.
Alex huffed too but sat down. Then she asked, "Can I have wine?"
"No," I replied simply.
"Why?"
"You're too young, not mature enough, and your mother would kill me," I answered.
"So, I'm less mature than those three?" she continued with her snappy attitude.
"You have a point, but the others two are still right," I conceded.
Haley immediately gasped in outrage. "Excuse me?" she snapped, crossing her arms.
"You're saying she's more mature than us?" Summer narrowed her eyes at me.
I gave her a quick kiss. "A mature person doesn't go around fighting or competing with kids." Then I turned toward Marissa. "Right, Marissa?" I said, handing her a glass - partly to include her, but mostly to use her as my alibi.
"Hey, you called me immature too, and now you want my help?" Marissa asked deadpan.
"For free wine," I offered, showing the bottle. She rolled her eyes, pausing for a beat before a small smile tugged at her lips.
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