Episode 73: Good Wine Makes Good Blood

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Episode 73: Good Wine Makes Good Blood

"I'm nervous." Emily aired a quiet admittance.

Nicholas looked over at her with a subtle smile.

Taking her hand in his, she felt her heartbeat become more affected but her soul was at peace.

"Reminds you of the first time we came here, huh?" He asked, glancing up at the broad doors.

She nodded, looking as meek as a lamb.

"And how you had your cousin by the hair because you didn't like the fact that she was trying to take what's yours."

Emily winced.

She remembered how the redheads had caused her to lose all forms of rationality, civility and just plain patience when dealing with their games.

"Let's not even go there."

He grinned and brought her hand up to issue a kiss to the base.

"Don't worry. I'll stick to your side like glue all night. I promise you won't have to go apeshit on anyone here."

Her hand came up and slapped him on the arm.

As he faked a hurt expression, the door was swung open.

Dorothy stood there with her plump face and an expression of joy upon seeing the two of them.

"Mr. Pinault told me that you had promised to join us before the New Year but I could hardly believe it! How have you been, Miss Emily?"

The brunette smiled at her caretaker with compassion.

"I've been good, Dorothy. How about you?"

"Great now that you're here," she answered smoothly before making way in the passage.

"Don't just stand there. Come inside. Make yourselves welcome."

The couple followed her instructions and entered the enormous mansion. Its aging was like fine wine. The appearance of it never looked better and she felt her eyes scan the polished floors and concrete walls in scrutiny as Dorothy went to close the doors.

"I suppose you've been well too, Mr. King?"

Nicholas nodded in confirmation at the maid's polite acknowledgement.

"That's good." She smiled.

"Has grandpa been investing more than he should in this old house again?" Emily couldn't help the curiosity which was gnawing away at her.

Don't be mistaken.

She loved this place but it seemed his good sentiments for it had been taken way too far.

"Among all the properties under your grandfather's name it seems he cherishes this one the most. There's no limit to the renovations he'll make to have it looking like it did forty years ago. I think it has something to do with the fact that most of his memories with his family were made here. He's quite the sentimental man if you ask me."

Emily's eyes watered at the revelation.

It was no secret that her and Chelsea spent a good portion of their childhood here. Even when they were to be taken to prom, both their dates ended up coming to this address instead of their parent's own.

This was like a home.

The first thing that came to mind when she thought of that word was here.

Now it had made a little space for anywhere Nicholas was.

That still didn't mean she took for granted all the fuzzy feelings which came to her anytime she visited here.

Some things just couldn't be replaced.

She guessed that was why her grandfather invested so much in preserving this place because he wasn't only doing so to the structure but also their memories.

Dorothy gave a wistful sigh at how touched the girl was at what she had shed light upon.

"I'm glad you took the time to come visit again, Miss Emily. Especially on New Year's Eve. I know it means a lot to them. Miss Juliet been gushing about it all morning."

The girl smiled at the image of her mother being too excited about her visit that she would make over the top preparations.

As expected, the entire place was decorated like Christmas wasn't over. In the midst of that there were hints of extra attention given to the appearance of the place.

Emily shook her head when her mother came walking elegantly down the stairs in a luxurious dress.

She looked to Nicholas with a plead in her gaze, begging him not to react to her extraneous outfit.

"Emily, Nicholas! You've finally made it!"

Her arms wrapped themselves around the both of them, the effort being quite ambitious of her.

Nicholas' lips twitched as he scooted further into Emily, trying to make it easier on her.

She gave him a look that told of her appreciation for his sense of humor.

Her heart nearly leaped out her chest when he took the opportunity to lean in and plant a kiss to her lips.

"Y-You..." She mouthed.

Wide eyed, she continued to gape at him for the balls he had to do something like that with her mother less than an inch away.

Speaking of her, the older replica of Emily pulled back and gave both of them a broad smile.

Her eyes crinkled while analyzing her daughter.

"Emily, are you okay? It seems like your face is turning awfully red."

Her fingers trailed the area in surprise at what had elicited such a response from her daughter.

She knew from all the years of accompanying her that this reaction only occurred out of embarrassment or shock.

Juliet's eyes wandered to Nicholas with questions.

The man only gave a shrug of the shoulders.

"I think she's just a bit overwhelmed by that tight hug you gave us. Three's a crowd, you know?"

Slowly her head nodded, accepting that explanation.

He was glad to have his surmise confirmed.

"Come, dinner is ready to be served." Juliet led the two of them to the dining room.

Following the hostess, the couple walked hand in hand into the space. It came as a surprise to them seeing everyone already seated at the table. The man of the house, her grandfather, sat at the head by order of hierarchical arrangement. His wife was found to his left with a soft smile playing on her lips as her gaze found Emily and Nicholas' figures. Juliet Pinault didn't delay gesturing to the two vacant chairs on the right. She joined her husband who was seemingly preoccupied by the silverware before him, purposefully avoiding his daughter's heavy presence.

"Emily! Nicholas! What a pleasant surprise!" Her grandmother said with a smile which went against the laws of aging.

"Why do you always have to act so over-the-top whenever we have guests? The child already informed us of coming here today."

She huffed at her husband's comment.

Reaching for Nicholas after making her way around the furniture, a mischievous grin fitted her face.

"You've gotten buffer since the last time I saw you."

He coughed.

Emily choked on the air.

"Grandmother." She whined.

Rose-anne rolled her eyes. "You're a grown woman now, Emily. It's about time you stop being shy about these things."

"There's a time and place for everything. Wasn't it you who taught me that?"

The woman left out an amused laugh.

Her twinkling eyes found her husband who was watching the exchange with a penetrating gaze. "Did you hear that? Our Emily has become so grown that she's started to lecture me."

Richard's lips twitched at his astute granddaughter.

"You should have known better than to make a comment like that. Look at how uncomfortable you've made, Nicholas." His sharp eyes then found the victim. "I'll be calling you by your first name seeing the nature of your relationship with my granddaughter is not a common one."

"Please by all means do."

He gave a gruff nod.

"Look at you playing the role of an intimidator and I can't even make a joke." Rose-anne complained before kissing Emily on the cheek quickly and returning back to her seat.

This time she intentionally didn't face her husband but did her granddaughter whom she hadn't seen in a while.

Richard noticed the sulking but paid no attention to it.

Emily and Nicholas finally had the time to take a seat.

A breath of relief was hardly taken by both of them before Chelsea who hadn't been present entered the room.

"Hey, look who it is! If it isn't my sexy brother-in-law! Long time no see!"

Her younger sister blanched at that.

"See what you've encouraged." Richard said with a scolding look towards his wife.

"What are you talking about?"

"Children live what they learn." Was his wise and to the point response.

"It's nice of you to finally join us, Chelsea." Juliet said before the two could go back at it again.

The elder daughter gave a salute before occupying the last seat.

Her bright brown eyes found the girl before her.

"Ems, you've made history out of coming here to celebrate the New Year's with us."

Her baby sister gave a shy smile.

"Let's hope it will be the first of many to come." Their mother said with a heartfelt expression.

It resonated from within and affected the rest of the family members present. They couldn't help but become influenced by the good vibes it gave, all instantly becoming positive in their disposition. Even James Pinault who had been quiet during this entire time gave the orders to serve the meal. The mood was now at its peak of everyone's comfort zone.

Emily was put at ease because of it.

Her head turned upon the warm touch of someone's hand.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," she said, heart speeding up at the sight of his thoughtfulness. "How about you?"

Nicholas grinned.

"Never been better."

Her concerns faded.

"Nicholas, I heard you're a big fan of wine. Which has been your favourite out of all the ones you've tasted?"

Stunned that her grandfather was taking the time to take interest in her partner, Emily watched on silently.

Nicholas blinked, looking just as confounded.

However, he was quick in gathering his wits to not make a fool of himself.

"The Domaine de la Romanée-Conti."

Richard's brows raised. "That's quite an expensive one. If not, the most costly one on the market."

"The price is nothing compared to the taste. The first time I had it my brain was absolutely rattled."

His response was satisfactory.

"I felt the same way. It has a tendency to knock you off your feet. It did so once to James over there. Right?"

Emily's dad who had been listening to their conversation with eyes casted elsewhere looked up.

The whole table awaited his response.

"Right." He nodded.

The man then took everyone by surprise when he leant forward, more inclined to speak than before.

His daughter smirked, knowing that this was just his topic of discussion.

"My personal favourite is the 1984 Echezeaux. Too bad the whole brand has such a small production. There's just not enough in this world to go around. More than half of the vintage production like the 1900's batch has already been consumed. That's why the prices go up so exponentially every time one is bought because there's less left on the market for purchase."

"That's why you have an entire cellar at your house and treated it like it's your unverified third child, monitoring the place like the CIA?"

"You know what they say, buon vino fa buon sangue."

Emily's eyes screwed shut at that.

"He's been saying that since I was little. If it weren't for mom, I'm pretty sure he probably would've given me wine back then too."

James neither agreed or denied his daughter's assumption.

Nicholas nodded, understanding the depth of his interest.

"Enough with this boring wine talk. As if they all don't serve the same purpose of getting us drunk. Not to mention that we'll piss them all out anyway."

"Rose-anne."

Ignoring her husband's warning, she leant forward with a glint in her eyes. "I'm more interested in any news of my great-grandchildren."

Feeling like a bucket of ice water was thrown on her, Emily froze.

"Seeing them before I die would be a great blessing bestowed upon me."

"I don't think that's gonna happen any time soon based on that look Emily is wearing." Chelsea stated.

"Why?"

Her mother was the one to speak up this time.

"Is there something wrong? Are you having issues with your body, darling? Do you want us to see a doctor together?"

"No, I'm not, mother."

"Then..."

Her eyes widened as they landed on the man beside her daughter.

They slowly travelled down to the area down below.

Nicholas held up a dismissive hand, his mouth dropping open.

"N-No! That's not the reason why!"

He became more frantic at the sympathetic look at the rest of the onlookers.

"I swear that's not the reason why! I'm as healthy as an ox! I can assure you there is no problem in...that regards."

The man was trying his best to have a filter about being able to shoot his shots.

He let out an unsuppressed groan at the unconvinced looks on their faces.

Was he really here fighting to make his in-laws believe in his fertility?

What had this evening come to?

Emily was quick in coming to his rescue.

"I'm not ready to have a baby yet."

"Why is that?" Her grandmother spoke up, sounding highly disheartened by the news.

"Because of her career." Nicholas replied with no traces of a lingering grudge.

"Em wants to reach her goal in the entertainment industry before she considers having a child."

"That sounds like something she would do." Her mother added.

"What about what you want?"

Nicholas halted at the question. "Pardon me?"

"What about you?" Rose-anne repeated. "Don't you want to have a child soon? When Richard and I were at your age we already had our first child. So did Emily's parents. So disregarding what your wife says about it, what do you want?"

The brunette swallowed at her grandmother's question.

Why must she always put her on the spot like this?

It was like it was in her blood to do it.

"I want what Emily wants."

At his head turning towards her with a warm gaze, the woman felt her heart flutter.

"I promised her that I would do my best to support her professional pursuits and although a part of me longs to have a family with her, I should ensure that I stick to my vow. After all, her happiness is mine."

Everyone was astonished.

"You sucker." Chelsea snickered, ruining the moment.

"Stop it." Her sister hissed.

"What?" She mouthed with a shrug but the taunting was still there in the act.

"That's very sweet of you," Juliet spoke up with stars in her eyes while gazing at her son-in-law.

She then turned to her daughter.

"You're very lucky to have a man who cares for you like Nicholas does."

"I know."

"When's the actual wedding by the way?" Her grandmother prodded, as active as ever.

"We haven't decided as yet." Nicholas answered safely.

"A spring wedding would be nice."

"It would be." Emily agreed noncommittally.

Her grandfather took notice of it.

"Let them decide when to have the wedding. After all, it is theirs."

"You've been picking for a fight all evening. Do you think I won't take you up on the offer just because the kids are here?"

Richard placed his hand over his grumpy wife's. "I'm well aware you can. But being married to you for over twenty years, I also know that you won't."

"You're lucky that my tolerance for you hasn't grown old." She grumbled.

"I'm very happy to know that." He popped a smile, the wrinkles of his eyes making it more endearing.

Her grandmother looked like she fell in love with him all over again.

Ugh, these two, Emily thought with fake sensitivity and minor disgust.

"Get a room." Chelsea replied, surprisingly distracted by her phone but involved auditory enough.

"We already have one." Her grandfather responded strongly.

"But as for yours I'm not sure how long that will last."

Her mouth dropped open simultaneously with the phone hitting the table.

She scrambled to retrieve it and put it to the side.

"Grandfather!"

"Don't you whine to me, young lady."

Chelsea released a growl loud enough to scare the mightiest of beasts.

"You always go and hurt my feelings by saying stuff like that. I don't see you telling Emily that she has no room here."

"Are you forgetting that they once took our parents' side and disowned me?"

The comment was supposed to be lighthearted but it came out heavier than expected.

Nicholas coughed.

"I think a spring wedding will be just perfect, Mrs. Pinault."

"Oh, you can just call me Rose-anne. With two Mrs. Pinault here it gets confusing sometimes."

"Rose-anne." He attempted with a smile.

She returned an even brighter one.

Just as her mouth opened to continue, a phone rang.

It was Emily's.

"One minute." She dismissed herself.

And like that, Nicholas was left to fend for himself among her family.

He offered an awkward smile to Chelsea who seemed humored by the situation.

She leaned towards him with a playful demeanor. "Don't look so pained. If they were going to do anything to you they would've done it long ago. Emily being here or not."

"Note taken."

Her face suddenly became serious.

"I forgot to tell you the first time we met but if you hurt my sister in any way I'll make sure infertility actually becomes an issue for you."

Nicholas' pupils stilled in shock.

A contented look overtook her face at it. "I wish you all the best otherwise." She mused.

In a daze, the man nodded.

Thankfully, Emily returned but she handed Nicholas the phone.

"It's Valentina. Something happened to Chase."

He was quick in taking the call after excusing himself from the elders and her surprisingly cutthroat sister.

"What is that about?" Her grandfather asked curiously.

"His best friend ended up in the hospital."

"Oh no! That's horrible! Don't you think he should go?"

"According to the doctors, it's nothing serious. Just a panic attack of some sorts from what I've heard."

"Thank God!"

Emily hummed in agreement.

It didn't take long for Nicholas to return.

"Is your friend alright?"

He nodded at his mother-in-law, giving incredible reassurance to what was on everyone's mind.

"It's nothing life-threatening. He'll be fine. I'll visit him tomorrow when I get the chance."

"I'll come with." Emily eagerly proposed.

His eyes were practically bursting with hearts at her concern.

"Okay."

"Now that that's settled let's talk more about you, Chelsea. Do you really have no aspirations after dropping out of law school? One would think you'd do something else. Maybe even try a different career path, but no. You've weighed your options over the years until you haven't gotten any left..."

It didn't take long before the woman dropped her head down onto the table this time instead of her phone.

***

A/N:

Don't worry. I love you Chelsea.

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