Something in the Wine

by Tricia Stringer

  “You weren’t born here?” Keely had the impression he’d always lived at Margaret River.

  “No. I spent most of my childhood in my father’s home region of Bordeaux in France. My Irish mother made sure Maggie and I knew her homeland as well and I spent some time in other wine-growing districts of Europe. I came to Australia as a young man. My father wanted me to check out the wine regions in eastern Australia and I was keen to try the surf. Lucy taught me all about it.”

  “Your wife was an Australian?” Keely was sipping the last of her wine more carefully now. Euan drained the bottle into his own glass.

  “She was a breath of Antipodean fresh air to me and I fell in love with her at once. Like you, she was keen to visit Western Australia. I followed her to Perth. The rest is history. We married and found paradise here at Margaret River. Lucy was a talented artist, as well as my partner in the vineyard. We began it not long after the first wineries were established. In the days before people associated this area with serious wine. We planted everything, tended it ourselves and there was always the surf nearby. Flynn was our only child and he made our life complete.” Euan stopped. Keely could see the tight set of his jaw as he stared into the fire. He tipped the last of his wine into his mouth and swallowed. “Strange how things change. The three of us did everything together but it was Lucy who made us a family, her magic that wove us together. It’s more than sixteen years since her weak heart stopped. I still miss her, no matter how hard I try, but life goes on.”

  The wind had dropped right away while they’d been eating. The fire crackled in the silence. It was a perfect night with the stars shining above. Keely didn’t speak. It was as if Euan had been telling the last part of his story to the fire and she had been eavesdropping. He obviously loved and missed his wife and yet something wasn’t right. She recalled Flynn’s outburst the morning after her arrival. He had assumed Keely was Euan’s lover and had intimated there had been others. The memory was enough to make her squirm all over again but somehow Flynn’s version didn’t make sense with the gentle tale Euan had just poured out.

  “Lucy would have loved those decorations.”

  Keely was startled from her thoughts. In the glow from the fire she could see the twinkle was back in Euan’s eyes but she had no idea what decorations he was talking about.

  “Those bead covers for the wine bottles,” he said.

  “Oh, they’re nothing special. My mother and her friends have got several sets.”

  “But yours are made with Margaret River beads and your own creative flair. Have faith in yourself, Keely.” Once again, he said her name with the hint of Irish that reminded her of her grandfather. She shivered.

  “I’d better get you home,” he said. “Don’t want you catching cold while I’m looking after you. The days are beautiful at this time of the year but the nights can still be very chilly.”

  Keely was reluctant to move but the fire had burned low again and the night air was cold. She helped him pack up their things. Back in the old Volvo, Euan turned up the radio and they wound their way back to Levallier Dell accompanied by the comfortingly familiar sounds of the Beatles, Elvis and the Delltones. Keely hummed along happily. Euan and her dad shared the same tastes in music.

  * * *

  The lights from the huge windows of the River Dynasty restaurant shone brightly, like a beacon on the hill. Flynn stopped in the parking area by the front door. He could have walked but he was running late. He’d been working on some trellising all afternoon and had driven the tray-top ute back to the studio. There’d only been time for a quick shower and change and he’d jumped back in the ute to drive next door for Theo’s dinner.

  He’d noticed no lights had shone from his own house as he’d driven out. Flynn did wonder briefly what his father was doing. Probably taken Keely for a meal in town. He had no fear Euan would have accepted Theo’s invitation. The two men had never been friends and Theo’s involvement in the cask wine co-op had set them firmly on opposite sides. Then he’d purchased land from Euan’s friend Connor in a manner Euan believed was underhanded and that had been the final nail in the coffin. Euan usually avoided anything to do with River Dynasty and its family of workers.

  It had all started years ago. The two men had had a falling out over a small dingle in the main street when Theo first arrived in the district. Euan had backed into Theo’s new car with his old one. Euan had accepted the blame and, to be fair to his dad, Flynn was fairly sure he would have apologised, paid up and been done with it but Theo had made a huge fuss in front of everyone in the street. Euan had got his back up and said the insurance companies could sort it out and they’d found more reasons to dislike each other ever since.

  Flynn got on okay with Theo but his own intention had been to avoid the dinner. Often events at River Dynasty were a bit over the top for Flynn’s liking. It was meeting with Kat that morning that made him curious. She was easy to talk to and had shared his interest in the various screw caps and glass stoppers they’d been shown. He also discovered that she had studied business management at university in Sydney and gone on to study winemaking in New South Wales.

  He smiled as he got out of the ute. It wasn’t as if he had anything else to do tonight. It was worth attending one of Theo’s parties to have the chance to get to know Kat better.

  Flynn walked along the path to the front door. There were topiary shrubs in ceramic pots covered in fairy lights lining his way. He could see people standing around inside the glass doors and, as he approached, the doors opened before him. Two of Theo’s younger grandsons held them back for him to walk through.

  “Flynn!” Theo threw his arms out wide then stepped towards him and kissed him on both cheeks. “Welcome to River Dynasty restaurant.”

  “Thanks, Theo.” Flynn looked around and bent low to be welcomed by Theo’s wife in the same way.

  “What would you like to drink? Besides our fine wines we have many things to choose from. Would you prefer a beer perhaps?”

  “Thanks.”

  Flynn looked around as Theo called out for a beer to be brought. There were individual tables in the front part of the room all set for service; a large bar took up one corner at the left and back walls, and along from that were doors through to what was once the original old house. Partway down the wall to his right was a huge open fire with several comfy chairs scattered in front of it. Kat stood near the fire, talking to some of her aunts. Theo was distracted as more guests arrived and Flynn took the beer he was offered and made his way towards the fire.

  “I’m not sure how long I can stay, at least two weeks, I hope. It just depends,” Kat was saying to the two women beside her. One of them welcomed Flynn. He recalled she was married to Theo’s son who ran their other winery, closer to Augusta. Kat smiled a hello and the three women continued their conversation. The older women spoke partly in Greek and Flynn had difficulty following their words.

  He took the chance to study Kat. The pale pink of her top complemented her olive complexion. It was fell loosely over her jeans, which stopped just short of white ankle boots. She was perfectly proportioned.

  The aunts moved away and Flynn lifted his gaze to find Kat looking at him, a small smile twitching at the corners of her mouth. “I try to tell them I don’t understand much when they speak Greek.”

  “Your grandfather has done a lot of work here,” he said quickly, aware she had caught him out.

  “It’s changed from when I was here last. Pappou has grand plans for River Dynasty.”

  “Are you part of those plans?”

  “Oh no. Pappou has so many family members here he employs already. Besides, my parents think I’m going to take over the running of their winery one day.”

  Flynn thought there was a sharp edge to her words. “And you’ve got other ideas?”

  “I’m an only child.” The smile left her face and she glanced at the people talking and laughing around them.

  “I can relate to that,” Flynn said. “Accus
ed by many of being spoiled and fancy-free but forever burdened with keeping the parents’ dream alive.”

  “Yes,” she replied softly. Then her smile was back. “I’m glad you came tonight, Flynn. I think we have a lot in common.”

  They were both startled by a loud clapping of hands and then Theo’s voice booming.

  “Come, everyone. Michael has prepared a magnificent meal. It is being served in the banquet room. Please go through and take a seat.”

  Flynn hung back as the large group of people moved towards the door behind him but Kat grabbed his hand and took him along with her. The banquet room was part of the original house. It was set up with long tables covered with white cloths, decorated with trails of small olive branches and dotted with bottles of wine. Along the far wall, Michael and his team waited behind another table laden with food.

  “Let’s find a seat and wait for the rush to die down,” Kat murmured in his ear and led him to a table where some of her cousins were sitting. She introduced him to those closest. He knew most of the faces. Next to him was Chris, who came from Ocean Dynasty further south, and across the table sat Peter and his new wife, Angela. They were all involved in the wine industry so, naturally, that was the main topic of conversation.

  Flynn was particularly interested to hear about the managerial role Chris had as cellar maintenance supervisor. It was an area where Levallier Dell badly needed an extra person. Euan, Flynn and Hugh did it between them and delegated to the casual cellar hands they employed, but it was too haphazard these days, with the size of their vineyards and Euan’s periodic absences.

  Kat kept filling their glasses and talking about the different wines that were being served. He was impressed with her knowledge. She not only knew the Dynasty range, other Margaret River wines and those of the Yarra Valley but she could compare varieties from many wine regions in Australia.

  He smirked as she informed Peter, with a challenge in her look, that his chardonnay was still not packed with the character of some of those available from the Adelaide Hills in South Australia or the Yarra Valley in Victoria.

  “Come, Katerina,” Peter complained. “You know it has taken me years to convince Pappou to let Dad and me try an unwooded chardonnay.”

  She looked contrite. “I’m only teasing. It’s still got great fruit and nice acid.” She picked up the bottle in question and considered the label carefully. “You’ve also packaged it well. The label is very distinctive.”

  Flynn looked at the white lines curved across the vivid blue label. It was certainly different to the plain white label used for all other River Dynasty wines.

  “Angela organised that.” Peter threw his arm around his new wife’s shoulders and kissed her. “She’s great at graphic design.”

  “Is that your training, Angela?” Flynn asked. He would love to make some changes to the Levallier Dell labels but Euan wouldn’t have a bar of it and neither of them had the time anyway.

  “No, I studied marketing at uni and I’ve had a variety of jobs since then. Mostly in the restaurant and wine trade.”

  “You’ll be put to work here, then,” Kat said. “Pappou has every family member earmarked for a job. What has he got you doing?”

  “It’s not been long since the wedding, there’s been lots to do setting up house,” Angela said.

  “She helps out here in the restaurant and at the cellar door.” Peter gave his wife a gentle squeeze.

  “And there’ll be lots more work now that the extensions are finished,” Angela said.

  “Pappou will realise your full potential eventually,” Peter said gently. His arm was still around his wife’s shoulders and he pulled her in close and kissed her cheek.

  Flynn was just wondering what Peter meant when the music that had been playing in the background was suddenly turned up. One of the younger boys was fiddling with the sound system at the edge of the dance floor and all around people were getting up to make their way to him.

  “Time to dance.” Peter stood up, pulling Angela with him.

  Flynn watched as the group on the dance floor joined arms and the familiar sounds of ‘Zorba’s Dance’ from Zorba the Greek began.

  “Do you like to dance?” He was startled by Kat’s voice close to his ear.

  “I can but I’m not good at it and I certainly don’t know how to do that.” He nodded towards the circle of people stepping slowly to the music.

  “It’s easy.” She reached for his hand and stood up. “Come on, I’ll teach you.”

  Flynn had had enough wine to think that maybe she could and he smiled as her soft hand gripped his and led him to the floor.

  Half an hour later, he pulled himself from the circle and sank into a nearby chair. Laughing, Kat followed and fell into a chair beside him.

  “Not fit enough.” She leaned in close so he could hear her above the music. “You did very well for a beginner.”

  He could smell the sweat from his own body but her closeness brought the scent of her perfume to him. She looked wonderful. He would like to have kissed her deep pink lips.

  She sat back suddenly. “I’m glad you came. It’s been a lot of fun.”

  “It has.” Somehow the sparkle of the moment had disappeared. “I’d better get going.”

  A hand clasped his shoulder and he turned to see Theo beaming at him then back to Kat. “Are you two having a good time?”

  “It’s been great, thanks, Theo.” He stood up. “I was just telling Kat it was time I left, though. Another big day tomorrow.”

  Theo grasped his hand. “You are a hard worker, Flynn. I like that. But you must also remember to play. I’m glad you enjoyed our little party. Come, Katerina, walk our guest to the door.”

  “No, you stay please,” Flynn said. “I can find my way out.”

  He felt Theo’s eyes on him as he said goodnight to Kat and turned to thank her grandmother. He had enjoyed the evening but there was no doubt that it was Kat who had made it fun. He had come close to spoiling it. Thank goodness he hadn’t kissed her. That would have been a big mistake.

  He hurried out into the cold night and shook his head. His life was here in Margaret River but he already had a sense that Kat was destined for something else.

  CHAPTER 11

  The door slid back with a thud and Flynn strode into the room. “The pump’s broken down again.”

  Keely looked up, startled by his abrupt intrusion. She and Euan had eaten a late breakfast and were sitting at either end of the table, he with the newspaper and she flicking through magazines.

  “Good morning to you too, Flynn,” Euan said. “Would you like some breakfast?”

  Flynn stopped and looked from Euan to Keely then to the table as if he had just realised where he was. He took off his cap. The fair wavy hair it had been taming fluffed out around his head. His face was tanned and he looked like a sun-bleached surfie. Keely wondered if he shared that interest with his father.

  “No…thank you. I’ve eaten.” He glanced at Keely and softened his voice. “I would like some help with the pump. I told you before you went away it needed seeing to. There’s no water at the studio and we won’t be able to water the vines.”

  Keely moved away to the couch to give the two men some space. She took her phone from her pocket. Thankfully it hadn’t been any the worse for wear and as soon as it had charged she’d sent a text to her mum to let her know she had it back and then had a long conversation with Bec.

  “It’s Sunday morning,” Euan said. “You can shower here and the vines won’t need water for weeks. The pump can wait till tomorrow.”

  “There’s the spraying to do while the weather’s clear.” Flynn gripped the back of the chair and his voice began to rise again. “I’ve noticed a few spots of mildew on the chardonnay vines closer to the river, so I don’t want to put that off. There’re the barrels to move before the new ones arrive, which could be any day, and there’s blending to be done.”

  Euan sighed. “Okay, Flynn. I’ll come down in a minut
e.” He stood up. “Why don’t you have a coffee while I get changed?”

  Euan left and Flynn hesitated just inside the door.

  Keely looked up from her phone. “I can make you one if you like.” There was a simple pod machine in the kitchen, easy to use like the one at home.

  Flynn turned and she felt the full force of his gaze across the room. “That’s okay. I’ll do it.” He went round the breakfast bar. “Can I make you one?”

  Keely looked down. She had only ever seen him angry before. She didn’t know how to deal with this polite Flynn.

  “Thanks,” she murmured.

  * * *

  Kat took slow deep breaths to steady the rising anticipation she felt deep in her chest. Gradually, her breathing fell into step with the rhythmic flow of the priest’s voice, chanting the morning prayers, and she relaxed. This trip had been intended to give her space and time to plan her future. Her parents wanted her to be part of their expanding business and originally that’s where she’d intended her university studies would lead her. That had been her goal. That was until the previous November. She’d gone to Sydney to promote Australian wine at an international medical conference and met a wine exporter called Mal Wilson. Ever since then, she had been living an exhausting double life.

  This trip had been an excuse to distance herself and make some decisions. Now, her grandfather wanted to talk with her. A quiet morning tea after church, he’d said, just the two of them to talk things over before the cellar door got too busy. He had plenty of workers but he still liked to be there, talking to the customers, keeping an eye on things.

  From their previous conversations, he had obviously sensed her waning commitment to her parents’ winery. Unburdening her duplicity to Pappou would be a welcome release. He would understand her and help her to explain it to her parents.

  They stood to sing the final hymn and she looked across and caught his eye. He winked at her and she couldn’t help but smile. An ally was just what she needed.

  After church, he insisted on introducing her to everyone and it took some time to get away. Finally, they sat under the front verandah of the house, with its view up the hill and across the vines to the cellar-door building standing grandly at the top.