“Pappou…I need to talk to you about that.” Kat put down her fork and reached for the water glass, twirling it in her fingers.
“What is it?”
She took a breath. “I have to return home next week.”
“I understand. You need to talk to your parents and collect your things. That’s fine. I can ring your mother and explain—”
“No, Pappou. It’s not that. I really appreciate your offer but…you already have someone who could do the job.”
“Michael says he’s got enough to do.”
“Not Michael. Angela.”
“She is not true family. The job is yours.”
“I can’t accept it.” Now that she’d finally said it she felt such a relief.
“You are my granddaughter.”
“I’m sorry. It’s a very generous offer.”
“I don’t understand. Your parents’ business won’t be a challenge for you. I’ve watched you, Katerina. You are good with wine and people. You are calm and level-headed in business. Managing the cellar door at River Dynasty is the perfect opportunity for someone with your talents.”
“I know it is.” Her heart raced. Pappou might think her calm but when it came to dealing with him, she was a bag of nerves.
“What’s the matter then? Do you need time at home?”
“No…I’ve been offered another job…in Singapore.”
“What?” He pushed back in his chair. “When did this happen?”
Kat glanced around. The other diners were leaving and there was no one nearby. “Mal offered me the job a while ago. I came here to take a break and think things through.”
“What kind of job is it and who is Mal?”
“Mal Wilson. He’s an expat Australian living in Singapore. He runs a big wine-buying consortium and he wants me to be the Australian face of the company in Singapore.”
“How long have you known him? How do you know he’s who he says he is?”
“I’ve checked it all out, Pappou. We met at a wine promotion in Sydney and we’ve met several times since then. Besides…I’ve fallen in love with him.”
“You’ve what! That’s ridiculous.” Pappou shouted and slammed his hand on the table. The cutlery clattered on the plates.
A few customers at the tasting bar looked with interest in their direction.
“I hoped you would support me with this,” she said softly.
“Bah!”
“Please, Pappou. I came here to give myself space to think things through and I have.”
“What does your mother say? Surely she doesn’t agree.”
“I haven’t told her yet.”
“There, you see.” He stood up. “It just won’t happen. Singapore! You can’t go there when your family needs you here.”
Kat looked from her barely touched plate of food to her grandfather striding down the room. He went through the glass doors without looking back. A hand rested on her shoulder. She looked up into Michael’s gentle eyes.
He grimaced. “You’ve told him then.”
* * *
Euan came back into the quiet house. He made himself another coffee and sat down. Everything was ready for the party. Keely had cleaned up the kitchen and the fridges were overflowing with food. He’d be sorry to see her go. She had brought some spark back to their family life, made the work enjoyable. Flynn had helped him stock the drinks, and he’d even cracked a few jokes. Now all that was needed was a bit more meat for the barbecue and everything should go to plan.
He had to admit the job of cleaning up and organising it hadn’t been so bad. Keely and Flynn had put the final touches to the setting up and he and Hugh had acted as gofers. It had all come together so well. Flynn knew the look he wanted and Keely had the creative flair to make the dullest corner look appealing. She’d brought up some of Lucy’s wall hangings from the studio and arranged pots of coloured plants and cushions around the planking Hugh had brought in for extra seating. Flynn had been busy with lights and he’d turned an old cupboard into a useful appendage to the original bar. Teamwork, that’s what it had been.
The cellar-door area had cleaned up well. It was a shame it didn’t get utilised more. Although with Flynn involving them in the coming wine and food weekend, it would get another use. After that, who knew?
Euan couldn’t bring himself to commit to Lucy’s dream of the cellar door. Earlier it was because it was too painful to be reminded of Lucy and these days it was because he couldn’t be bothered. Markets had changed but Levallier Dell wine was still sought after. They didn’t need the hassle of a cellar door. And it was joined to the house. Back when they first built their home he’d gone along with Lucy’s idea of having it there but now he couldn’t abide the lack of privacy it would mean. There’d be people everywhere, children racing around the garden, cars parked under every available tree. He’d put up with it for the special wine weekend, it was for charity after all, but that was it.
He groaned when his mobile rang and he had to get up to find it. It had been good to just sit.
“Levallier Dell, hello.”
“Euan?”
He stood up straight and gripped the phone tightly. “Dianna?”
“Yes, it’s me, and guess what! I’m on my way to the plane. I’m coming your way. I’ll be in Margaret River tomorrow morning. Can you meet me?”
* * *
Flynn pulled up outside the supermarket. “I’ll be about half an hour. Is that long enough?”
“Plenty,” Keely said. “I only need a few things and the extra meat your dad wanted.”
She waved him off then wrestled a trolley from the stack and joined the other weekend shoppers inside. The thought of the crowd coming for the barbecue made her a bit anxious but at least she knew a few of them.
She’d enjoyed the cooking but there wasn’t enough cream for the pavlovas or fruit to put in them. The salads needed some finishing touches, and she wanted candles for the birthday cake and a few basic supplies for the studio. It took some time to find what she was looking for in a strange shop.
“Hello, Keely. Those men have got you shopping for them, have they?” Anna tut-tutted up behind her.
“Hello, Anna.”
“I hope you haven’t done too much work for this party. Sean and I are bringing all the sweets.”
“Oh…” Keely faltered. “I just made a birthday cake and a few other things…”
“There’s no need. You’re a visitor. Family take care of these things. I always make Flynn a birthday cake.”
Keely nudged the packet of candles underneath the assortment of goods in her trolley. “That’s nice of you.”
Anna chuckled sharply. “If it was up to Euan, poor Flynn would never have had a birthday after Lucy died. I’m amazed they’re having this barbecue. They’ve hardly—”
“Keely!”
She looked over Anna’s shoulder to the bushy-haired man who was hurrying towards her. Something about his faded t-shirt and ripped shorts was familiar.
“Keely, it’s good to see you’re okay.”
He wrapped her in a warm hug and she smiled. “Marty?” Over his shoulder she noticed Anna’s disapproving look.
“I’ll leave you to catch up with your friend,” she said.
Marty let Keely go and stepped back. “Everything went alright then? I didn’t like to leave Perth without seeing you but the nurse said you couldn’t have visitors for a while and Steve had organised a ride—”
“I’m fine, Marty.” Keely watched Anna push her trolley slowly on up the aisle. “Thanks for packing up my things.”
“So, what are you doing here? I thought you’d planned to go north after Perth.”
“I did, but I needed somewhere to recuperate after the operation and Euan…a friend, offered me a place down here. Are you staying in Margaret River?”
“Not far away. Just up the coast a bit at Gracetown.” He smiled and ran his fingers through his hair. “I haven’t quite got the hang of surfing like Steve a
nd Mike. I guess I’m a slow learner. They’ve gone to try out the Boneyard today.”
“Sounds scary.” Keely smiled.
“They say it’s aptly named.” He glanced back behind him. “Was that woman from the family you’re staying with?”
Keely followed Marty’s nod in time to see Anna move stiffly around the corner. “No, a friend of theirs. I’m staying at Levallier Dell Winery, it’s a bit of a way out of town. Two blokes run it, a father and son, and they’ve let me have their little studio overlooking the river.”
“Sounds good. Have you got transport? You’ll have to come and spend the day with us.”
“I don’t think surfing’s for me.”
“You don’t have to surf. The beaches are magnificent. Just come and have some fun.” The dimple on his cheek deepened as he grinned.
“How will I find you?”
“Mobile reception can be patchy but send me a text or you can try to call me.”
Keely got out her mobile. “My phone was stolen that night I ended up in hospital but I got it back.” She searched her contacts and found his name. “Yep, I still have your number. The studio doesn’t have a phone so I’ll text you the house number in case you can’t get me. I’m sure Euan or Flynn would take a message.”
“There’s no Mrs Levallier Dell?”
“No, but—”
“Keely!” Anna’s sharp call made them both turn. “I see Flynn is parked out the front, waiting for you. Should I tell him your friend will drop you home?”
“No, thanks.” Keely turned back to Marty. “I’d better go.”
“Who is that old girl?” he asked.
“Everyone’s favourite lady, it seems.”
“Everyone, but you?” There was that dimple back again.
She gave him a hug. “It’s great to see you again, Marty, but I’d better not keep Flynn waiting. Say hello to the others for me. I might come and catch up this week.”
“Make sure you do.” He winked and gave a wave as she turned and pushed her trolley towards the checkout.
“How’s your day been so far?” the girl behind the counter asked in a sing-song voice.
“Fine, thanks,” Keely replied, acutely aware of Anna’s eyes watching her closely from the next lane.
CHAPTER 21
“It’s a great idea to use this space.” Pam put the large bowl of salad and the platter of nibbles onto the makeshift table in the cellar-door area.
Keely was amazed at the food everyone had brought. It was hard to imagine they’d need it all.
Pam did a slow scan of the room. “It has a real welcoming feel to it,” she declared.
Keely agreed with her. There were fluorescent lights on the rafters but they’d left them switched off. The sconce lights along the walls gave a softer illumination and Flynn had hung strings of festoon lights in loops between the exposed beams. Clear blinds had been rolled down on the open wall, guests were entering via a side door, and Euan had borrowed some pole gas heaters in case it was cold later.
Flynn had also brought the old wooden cupboard from the Haystack Block tasting room to add on to the bar. It had a solid wood top and he had nailed flattened corrugated iron around three sides of the base. All the walls had a rough bagged finish and down the middle of both sides he had nailed pallets. Keely had helped him attach pots of plants to create sections of cascading greenery. Along with the tables made from old wine barrels, the whole room felt country chic and perfect for a cellar door.
“Great place for a party.” Connor put down his esky, lifted the lid and pulled out some cans. “Anyone for a beer?”
“Put that away, Connor.” Euan came up behind them. “We’ve got plenty.”
“I’ll have one.” Sean arrived, loaded down with containers of food.
“What’s all this?” Flynn said.
“Happy birthday,” Anna and Megan chorused from behind Sean, their arms just as laden.
“I’ve made your favourite cake.” Anna kissed Flynn on the cheek before she handed over a large plate with a beautifully decorated cake. “I know how much you love strawberry and hazelnut cream.”
“Thanks, Anna.” Flynn smiled and helped them take the food inside.
Keely tried not to think about the chocolate layer cake she had slaved over. Someone would eat it. She hung back as more people arrived, most of whom she didn’t know. The space was filling fast. Perhaps the extra food would be necessary.
“What are you drinking, young Keely?” Connor’s cheerful voice spoke close to her ear above the sound of the music and voices.
Before she could answer Euan appeared on her other side.
“I’ve poured you a glass of wine.”
“Thanks.” Keely took the glass he offered and sipped from it. She smiled. “Your chardonnay?”
The creases of his smile spread across his face and he nodded. “This young lady is a fast learner, Connor. And she has good taste. She likes the fine wines from the exclusive Levallier Dell cellars.”
“You’re full of the blarney as usual, I see,” Connor said. “Speaking of chardonnay, I hear a few vineyards suffered a bit of damage with that storm we had. How did you get on here?”
“Only minimal shoot loss. The hail didn’t last long here. We must have been on the edge of it. I don’t think it will have too much impact.”
“It’s weird, isn’t it? Evidently your neighbours didn’t fare so well.”
“I wouldn’t know.” Euan stiffened.
“The word is – a lot of damage. Theo will be under pressure with a loss like that. He’s outlaid a lot of money for the cellar-door extensions and he still owes big on our old patch of land.”
Keely could see the twitch in Euan’s cheek.
“You know I don’t listen to gossip, Connor,” he said.
“This is not gossip, mate. I’ve heard it straight from Tony. Theo has his back to the wall at the moment.”
Keely took a sip from her glass, frantically trying to think of something she could say to change the subject.
“I am not interested in anything to do with Theo or any of his family,” Euan said.
Over his shoulder, Keely could see the door and at that moment Kat appeared through it. Keely saw her glance around, probably looking for Flynn, who was nowhere to be seen.
“Come on, Euan. This is me you’re talking to,” Connor said. “A breakdown of communication meant you missed out on that land of ours once before. There might be a chance to get it back.”
Kat saw Keely, gave her a little wave and walked towards her. Keely glanced from Euan’s serious face to Kat’s smiling approach. “Excuse me, I’ll leave you two to the business talk,” she said and stepped around him.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to…”
She heard the start of Connor’s apology as she greeted Kat. “Hello. Are you looking for Flynn? I think he must be inside.” She decided to steer the new arrival away from Euan. Kat was a good person but Euan didn’t appear to be in the mood to recognise that. All he would see was Theo’s granddaughter.
The party was in full swing by the time Keely spied Mary and David.
“Hello, Keely.”
“Oh, Mary, you made it. Hello, David.” Keely had to shout above the music and the loud voices of the large crowd now packed into the cellar-door space.
“We thought we’d pop out and say a quick hello. David is still madly organising things for next weekend.”
“How’s it all going?” Keely asked.
“Shaping up well,” David said.
“What about here?” Mary raised her eyebrows. “Has Euan come to terms with Levallier Dell’s involvement yet?”
“I think so.” Keely sidestepped as one of Flynn’s friends lurched her way past from a boisterous group nearby.
“Looks like everyone’s enjoying themselves.” Mary laughed. “Where’s the birthday boy?”
Keely glanced around. “I’m not sure.” She’d hardly seen Flynn since Kat had arrived. He had introduced Keely to
some of his friends but, with so many people arriving, he had been swallowed up in the crowd. She’d kept herself busy putting out the meat Euan and Connor had cooked, setting out the salads and cleaning up.
At one stage, she’d been in the kitchen doing some dishes and had seen Flynn and Kat on the back verandah. They were talking earnestly together, their heads close, and Keely saw Flynn rest a hand on Kat’s shoulder before someone came into the kitchen and interrupted her. When she had looked back, they were gone.
“I can see Flynn.” David’s call brought her back to the party. He set off through the crowd. Mary mouthed see you later and followed behind, saying hello to other friends as they passed through the crowd.
Keely was envious of the ease with which they mingled. Flynn’s friends were a friendly bunch but she felt as if she remained on the outer. From their conversations she gathered they worked hard and they obviously partied hard, too.
One guy they called Noddy kept climbing on top of the keg tables. He was tall and thin and wore an Akubra hat. He’d down a shotty, then pretend to surf. Once he’d swallowed the drink, he’d slap his bum and whoop, looking more like a cowboy than a surfie. Everyone would laugh and he’d jump down, ready for the next round.
Keely continued to keep herself busy. Eventually she turned up next to Hugh with a platter of sweets in her hand. He was the man she’d seen around the winery on several occasions. Even though she had only been officially introduced to him that morning, he was one person Keely felt as if she knew after all the work they’d put in since, preparing for the party.
“Thanks, Keely.” Hugh looked around then took another piece of the slice she offered. “Don’t tell the wife. She’s already on about me not fitting into my wedding suit.”
Keely smiled and took a piece of slice for herself. She’d been too busy to eat much. She’d been eyeing off the chocolate nut slice Anna had brought, determined not to succumb, but she was hungry. She bit into it and almost moaned it was so delicious.
“Did you make all this?” Hugh waved his large hand over the plates of assorted sweets she was handing around.
Keely brushed her lips. “Not all of it.”
Something in the Wine Page 19