Between the Vines

by Tricia Stringer

  “I don’t need any help.” Felicity waved one hand over her tidy desk. “And there’s not a lot on offer around here except the seasonal stuff. Someone might be looking for pickers if you’re game.”

  “Pickers?”

  “Grape pickers.”

  “Oh, of course.”

  “Most vineyards are done by machines these days but hand-pickers are still required from time to time. How long are you planning to stay? You could put your name down in town.”

  “I’m not sure. I’ll think about it. Thanks.”

  Taylor let herself out through the front door. She knew there was a door through the lunchroom behind Felicity’s office that opened in to the work rooms behind because Ed had taken her that way before, but with Felicity the only one in the office it felt like prying. Instead Taylor walked around the front to the other side of the office.

  She had the distinct impression Felicity was being cool with her even though her manner had appeared friendly, a bit like Noelene who was fiercely determined to keep her at arms-length. Taylor usually got along well with people.

  She looked across the several rows of vines between her and the cellar door building. Nothing would be happening there. She followed the drive down the other side of the office. Where the brick wall joined the tin another door was set in to the shed wall, with a small verandah to protect it. She put her face to the top half, which was glass. A passage led off with more doors set in it. Once again she had a rough memory of the layout from her tour with Ed.

  She pulled on the handle and let herself in. She paused. A squelching sound came from further inside the building. The first open door was an office. It was empty. She followed the sound to the next door. Pete was stomping on a plastic bag. He looked up.

  “Hello.”

  “Hi.” She loitered in the doorway.

  “Looking for Ed?”

  “Felicity said he’s gone in to town.”

  “Yeah, shouldn’t be long.”

  “What are you doing?” She could see a green mush through the plastic.

  “Checking the baume level. We’re picking these grapes tomorrow. I wanted to double check.”

  “Baume?” She stepped in to the room.

  “It measures the sugar level in the juice which converts to alcohol content.”

  “Oh.”

  She leaned in close as Pete poured the mush via a sieve into a jug.

  “Winemakers get very fussy about it.”

  Taylor spun at the sound of Ed’s voice. “Where did you come from?”

  “I work here.” He folded his arms across his chest and leaned against the door frame. “Where did you come from?”

  “I was hoping someone could find me a job.”

  “Cellar door’s closed,” Ed said. “Felicity might have something.”

  “I’ve spoken with Felicity. I don’t think so.” Taylor felt a little ripple of annoyance. There was something dismissive in Ed’s tone.

  “I can show you how to measure the baume in the lab.” Pete picked up the jug and peered into it.

  “Antoine does that,” Ed said.

  “Only when I’m busy. It would release both of us for other things.”

  “I’m game.” Taylor had no idea how to measure baume but she was willing to learn and she didn’t want to give Ed time to make any more objections.

  “Go for it.” Ed shrugged. He looked over her head to Pete. “I’m off to fix that faulty pipe again.”

  “No probs. Antoine should be there somewhere if you need help.”

  Ed gave Taylor a brooding look. “See you later.” He spun on his heel and left.

  Taylor turned to Pete. “Right, show me what I have to do.”

  CHAPTER

  20

  “I really enjoyed myself today.” Taylor lifted her head from Ed’s chest. They were cuddled up on the couch at his place. The day had been warm but tonight the temperature had dropped rapidly once the sun went down. There was a definite chill in the air. Ed had put on a small blow heater to warm the room. The television played softly in the background.

  “Cooking my dinner?” He trailed a finger down the side of her face. “You can do that whenever you like.”

  “I meant working in the lab. I think I could be a mad scientist in another life.”

  “I can think of other options.” He put a finger under her chin, turning her face to his. He leaned down. She brought her lips up to meet his, enjoying the taste of him and feeling the heat rise inside her. Ed turned her on, there was no doubting that.

  His lips slipped across her cheek, nibbled and pulled on her ear then slid down her neck. She shivered.

  “Why don’t you stay tonight,” he murmured.

  Taylor put a hand over his, the one that held her left breast. She pulled away from him.

  “Not tonight,” she said. “You’re tired and you have to be up even earlier tomorrow.”

  He ran his fingers down her neck. “I told you before I can manage on little sleep.”

  “But I can’t.” She slid from the couch and stood up. “I should do those dishes before I go.”

  He reached for her hand and pulled her back towards him. “I’ve got a dishwasher.”

  “Well I’ll tidy up at least. I’ve left a mess in your kitchen.”

  “It’s worth it.”

  His look was hungry and not for food.

  “My cooking’s not that fantastic.”

  “But you are.” He stood and wrapped her in his arms so swiftly it startled her.

  She pushed him away. He released her and held his hands out wide. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

  “I’m sorry. I just felt…” Suffocated. No, she didn’t know what she felt. “I’d better go.” She gave him a swift kiss on the lips. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “What’s the matter?” He reached for her again. “Taylor?”

  She evaded him. “Nothing. It’s not you. It’s me.” She gave him a quick smile. She didn’t know herself why she wasn’t ready to leap into his bed but something wasn’t right.

  He gazed back, his searching eyes a dark blue. No smile played on his lips.

  “Sorry.” She let herself out the door, hurried down the steps and along the path until she reached the edge of the vines. The fresh scent of earth and grapes mingled in the cool air which was a relief on her cheeks but chilled her through her shirt sleeves. She untied the jumper from around her waist and pulled it on.

  Taylor looked back at the house. Shadows thrown from the verandah light and foliage merged to create shapes. Her skin prickled. One of the shapes looked human. Had Ed come outside after her? If so he’d shrunk and was standing perfectly still. Something rustled behind her. She spun, peering at the space between the vines. There was no wind, probably just a bird or an animal. That thought didn’t comfort her. What kind of animal would be lurking out here?

  She glanced back at Ed’s house. Maybe she shouldn’t have been in such a hurry. Her gaze searched the shadows, light and dark, large and small, but none of them appeared human now. She let out a sigh. It was so different from the city. There was always some kind of light there. Here, once the sun went down, there was nothing but the night sky and whatever light the moon offered. Tonight with scattered cloud cover and only a partial moon that was very little.

  “Get a grip, Taylor.” She turned and picked her way along the rough track that ran towards the quarters, her thoughts on Ed. She was going crazy. She’d just run from the man she’d moved halfway across the state to be with. Ed ticked all the right boxes for her. He was single, employed, no obvious defects. She sucked in a breath. He had a great body and kissed her till her head spun. Damn, he was hot. He wanted to take her to his bed, and she would have gone willingly but…

  She put a palm to her forehead. “What’s wrong with you?” she hissed. Perhaps it was the drifting days with nothing much to do. Yet today she’d found something to keep her occupied. Pete had instructed her in baume testing. She’d got the hang of it quickly.
Then she’d cooked Ed dinner knowing he’d be late and wouldn’t have time to do it for himself.

  Somewhere behind her a car engine purred to life. She paused, it sounded close but not big like Ed’s four-wheel drive. She listened as it moved away from her and the quiet of the night settled around her again. Taylor shivered but she wasn’t cold.

  She picked her way along the track, the glow from Pete’s cottage and the quarters behind it her guiding beacon of light. Her thoughts drifted to Pete. She’d enjoyed working in the lab today and he planned to show her a couple more jobs tomorrow. He was a good teacher, methodical and particular but with a sense of humour. He’d brushed aside her early misgivings that she’d muck something up. He was a kind guy, happy to share his passion about winemaking with her. Ed on the other hand was full of passion for her, that was obvious, but as far as the real Ed below the surface went, she felt she knew little. Taylor stopped at the clearing at the back of Pete’s cottage. What was she doing comparing Ed to Pete?

  She put her arm up in surprise as Pete’s backyard flooded with light, the door opened and there he was, as if thinking about him had conjured him up. He stepped out, and stopped when he saw her.

  She felt awkward as if she’d been caught doing something she shouldn’t have.

  “On my way home,” she said.

  “Putting out the rubbish.” He waved a pizza box.

  “Good night,” she said.

  “See you tomorrow.”

  She lifted her hand in a wave and hurried on to the quarters. She put her shoulder to the door. It scraped open. There was no way you could let yourself through that door quietly. The living area lights were on but thankfully there was no sign of Antoine. She needed some time to herself.

  Her phone rang, echoing in the empty room. Cass’s name appeared on the screen. Taylor had only sent her friend one text since she’d arrived. She’d put off calling.

  She took a deep breath. “Hi, Cass.”

  “Hi there. What’s happening?”

  “Not a lot. Just heading to bed.”

  “Alone?”

  “Yes, alone.”

  “Isn’t it working out?”

  “Taking things slowly.”

  “Okay.” Cass dragged the word out. “So besides Ed how’s it going down there?”

  “I’m enjoying it. I had no idea what happened behind the scenes in a winery. The vintage cellar hand is here, Antoine. We share the quarters and–”

  “What’s the quarters?”

  “Accommodation for casual staff.”

  “You’re sharing a room with Antoine?”

  “Not a room, it’s like a house.”

  “I thought you were staying with Ed?”

  “I told you, we’re taking things one step at a time.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. Why do you think there is?”

  “Because being cautious is so not like you.”

  “Really.”

  “Don’t get all huffy on me, I’m glad you’re not rushing into anything.”

  “Everything’s fine, Cass.”

  “So you’re not coming home any time soon?”

  “Of course not. It’s great down here.” Taylor flopped onto the couch. Glad her friend was too far away to talk face to face.

  “Well that’s good ’cause I’m coming to visit you.”

  Taylor sat up. “What? When?”

  “On the weekend. Have you got space for me? I thought I’d drive down Saturday morning.”

  “It’s not a good time.”

  “Why not?”

  “Everyone’s busy.”

  “I’m coming to see you, not everyone.”

  “I’ve got work to do.”

  “I won’t get in the way. I’ll message you when I get to the cellar door.”

  “Cass.”

  “Yes.”

  Taylor fell back against the couch again. “It’ll be good to see you.”

  “Great. Anything I can bring?”

  “No. Plenty of spare beds. See you Saturday.”

  Taylor dropped the phone onto the couch beside her. A small part of her would be pleased to see Cass but she wasn’t ready for her friend to inspect her life here yet, especially because she wasn’t sure herself where it was going.

  Taylor surveyed the room. What would Cass make of her new accommodation? At least Antoine was proving to be a tidy housemate so far. She’d have to give him the heads up that Cass was coming.

  She got up and filled a glass with water. Antoine had left a couple of dishes draining. She wondered what he’d had for his evening meal. She opened the fridge. There was nothing much in there. Cheese and bread maybe?

  Pete was eating takeaway pizza and she was fairly sure the only reason Ed had eaten well tonight was because she’d cooked him something. Three men, living in three different houses, feeding themselves badly. She pushed the fridge door shut. An idea was taking shape. Perhaps there was something else she could do to help out.

  CHAPTER

  21

  Taylor didn’t get a chance to suggest her idea the next morning. She’d stayed up late poring over the few recipe books she’d brought with her, writing notes and making lists. Her mind had still been buzzing when she fell into bed. She’d finally fallen asleep but then slept late.

  The air was crisp on her skin as she walked to the winery. She hoped to find Ed there and run her idea past him.

  Felicity looked up as she entered the office. “Ed’s not here.”

  Taylor had barely got past the door. “Oh.”

  “Of course you’re not staying with Edward, are you? You won’t be up to speed with his movements.” She leaned towards Taylor and lowered her voice. “You’re wise to string him along for as long as you can. Once you’ve been in his bed he loses interest quickly.”

  Taylor’s cheeks felt warm and her mouth gaped open.

  Felicity waved her hand towards the doors. “They’ll be busy all day. There’s a lot of work to be done once the grapes start coming in you know.” Without another look at Taylor she went back to her typing.

  “Okay.” Taylor felt her hackles rise. She’d been dismissed.

  She strode out the door to find Ed in the winery somewhere, doing whatever it was Felicity seemed to think was so important. Taylor stopped at the corner of the shed and looked back the way she’d come. How did Felicity know she wasn’t staying with Ed? Would he tell her that or perhaps Pete or Antoine? Taylor didn’t like the idea of any of them chatting to Felicity about her…her what? Lack of relationship with Ed? And how would Felicity know what went on between Taylor and Ed anyway?

  The sound of activity distracted her. Beside a row of tanks she could see Antoine bent over some pipes. She tried the door to Pete’s office and lab but it was locked. She was meant to do the baume tests later. She hoped she wouldn’t have to ask the frosty Felicity to let her in. Frosty Felicity. Taylor smirked. She went back to the quarters to collect her list and her keys. She had shopping to do.

  When she came back from town with bags full of groceries, Pete’s ute was outside his office. She stopped the van. This time the outer door was unlocked. He looked up as she stepped into the lab. He held another bag of crushed grapes.

  “Oh,” she said. “I was going to do the testing later.”

  “You still can.” He poured the liquid through the sieve into a jug. “This is our chardonnay grapes. They’ll be picked next.”

  “From the vineyards Ed took me to the other day?”

  “Did you go to Mount Benson? That was our sauv blanc grapes. The chardonnay is grown here. The vines are at the back of our land, closest to the creek.”

  She watched as he tested the liquid. “What does that tell you?”

  “I’m checking the acid level as well as the sugar. We can leave the grapes on the vine to make sure we have the flavour ripeness but then the sugar can get too high and the acid can drop too low. It’s always a fine line getting the exact moment right.” He peered at the
hydrometer screen. “Yes.” A smile spread across his face. His blue eyes sparkled. “I’m happy with that for now.”

  Taylor couldn’t help but grin back at him. His happiness was infectious.

  “I’d better get back to it,” he said. “You’re still okay to test the rest?”

  “Sure.”

  “We keep that outer door locked but you can come and go through the front office. See Felicity if there’s any problem.”

  Taylor stretched her grin into a fake smile. “Will do.”

  “She usually has her finger on the pulse.”

  “Does she live near here?”

  “In town. Why?”

  “Just wondered.” Taylor thought of the human-shaped figure she’d seen outside Ed’s last night. Surely it was a trick of the eyes and not Felicity she’d seen lurking in the shadows. “I’d better get going myself. I’ve got food in the van.”

  She turned at the door. Pete was already busy again, his head bent over the table. Thinking about Felicity had distracted her. She wanted to share her plan with someone and Ed wasn’t here.

  “I’m going to cook an evening meal.”

  Pete didn’t look up.

  “For all of us,” she said.

  He lifted his head. “Sorry?”

  “I thought I’d cook a meal for the four of us.”

  “You don’t need to do that.”

  “It’s no more work to cook for four than for two.”

  “I don’t know when I’ll be finished today. Ed and Antoine either.”

  “That doesn’t matter. I’ll keep it warm at the quarters. Call in when you can.”

  He put down the jug he’d been holding and studied her carefully. “Thanks, Taylor.”

  She hovered in the doorway staring back. She could see the crinkles around his eyes, the smattering of freckles over his nose and cheeks. The lips turned up in a smile. Pete Starr was a genuinely nice guy.

  She cleared her throat. “You haven’t eaten it yet. My cooking’s not flash.”

  “I’m willing to risk it.” Once more the grin.