Between the Vines

by Tricia Stringer

  “Can Cass and I help?” Taylor came and joined them.

  “It’s heavy work,” Edward said.

  Cass snorted. “What do you think happens with a hire company? I don’t always wear a suit and heels to work.”

  Peter stood up. “Thanks. There’s a lot of washing and lugging around involved. I’ll let you know if I need you.”

  “The cellar door could be busy as well.” Antoine joined them, his hair damp from the shower. “I went into town this morning. Accommodation’s full. There’s a couple of weddings and a few big parties on this weekend.”

  “Whatever needs doing.” Taylor smiled at Peter. “You just let us know and Cass and I can help. Now dinner’s ready.”

  “Smell’s good,” Peter said.

  “It’s only lamb roast.” Taylor waved them all to sit down. “Except you Antoine. I’ve made you a leek and mushroom pie. Hope it’s turned out okay. I probably left it in the oven a bit long.”

  “My fault.” Cass chuckled. “I kept her talking.”

  “I’m sure it will be delicious,” Antoine said.

  Edward looked at the lamb on his plate and gritted his teeth. He liked his meat dead not pink like this but he was hungry. He poured gravy over the top and ate.

  CHAPTER

  25

  “Peter’s a nice guy.”

  Taylor turned to see Cass looking out through the living room window. She never tired of the view from that window. The late afternoon sun cast shadows over the vines turning them a deep green.

  “Yes he is,” she said. “Do you fancy him? Wouldn’t it be great if we fell for brothers?”

  “He’s not my type.” Cass turned back to look at her. “How are things with you and Ed? You haven’t said much.”

  “We’re fine.” Taylor gave the sink an extra wipe. “I told you we’re taking it slowly. What do you fancy for dinner?”

  “Oh, food again. That lunch we had at the winery was divine.”

  “It’s a great place. Ed took me there when I first arrived.”

  They’d only just returned to the quarters. They’d had a big day helping wash and shift barrels, going out for lunch and a visit to a couple of wineries then helping for the last couple of hours in the cellar door. Taylor felt a little smug about that. Noelene had been glad of her support.

  “I’m not sure I need much.” Cass clutched her stomach. “Anyway it sounds like you’ve been cooking all the time. What’s with this, making meals for these blokes?”

  “It’s something I can do to help. The three of them are flat out all day and I’m not. They contribute to the costs.”

  “Slave labour,” Cass muttered.

  “Back to us.” Taylor didn’t want Cass casting a shadow over her work at the winery. “We can have toasties here and watch a movie. I brought a few DVDs with me. I’ve got the latest Russell Crowe.”

  “Ohhhh.” Cass knelt on the couch and leaned in to the back rest, wiggling her eyebrows at Taylor. “I do like a bit of Russell.”

  “You like a bit of everyone.”

  “Are you calling me a tart?” Cass clutched a hand to her heart. “I’m offended.”

  “Really? Since you’ve been here you’ve made eyes at Antoine.” Taylor held up a finger on one hand and tapped it with the other.

  “Made eyes at him! Hardly. Can you imagine me with him? I’d crush him. But I must admit I am a sucker for that gorgeous French accent.”

  Taylor wasn’t to be deterred. She tapped a second finger. “You’ve been up close and personal with Pete.”

  “I was helping him shift those barrels. You know how heavy they were. Anyway, I already told you he’s not my type.”

  “And draping yourself over Ed’s shoulder yesterday when I took you in to the office.” Taylor held up a third finger.

  Cass chuckled. “That was for Ms Felicity’s benefit. Did you see the way her eyes widened and her nostrils flared? If looks could kill I’d be dead. She’s got the hots for Ed. You’d better watch out.”

  “That’s crazy. She’s just protective of him, that’s all.”

  “Noelene’s protective, Felicity is jealous. If you ask me there’s something there, either history between them or she wants to make history with him.”

  “I must admit there is something about her.” Taylor sank to a chair. “Maybe that’s why she doesn’t like me.”

  “Has to be.” Cass came and threw an arm around Taylor. “What’s not to like about you? You’re the most likeable person I know.”

  “Okay, okay.” Taylor pushed Cass away. “What do you want?”

  “I was thinking it was drinks time. We bought that nice bottle of sparkling at the winery up the road. It must be chilled by now.”

  “Why not?” Taylor leapt up again. “I’ve got plenty of cheese and crackers.”

  “Are we expecting Antoine?”

  Taylor put her hands to her hips and tipped her head to one side.

  “What?” Cass held out her hands. “I only want to know if I can undo my jeans. They’re too tight.”

  “I think he’s already gone out to meet some friends in town. He’ll be back to sleep, I assume.”

  Cass’s lips turned up in a smug smile.

  Taylor threw a tea towel at her. “Down girl.”

  Cass let out a deep sigh as the movie credits rolled up the screen. “Good on you, Russell.”

  Taylor pressed the stop button. “What time do you have to leave tomorrow? Shall we finish the bottle?”

  They’d emptied the bottle of bubbly and started on a sauv blanc.

  “Why not? I probably won’t go till mid-morning.”

  “That would work out fine. Noelene might need my help in the cellar door again by lunch time.”

  Cass stretched. “I’ve only got a mountain of boring jobs to do once I get there. I’ve hardly been home in a month and the washing is beyond me. I had to buy new knickers to bring down here.”

  “I’ll have to see Ed about using his washing machine.” Taylor handed a glass to Cass and perched on the solid arm of the old couch. “The one here doesn’t work. I’ve been hand washing but I’m over that.”

  “I’m sure he’ll oblige. Especially if you do his as well.”

  Taylor frowned at her. “Why would I do his?”

  “You seem to be doing a lot around here.”

  “I enjoy it.”

  “Are you getting paid?”

  “It’s been a gradual thing. My accommodation’s free.”

  “It could get even freer.”

  “What?”

  “Well if you end up moving in with Ed…”

  “We’ll see.”

  “Why are you hesitating? Ed seems like a hot-blooded male to me.”

  “He is, it’s just…I don’t know.” Taylor slumped back against the couch.

  Cass sat up straight and locked a steely glare on her. “I knew it. He’s not right for you.”

  “Why not?” Taylor felt panic rise inside her. She wouldn’t admit to herself, let alone Cass, that she was having doubts about Ed.

  “If he was the right guy you would know by now. Even if it was initially just lust you haven’t done anything about it.”

  “I told you I’m not rushing.” Taylor’s panic turned to anger. “Foster and Larry, remember.”

  “This is different. Ed treats you like you’re his possession.”

  “That’s ridiculous.”

  “He’s always draping his arm around you, hugging you close.”

  “Affection.”

  “Possession.”

  Taylor opened her mouth and closed it. She did often feel Ed’s arm was a weight on her rather than a cuddly gesture. “That’s the way he is.”

  “He ogles other women.”

  “I guess there’s no law against looking.”

  “If he looked any further down my cleavage he would have seen what I had for breakfast.”

  Taylor gripped her glass tightly. “Perhaps you shouldn’t wear such a low-cut top and then he
wouldn’t be able to ogle.”

  Cass frowned at her. “He’s got you doing things around the winery for nothing.”

  “That was my choice.”

  “Are you sure?”

  Taylor leapt to her feet, the contents of her glass swirling close to the lip. “Why the inquisition? This is my life and frankly I can do what I like.”

  They glared at each other, the hum of the fridge the only sound.

  Cass shrugged. “Look I’m sorry. I worry about you down here on your own.”

  “I’m a big girl, Cass. I’ve lived without parental guidance for a long time, travelled the world and survived. I don’t need you to mother me.”

  “I’m not trying to be your mother although God knows you could do with one.”

  Taylor opened her mouth but nothing came out.

  Cass leaned in. Her eyes glittered. “It’s me not your mother you’ve poured your heart out to when you’ve made some monumental stuff-ups with men.”

  Taylor couldn’t believe her ears. Cass was her friend or at least she was supposed to be and she’d made her own stuff-ups, as she called them. Why would she talk this way? “You sure you’re not jealous?”

  “Jealous of what?” Cass’s voice raised a notch.

  “Me. At least I’ve had some long-term relationships. Yours are usually one-night stands.”

  “So what?”

  “Perhaps you’re not capable of committing long term.”

  “We’re not talking about me.”

  “No, that’s right. This is my relationship. I like Ed and I’m going to see where it takes me. I won’t have you casting him in a bad light.”

  A vehicle pulled up outside. Taylor’s hopes soared. Perhaps it was Ed. He’d said he might drive straight back. She’d go home with him tonight. Damn Cass. Taylor would prove to her Ed was the right guy.

  They both turned as the door scraped open. Antoine pushed through and stopped at the sight of them.

  “Hello, ladies.” His cheerful French accent sliced through the chilly air.

  Tears brimmed in Taylor’s eyes. All the anger drained out of her.

  “Have a good night?” Cass asked.

  “Yes. It was good to see old friends.”

  “It always is.” Cass looked at Taylor with sad eyes.

  Taylor bit her lip to stop the tears from flowing. “Time for bed I think. Night all.” She fled to her bedroom, closed the door and leaned against it then jumped at a gentle tap on the wood behind her.

  “Taylor?” Cass’s voice was softly pleading.

  Taylor opened the door a crack to reveal her friend’s worried expression.

  “I’m sorry, none of that came out right.” Cass gave her a wobbly grin.

  Taylor stared back at Cass. Best friends didn’t say the things she’d said.

  “I’m going to leave first thing.”

  “That’s probably a good idea.” Taylor clenched her hands tightly. Her fingernails dug into her palms.

  “Tales?”

  Taylor lifted her chin and stared back at Cass.

  “You’re wrong about me,” Cass said. “I am capable of having a long-term relationship I just haven’t found the right guy but when I do it will be a partnership. I’m not going to be anyone’s doormat. And I don’t think that’s what you want either.” Cass gave her a shaky smile. “Night Tales.”

  Taylor pushed the door shut behind her. A sob hiccupped from her chest. Tears ran down her cheeks. She stripped off her clothes and crawled into bed. A deep hurt ached in her chest. It wasn’t just her fight with Cass. Seeds of doubt over Ed had been niggling inside her and Cass’s words were like a big dose of water and sunshine. The tendrils were worming their way to the surface and Taylor was no longer sure about her feelings or anything she’d thought about Ed.

  CHAPTER

  26

  Pete looked up from his clipboard at the sound of footsteps. Taylor walked past the open shed door.

  “Morning,” he called.

  She stopped, took a few steps in his direction then stopped again.

  “Cass left early,” he said.

  Taylor stared at him, her face pale against the dark shadows under her eyes. Perhaps they’d had a big night.

  “I heard her car while I was eating breakfast.”

  “Yes.” Taylor licked her lips. “She had to get back to Adelaide.”

  “At least you’ve had company for a while.” Pete smiled at her. “We’re a bit of a boring lot during vintage. All work and no play.”

  “I don’t mind.” Taylor gave him a weak smile.

  She looked so sad his heart ached for her. Maybe something had happened between her and Ed. If his brother hurt this girl…Pete’s chest tightened.

  “Are you okay?” He took a step towards her and watched in horror as her face crumpled and tears flowed down her cheeks. He wrapped her in his arms and she pushed her face into his chest. She was soft and warm against him. His chin rested gently on her head. He closed his eyes. Her hair smelt sweet, like apricots.

  Her sobs stopped just as quickly as they’d begun. She eased away from him and pulled a tissue from her jeans pocket. “Sorry,” she mumbled.

  “Is there something I can do?”

  “You already have.” She gave him a weak smile. “Thanks. What a baby I am. I’m tired, that’s all. It’s been a big couple of days.”

  Pete longed to wrap his arms around her again. He fought the urge and kept them pinned to his sides. “Where were you going?”

  She met his gaze. The sadness had left her eyes. “Out for a walk.” Her chin tilted up. “Then I thought I’d see if Noelene could do with some help at the cellar door.”

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  “I enjoy it.”

  Pete studied her closely. In spite of her sudden bravado she looked exhausted.

  He felt partly to blame. She’d turned up here looking for Ed and she’d done little but work for them ever since. He assumed Ed was taking care of her but he’d hardly had a lot of time. “Why don’t you take the day off, relax? Ed should be back soon.”

  Hope lit up her eyes. “Have you heard from him?”

  “No. But I’m sure he’s not far away.”

  She poked at the dirt with the toe of her shoe. “Is it okay for me to stay at the quarters?”

  “Of course.”

  “I keep out of Antoine’s way.”

  “I’m sure he doesn’t mind sharing. We’ve had extras there in the past. Anyway he’s not likely to complain. We all appreciate the meals you’ve been making.”

  The smile returned to her face. “I’ve been working on this week’s menu.”

  “You’re a great cook, Taylor.”

  This time she chuckled. “I appreciate your vote of confidence.”

  “You haven’t asked for any money yet.”

  “Don’t worry, you’ll get an itemised account tomorrow night with your meal.”

  A breeze flapped the papers on his clipboard.

  Taylor gave a little shudder. “I’d better get walking.”

  “Enjoy.”

  “Thanks, Pete.”

  He frowned.

  “For the shoulder to cry on. I don’t know what came over me. I’m fine now.” She turned on her heel and walked away.

  He watched her go. The breeze made the soft fabric of her shirt puff out and fluffed her hair out around her head. He wished he could be walking beside her. He sighed and turned back to his task.

  A little while later the crunch of tyres made him look up. Ed’s four-wheel drive pulled up near the door.

  Pete went to meet him. His brother looked as if he’d been up all night.

  “Have you just come from Melbourne?”

  “No, left late last night but didn’t get far out of Ballarat. Pulled into a parking bay, took ages to go to sleep. Then I didn’t wake up till well after sun up.”

  “How did you get on?”

  “Fine.”

  “What was the damage?”


  “Damage?”

  “At the warehouse.”

  “Nothing, that’s all good. Barry was worrying over nothing.”

  Pete frowned. “Bit of a waste of time.”

  “Not entirely. How about we catch up tonight over dinner? My shout. There’re a few things we need to discuss.”

  Pete didn’t like the sound of that. “Why not talk now?”

  “You’re busy and I’ve got to check stock. We can relax tonight. Have a proper chat.”

  “Taylor might like to see you.”

  “I’ll call in on her later.”

  “She just went past for a walk. She seemed a bit glum. I guess Cass has left and you weren’t here. She’s probably at the cellar door by now.”

  Ed shrugged his shoulders. “She understands we’re busy. I can’t be holding her hand the whole time.”

  “I don’t think she expects you to but perhaps a little more attention–”

  Ed smirked. “Are you giving me relationship advice?”

  Heat rose in Pete’s cheeks.

  “Hey.” Ed poked him in the chest playfully with his finger. “You’re not making a move on my girl, are you Peter? You know that won’t work.”

  “You can be a real jerk sometimes, Ed.” Pete spun away and strode back across the shed.

  “I’ll pick you up.” Ed called after him. “At seven.”

  Pete lifted a hand to acknowledge he’d heard. Bugger Ed. They were brothers but sometimes Pete felt extreme dislike for his sibling, especially when he alluded to their relationship with Felicity, as he liked to do from time to time.

  It had been two years ago but it still hurt. Ed could be a pig when it came to women. Once more he hoped his brother wouldn’t end up hurting Taylor. She was way too nice and way too good for Ed.

  Edward turned his four-wheel drive around. Peter could be so irritating but Edward didn’t want to cause an argument, not now when he was so close to making this deal. He needed Peter to be on side. He drove back to the cellar door. When he’d come past earlier there’d only been one vehicle out the front, now there were several.

  He let himself in the back door. Voices echoed from the front room and amongst them he could make out Noelene’s voice and Taylor’s softer tone. They sounded busy.

  He sniffed his armpit. Not too flash. He’d been in these clothes since he’d left home yesterday morning. He scratched at the growth that covered his jawline. Not really a good appearance for customers. Just as he’d decided he should shower first, Taylor stepped into the room.