Page 2 of A Vineyard for Two

‘Sara doesn’t live here anymore,’ he said and turned away to face the window. ‘The others sleep heavy.’

Harper was about to ask a question, but thought better of it. It wasn’t her place to comment on her brother’s life. The fact that she didn’t know or hadn’t been told that Sara was no longer here hurt some. She’d always liked Sara, always thought that she was good for Leo, and she couldn’t help but wonder what had gone wrong. ‘Wine, if you have a bottle open,’ she said. It was too late for tea. A glass of red would at least calm her nerves and help her sleep.

He grabbed a fresh bottle and opened it. She watched how he took care to pick the glassware, uncorked the bottle, and poured a little into a wine glass before handing it to her.

‘I’m sure it’s fine.’

‘Old habits,’ he said, taking it back and filling up both glasses to the standard drink size, another habit; plus, it gave enough room for the wine to breathe.

‘Thanks.’ She took the glass from him and swirled the wine, noticing the deep colour, then breathed in the tannins before taking a sip. As soon as the velvety liquid touched her lips, her tastebuds awakened. She forgot how good the wine her family made really was. It was bolder and richer than the stuff she’d been drinking for the past few years. She could have ordered bottles and had them delivered, but she didn’t want her family to think she missed the place. Now that she thought about it, she wasn’t sure what she had been trying to achieve.

Harper took another sip and put the glass down on the kitchen bench. ‘Why am I here, Leo?’

TWO

Harper tossed and turned after she had finally made her way to the guest room and lay down to sleep. Calling it a guest room was too formal; it used to be her room, and it had changed little. The sheets were plainer and there was a vase of fresh flowers on the bedside dresser. When she’d opened the wardrobe, some of her old clothes still hung there. It felt like time had stopped and she had gone back six years. Had they really counted on her coming back? Leo hadn’t told her a thing, and she’d been none the wiser going to bed.

When she opened her eyes again, the sun streamed through the window. Someone yelled something incoherent, and she recognised her brother’s voice as he responded, then a mower roared to life, obliterating the chirping birds and outdoor chatter.

Harper reached for her phone and checked the time — half past seven — she had only slept five hours, but it felt like two. Her head hurt, but it wasn’t from the wine — she’d barely drunk a glass. It was more the fact that her mind refused to shut off; even in sleep, the dreams haunting her made no sense at all. She shouldn’t have come; it would be best if she left by sundown.

Getting out of bed, she grabbed the towel from the chair and went into the bathroom to freshen up. She showered, brushed her teeth, and dressed, trying to leave the minimal amount of mess behind her. She dabbed a bit of concealer around her eyes to camouflage the hollows, and finished off with a touch of lip gloss. It was out of habit, not necessity. She wasn’t trying to impress anyone. Leaving her bag on the edge of the bed, she glanced out the window.

The stretch of vineyard took her breath away. She never denied it was a beautiful sight, even in the winter months when the vines were bare. This morning the sun shone brightly, leaving glistening rays on the morning dew. In the distance, Leo was saddled on the ride-on mower moving through the vineyard. The grass had to be kept neat and short, for appearance, but also to keep the snakes at bay. She allowed herself a few more moments before turning away and making her way into the kitchen with thoughts of coffee. A note lay on the table.

Help yourself to breakfast.

Harper glanced around the kitchen counter in search of a coffee machine. There wasn’t one. She opened the pantry door and found some ground coffee beans. She put a heaped spoonful in a cup and waited for the water to boil. In the meantime, she snooped around, opening and closing drawers and cupboards. Not much had changed in the time she was gone.

What happened to Sara? Leo had been cagey when she mentioned Sara, and she hadn’t wanted to pry. Okay, so maybe she wanted to pry a little, but she knew that if her brother didn’t want to talk about something, there was no point in asking. Besides, it wasn’t any of her business since she didn’t live here anymore. He’d tell her when he was ready.

The kettle boiled, and she poured the steaming liquid over the ground coffee beans. The fresh aroma hit her immediately, awakening her senses before she got her first taste.

She thought back to last night. They had made small talk. Leo had emphasised that what had to be said involved the entire family and that meant they all had to be in one room, together. She wasn’t sure how he would achieve that, but he didn’t think it was going to be an issue. ‘You were the weakest link,’ he had said. That hadn’t left her with the greatest feeling at all. She wasn’t weak, and she had made the effort to come back because they wanted her to. Sure, she’d argued that it wasn’t necessary, but Leo had persisted until she finally obliged.

‘Look what the cat dragged in.’

Harper recognised the country drawl immediately. She turned and smiled as her aunt stood in the doorway, an Akubra hat on her head and a piece of grass in between her lips.

‘Didn’t think I’d live to see the day you would be standing in this kitchen again,’ her aunt said, embracing her tightly.

Harper hadn’t felt such warmth from anyone in a long time.

When they pulled apart, Harper noticed a tear in her aunt’s eye, before she could say anything her aunt moved away and opened the fridge.

‘How have you been, Georgia?’ Harper picked up her coffee cup and allowed it to warm her hands before taking a sip.

‘It doesn’t matter what day it is; the vines need their pruning. Bloody needy things they are.’

Harper laughed. ‘So, Leo is working you to the bone.’

‘What else is an old woman like me to do? I’m not exactly the crocheting type.’

‘There’s always chess, or dancing.’

Georgia laughed. ‘Me and my two left feet. No, I’ll leave that for the younger generation. And the crocheting group kicked me out for using my foul mouth. I’m happy with my vines.’ She looked up and did the sign of the cross, then touched the wooden table. ‘Pray help for a good season and what we have in store is going to be the talk of the town.’

‘We?’