Page 62 of A Vineyard for Two
‘There’s only so much two people can do. And when there are variables outside of our control, which, let’s be honest, the past few years haven’t always been favourable.’
‘She wants to sell the lot?’
‘A portion of it. I think she wants to strike a deal where she can remain living in the house until her last breath. Leo is in agreeance, although he was hesitant at first.’
‘And Brookes?’
‘Brookes has a few of his own projects underway. He’ll be fine. He’s a fine grape grower and winemaker; good businessman too. He doesn’t need our estate. Besides, the two of you now have Mathers Vineyard,’ Zoe said.
‘That explains why he is so adamant about keeping it.’
‘I don’t think that’s the only reason, sis,’ Zoe said. ‘And you shouldn’t be so rushed to get rid of it. You never know what the future may have in store. You got to stop lying to yourself. It’s okay to change your mind even if you thought you were doing what you wanted. That changes with time, too. Just because you wanted something six years ago doesn’t mean you want the same thing today. You’re a different person. You’ve experienced different things. You shouldn’t expect to want now what you wanted then. Frankly, it would be strange if you did.’
‘You’re selling the family vineyard?’ Harper exclaimed as soon as she walked into the hospital room. Georgia was sitting up in her bed drinking a cup of tea. The television was on with a repeat of Better Homes and Gardens — they were making a paella.
‘Well, good morning to you too, my dear.’
‘Georgia, you told me the dinner was about a partnership, not about selling.’
Georgia put down her tea and sat up straighter in bed. ‘It is a partnership, for now at least.’
‘I don’t understand,’ Harper said, folding her arms and leaning against the wall by the open window. She felt stuffy inside and the sterile hospital smell wasn’t helping either. She noticed a fresh vase of flowers on the cabinet, then returned her gaze to Georgia.
‘It’s been a tough few years, Harper. We’re making ends meet, but the vineyard takes a lot of work, you know that. I’m not getting any younger. Tyler is always off in the army. Zoe doesn’t like getting her hands too dirty, and you’ve made a life for yourself in the city.’
‘And Leo?’
‘Leo can’t do it all on his own.’
‘With Brookes?’
‘Brookes is like family, he always will be, but he has big dreams and an incredible vision for the future. Our estate, well, it’s only going to make him feel obligated to stay and help because of the opportunity he’s been given. His dreams are going to go on the back-burner. That’s not fair and it will only lead to resentment.’
‘Brookes isn’t like that.’
‘Not now, but time and age, and lost dreams, that is what they lead to. Resentment is inevitable,’ she said and sighed. ‘If you hadn’t left when you did, you would feel it too. Maybe not immediately, but with time. It’s only natural.’
Resentment, she wasn’t sure about that. Harper had her reasons for leaving, but they weren’t just about career progression or greater opportunities. She loved life in the vineyard, everything from the pruning to the bottling, to socialising with the visitors who came to taste the wine. She’d loved Brookes, too. She had no choice but to leave.
‘What is it, my dear? You look shaken.’
Harper shook her head. ‘It’s nothing.’
‘You know you can’t fool me.’
A tear welled up in her eye, then dropped down her cheek. Wiping it away, she sat and put her head in her hands.
‘I just don’t know what to do.’
‘About what? Staying, going, Brookes?’
‘All of it.’ Harper laughed in between her tears.
‘Listen to your heart.’
‘It’s not that easy.’
‘Sure, it is. You don’t have roots yet. You’re not bound by anything but your own desires; and you’re young, Harper. You’ve got your entire life ahead of you. I know it may seem like you have to know everything right now, but you don’t. You will never have all the answers. The choices aren’t always going to be easy, but you have to stay true to you, if you don’t, then you’re going to live with regrets, and that’s the worst kind of way to live. If it doesn’t work out today, you can make a different decision tomorrow. Just don’t leave it too late to live your dream.’