Page 7 of A Vineyard for Two

Harper pushed the trolley while Georgia filled it up. They were often stopped in the aisles for a quick catch up. People knew Georgia well and not just for her bold eccentricities. A few people recognised Harper too, and she made polite conversations and told everyone she was just in town for a few days. Some looked her up and down, others stared at her for a little too long for comfort, and at one point she felt as if someone was glaring at her, but when she turned, there was no one there. It could have just been a bout of paranoia, and she brushed it off. As they reached the fresh seafood counter, Georgia decided that a prawn entrée was a good idea. ‘How many people are you expecting to feed?’

‘Everyone is hungry after a day in the vineyard, and they all appreciate a good meal. I try to cook something special at least once a week. Keeps me busy and everyone coming back for more.’

‘Well, they say that the road to a man’s heart is through his stomach. I think that might apply to most people.’

‘It seems so in this family.’

‘Will Sara be there?’

Georgia pursed her lips, and her eyes glazed over as if she was thinking about something. There was a hesitation in her response and Harper knew she wasn’t telling her everything. ‘Sara is out of town right now.’

Harper knew not to probe further. When Leo was ready, he would speak up about Sara. Until then, she had to remain patient. She was looking forward to seeing her siblings again, but at the same time there was an apprehension there too. It had been a long time. Would they be more like strangers or long-time friends? Would there be awkwardness, or could they converse and laugh like old times? She may have gotten a warm reception from Georgia, but her brother had put up his own barrier when she’d arrived. She didn’t know what to expect from Tyler and Zoe.

FIVE

When Brookes pulled into the vineyard, the sinking sensation in his stomach grew. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been this nervous. It might have been when he first asked Harper out to dinner. That was a good ten years ago. It wasn’t dinner per se, more like a picnic down at Girraween National Park. They’d walked the trails, then sat up on the boulders overlooking the ridge, sitting on a blanket and enjoying a small platter of cheeses and meats with a local Grenache. They’d watched the sunset, then trekked their way back in the dark, using their phones as flashlights and laughing all the way, probably scaring off the wildlife too. They had shared some good times.

Then she left.

None of it mattered now. She had made her choice. Harper didn’t want this life.

‘Don’t worry, mate, she’s not here,’ Leo said when Brookes got out of the car. Rover jumped out too and ran over to Leo, who knelt and rubbed the dog’s back as he sniffed around him.

Brookes felt relief mixed with a little disappointment. Maybe a part of him wished she’d be here. Of course, he wanted to see her. Did she hope to see him, or was she avoiding running into him? Was it even possible that they could miss each other while she was in town? He doubted it. It might make things easier, but then it might make him wonder, too. He didn’t want to wonder again. He’d done enough of that when she’d left the first time and it hadn’t done him much good.

‘How are the vines looking?’ Brookes said. He didn’t want to talk about Harper now. Leo knew very well about his feelings for her. At first, there had been the usual apprehension, but he had warmed up to them being together eventually. He at least seemed more upset for Brookes and angrier at Harper for leaving. There was more than one occasion when Leo had to listen to his drunken stupor, professing his love for Harper. Fortunately, it had never been something he brought up or reminded him of. Brookes did that well enough on his own.

‘The temp drop last night was a worry. I thought it was all over for the season. A few more degrees lower and we’d be in trouble. Fortunately, our efforts weren’t wasted.’

‘We’re not out of the woods yet. I had a look at the forecast and there’s a winter storm brewing with a few nights where the chill factor may be problematic.’

‘Georgia has been out there every day. I haven’t been able to get her out for more than a half an hour break. I’m actually surprised she’s not here now.’

‘It keeps her busy.’

‘She’s not usually like this, though. She knows her arthritis can flare up and there’s the blood pressure issue her doctor warned about.’

‘Could it have something to do with the latest visitor?’

Leo sighed. ‘She seems pleased that Harper is back. And why wouldn’t she be? But you know Georgia, she won’t let her emotions be known unless she wants you to know. She’s been all warm and friendly, but that’s usually to get your defences down. Once that happens, well, you know the rest.’

Brookes did. He’d known Georgia as long as he’d known Leo and Harper. The woman was a gem who loved with all her heart, thrived on life and living, and had the authority of a world leader. When she spoke, people listened, especially those in the family.

Brookes whistled, and Rover came running. The dog jumped up, his paws landing on Brookes’ chest. He scratched him behind the ears. ‘Let’s go get some work done,’ he said, and Rover leapt back down to the ground.

Brookes emptied the back of the Hilux, taking the supplies into the shed and stacking them on the work counter as Rover found a comfortable spot by the door and lay down. Within minutes, the dog was snoring while Brookes kept busy at the workstation, putting together mini picnic tables. He could have just as easily gone and brought them from Kmart or something of the like, but he wanted to add his special touch to them. This way, he would be certain that they would be of good quality. He figured he’d need at least two dozen to start with, and maybe a few extra in case anybody wanted to buy them to take home. There was room for a small cheese plate with dip and crackers and holders for wine so the glasses could hang without spilling if bumped. It was a side project, and it gave him great satisfaction working with his hands, building something out of nothing.

Rover stirred by the door, and Brookes looked in his direction. Dust formed in the distance, and he saw a tinge of yellow between the grapevines, followed by the sound of tyres on gravel.

Georgia’s yellow Mustang came into view. It reminded him of the Looney Tunes Tweety Bird. The vibrant canary yellow could not be missed anywhere. It was probably the loudest car in town in terms of colour and power.

His stomach did a flip. If Georgia was back, that meant Harper was probably with her. He shut his eyes, trying to compose himself. He knew the moment was inevitable. It was bound to happen sooner or later, and it was going to be impossible to avoid.

He didn’t follow Rover out to the driveway; instead, he remained working with the wood, keeping his hands busy and forcing his mind to stay focused on the task instead of all the things he wanted to say to Harper.

‘You can breathe easy, Brookes.’ Georgia said and put her hand on his shoulder. ‘Harper stayed in town.’

‘Not enough shops in the big city for her?’