Page 9 of A Vineyard for Two

‘Something like that.’ Harper checked the time. ‘Oh shoot, I have to go. Georgia is preparing a family dinner. I should help her out.’

‘All the family?’

‘Yes. You and Zoe must still catch up?’

When they were kids, it was Zoe that Lisa hung out with. Harper occasionally tagged along, but she never felt close to Lisa, quite the opposite. She sensed an unease, especially when Brookes had been around.

‘It’s been a while. It would be good to see her too.’

‘Why don’t you pop by? Georgia always cooks enough to feed an army and I’m sure the family would love to see you. Dessert is always delicious. Come by for that.’

Lisa grinned. ‘Perfect. I’d love that.’

After the catch up with Lisa, Harper wandered along the main strip of shops, occasionally popping into one for a browse, before she purchased a bunch of multicoloured gerberas for Georgia and called a taxi. She felt bad for staying in town so long, but she needed some breathing space and to get her bearings for tonight. Sure, she’d seen Leo, but there were the rest of her siblings, too. And she wasn’t sure of the sort of reception she’d get. So once again, as the car was pulling up towards the house, she had the uncomfortable butterflies floating in her stomach.

When the taxi pulled into the drive and stopped at the house, her gaze quickly shifted around for any unfamiliar cars. There were none. Her car stood where she’d left it yesterday, and Georgia’s Mustang was parked in the garage.

Harper paid the driver and got out. She still had an hour before dinner. Enough time to get ready and help. If all went well, she’d be driving home tomorrow at dawn, and that gave her some comfort.

‘Georgia, that smells delicious.’ Harper walked into the kitchen where Georgia was standing at the bench in her floral apron putting together an apple pie.

She hugged her aunt, kissed her on the cheek, and gave her the flowers.

‘They’re beautiful, love. There’s a long vase in the living room.’

Harper found the vase and filled it up with water before putting the blooms in it. ‘What can I do to help?’

‘Go get freshened up. Leo had to pop out to get something. The rest will be here shortly.’

Fifteen minutes later, when Harper was showered and dressed in fresh clothes, her only other spare set, she thought she heard voices coming from the kitchen.

Her stomach did a flip.

She wasn’t sure how long she stood there waiting, but she realised she was being ridiculous. It was just dinner. One dinner; one evening. Then she was out of there.

When Harper entered the dining area, Brookes was setting the table. Plates, forks, knives, and spoons, all in their correct formations just like Georgia liked them.

‘Hello Brookes,’ Harper said.

He looked up because he must not have heard her come in. ‘Harper.’ He gave a nod, then returned to putting down the knives and forks on each side of the plate.

What had she expected? That he would come running to her, embrace her, and forget the fact that she had left? Of course not. Okay, maybe a part of her thought that he’d moved on far enough not to care.

‘How have you been?’

‘Can’t complain.’

She heard a bark from outside. Harper looked behind her. A German Shepherd sat on the porch, his tongue hanging out, as he stared at her. She went to the dog and patted him on the back, then scratched his ears.

‘Is he yours?’

‘Yep.’

‘What’s his name?’

‘Rover.’

‘Hey Rover,’ she scratched him some more. ‘Aren’t you gorgeous?’